NParks and Panasonic Embark on First Mangrove Biodiversity Monitoring Initiative at Pasir Ris Park

Singapore, 23 June 2012 - The National Parks Board (NParks) and Panasonic Asia Pacific (Panasonic) are working together on a first mangrove biodiversity monitoring study in Pasir Ris Park's mangrove forest.  As part of this study, which commenced in March 2012, 16 biodiversity monitoring sessions will be conducted over a two-year period.  Apart from contributing $15,000 in cash and in kind to NParks' Garden City Fund for the study, Panasonic aims to provide 60 volunteers per monitoring session.  Results of the study will provide NParks with valuable information to aid the long-term conservation and management of Singapore's mangrove forests.  This partnership is in line with the City in a Garden vision, which is about involving the community to conserve our natural heritage.

Covering an area of six hectares, the mangrove forest at Pasir Ris Park is one of the few mangrove sites left in Singapore.  It is also a popular park attraction - scores of nature lovers and families visit the mangrove forest every month to experience and learn about its rich biodiversity.

Through this project, volunteers can cultivate a better appreciation of the biodiversity in Pasir Ris Parks' mangrove forest.  This project also reaffirms Panasonic's commitment to creating greater awareness and furthering environmental causes as its employees and children assist NParks' researchers in the monitoring sessions.  Children from as young as 10 years old will help monitor and collect data of the mangrove trees, snails and mudskippers.

Mr Low Beng Huat, General Manager of Environment & External Affairs Group, said, "Panasonic is involved in comprehensive environmental preservation through various biodiversity conservation projects globally.  This monitoring initiative at Pasir Ris mangrove forest is part of the broader Panasonic Conservation Programme.  We recognise that mangroves are important to our ecosystem and are excited to collaborate with NParks to ensure their conservation.  Also, it serves as a good opportunity for our employees and their children to better appreciate nature and preserve the environment."

"We are delighted to be collaborating with Panasonic to actively protect our ecosystem.  It is important for us to continue in our efforts to conserve and enhance the rich diversity of our mangroves through monitoring initiatives and surveys.  Active management of our mangroves will help enhance the health of the forest and the educational experience for all park visitors," said Mr Chia Seng Jiang, General Manager, Parks.