Greening of Eco-Link@BKE begins

Close partnership between government agencies and the community turns

Eco-Link@BKE from vision to reality

Singapore, 5 October 2013– To kick-start the greening of Eco-Link@BKE, representatives from government agencies and non-governmental organisations came together this morning to plant 50native treesat the site. First of its kind in Singapore, the Eco-Link@BKE is an ecological bridge that connects two nature reserves over an expressway. Greening of Eco-Link@BKE is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

From the start of the project, nature groups, non-governmental organisations, tertiary institutions, schools, volunteers and government agencies have worked closely with the National Parks Board (NParks) and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to conduct feasibility studies and ecological monitoring surveys. The baseline data collected will be used as a comparison against the findings of future surveys to evaluate the effectiveness of Eco-Link@BKE.

“The tree-planting this morning represents the contributions of various stakeholders in making Eco-Link@BKE a reality. This project has brought together Singapore’s wildlife experts, nature enthusiasts, and government agencies in an unprecedented effort to connect two nature reserves. As we commemorate 50 Years of Greening Singapore in 2013, the development of Eco-Link@BKE shows us how Singapore’s City in a Garden vision can be achieved – through working in close partnership with the community. We want to express our sincere appreciation and thanks to all who have contributed to the project; we also look forward to the continued support and involvement of NGOs and volunteers for future surveys,” said NParks Chief Executive Officer, Mr Poon Hong Yuen.

Wildlife will be able to move between the Bukit Timah and Central Catchment Nature Reserves by the end of the year. At the onset, NParks expects insects, butterflies and birds to cross the bridge. As more wildlife gets used to the Eco-Link@BKE, other animals like the pangolin, flying squirrel, palm civet and porcupine are expected to use the bridge as well.

Animal crossings will also benefit rare native plants. For example, the Singapore Walking Stick Palm (Rhapaloblastesingaporensis)is pollinated and dispersed by animals. With the Eco-Link@BKE, an exchange of the palm’s genetic materials can be expected between the two nature reserves. This will reduce the occurrence of inbreeding, and increase its chances of survival.

Public access to the Eco-Link@BKE will be restricted during the initial years to reduce human disturbance. NParks is working closely with nature groups to organise guided walks where feasible in the future.