NParks celebrates 25 Years of Community Stewardship in Nature Conservation

Community can learn more about wetlands and participate in nature conservation efforts

The international community is commemorating 25 years of action for biodiversity this year, as part of the International Day of Biological Diversity (IDB). In Singapore, we have adapted the theme “25 Years of Community Stewardship in Nature Conservation” to celebrate active citizenry in nature conservation and the partnerships forged with our volunteers, nature advocacy groups, schools, and citizen scientists, and to encourage the community to join us as stewards of our natural heritage. The National Parks Board (NParks) will be celebrating with a series of activities and programmes. Visitors of all ages can look forward to biodiversity surveys, guided walks and tours at our parks and nature areas. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve will also be kicking off a year-long series of events and activities to celebrate the Reserve’s 25^th anniversary.

Celebrating 25 Years of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

This year marks the 25^th anniversary of Sungei Buloh. The transformation of a nature park into one of the most recognised wetland reserves in the region was made possible due to the shared passion and support from a nationwide community of volunteers, corporations, schools and partners. Since its establishment, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve has been recognised as an ASEAN Heritage Park and is a founding partner of the East-Asian Australasian Flyway Partnership, which was launched in 2006. With the opening of the Reserve’s East Extension in 2014, new features and experiences within the Reserve have enabled visitors to continue enjoying the wetlands while strengthening the conservation of the core of the Reserve. The extension also allows greater connectivity for our wildlife. We have also restored the Kranji Marshes, one of the largest freshwater marshes in Singapore, and home to an array of unique biodiversity.

Our local and international partnerships have also grown over the years. At home, we have established the Friends of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve community. In the international sphere, we are part of the ASEAN Network for Wetlands and Migratory Waterbirds Conservation, and the Arctic Migratory Bird Initiative.

To enable us to reach these milestones, the conservation approaches undertaken by the Reserve have been guided by the advancement of scientific knowledge and technology. For example, we are among the first in the region to employ the latest tracking technology to follow the cross border movements of migratory shorebirds.

To commemorate its establishment in 1993 and to strengthen awareness about the value of conserving our wetlands, the Reserve will be organising a range of volunteer-run activities and programmes for the community. The public can sign up for these exciting educational and family programmes at http://www.nparks.gov.sg/sbwr/25anniversary. Activities include a specially curated walk to commemorate the Reserve’s 25^th anniversary.

International Day of Biological Diversity

The United Nations has designated 22 May as the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. This year’s local theme, “25 Years of Community Stewardship in Nature Conservation”, celebrates the involvement of our partners in nature conservation – volunteers, citizen scientists, Friends of the Parks, nature advocacy groups, academics, and many others. The theme also encourages the community to join us as stewards of our natural heritage and help conserve our rich biodiversity.

NParks will commemorate the International Day of Biological Diversity (IDB) with Biodiversity Week, to be celebrated across a fortnight – from 18 May to 3 June – with activities like Nationwide BioBlitz, Butterfly Watch, habitat enhancement and guided nature walks happening across our nature areas, parks and gardens. Biodiversity Week will culminate in the annual Festival of Biodiversity, which NParks organises in collaboration with the Biodiversity Roundtable, on 2 and 3 June at the open field between Tampines MRT station and Tampines Mall.