NParks and Singapore Polytechnic Signs Memorandum of Understanding - Engaging more youths and the community in nature conservation'06 Jun 2008 
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6 June 2008 - The National Parks Board (NParks) and Singapore Polytechnic (SP) have pledged to work in closer collaboration to engage youths and the community in mangrove conservation programmes at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and Pulau Ubin.
The two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today, to kickstart the partnership in commemoration of World Environment Day, which falls on 5 June 08. These two nature areas have numerous collaborations with schools but this is the first formal MOU with an educational institution.
Under this 3-year MOU, both parties will work together to facilitate mangrove conservation, coastal cleanup, community involvement and outreach programmes at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and Pulau Ubin. About one activity will be held and organised every month at either of these two nature areas by students and staff of SP.
More importantly, NParks will be able to partner SP to enhance the mangrove habitat and to reach out to the community to raise awareness of mangrove conservation. Under the guidance and training by NParks, about 500 to 600 students will take on a more proactive role in conserving their environment and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps, by leading community involvement and outreach programmes for secondary schools at the two nature areas on a yearly basis.
Mr Ng Lang, Chief Executive Officer, NParks, said: "Despite its limited land area, Singapore has been able to conserve a good variety of biodiversity in Singapore. This is possible because we recognise the importance of balancing biodiversity conservation in nature areas such as Sungei Buloh and Pulau Ubin, together with economic growth. This MOU is part of our efforts to increase awareness and appreciation of biodiversity conservation among the community and I look forward to working with SP on this initiative."
Adds Mr Tan Hang Cheong, Principal, Singapore Polytechnic, "Today's MOU with NParks creates another opportunity that exposes Singapore Polytechnic's students to nature and to the balance in the eco-system while spurring them on to be responsible in their attitude and behaviour towards the environment. Conservation projects such as today's programme form an integral part of our holistic education which we provide all students. Along the way, where it is feasible, our students put their technical knowledge to good use in designing, developing and producing devices, sensors or equipment that might be useful in monitoring, controlling and protecting the natural environment."
To commemorate the occasion and to kickstart the collaboration between NParks and SP, over 70 students and staff of SP, together with NParks staff and volunteers, participated in a coastal cleanup activity at Sungei Buloh Wetland after the signing ceremony. |
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