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NParks targets conservation of native pollinators and seed dispersers to enhance forest ecosystem resilience

02 Jun 2018

-Targeted approach to conserve birds, butterflies, bees and bats

-Increased active community stewardship supporting growth of biophilic city

-New initiatives for community to get involved in conservation efforts

 

At the launch of Festival of Biodiversity 2018 today, the National Parks Board (NParks) announced a new targeted conservation approach for native birds, butterflies, bees and bats which will be carried out over the next five years across Singapore, in collaboration with various partners. It will consist of several projects focusing on these species groups as agents of pollination and seed dispersal, and is key to ensuring the diversity and resilience of our ecosystems that are increasingly vulnerable to climate change. The community’s participation has helped in providing a baseline for some of the projects and to leverage on this support, NParks is looking into how the community can contribute to a greater extent in the efforts.

This year’s festival celebrates 25 years of community stewardship in nature conservation, which is in line with the theme for this year’s International Day of Biological Diversity, ‘25 years of action for biodiversity’. To further encourage the community to join NParks as stewards of our natural heritage, Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin, who was the guest-of-honour, also announced new initiatives for the community to get involved in conservation of our native biodiversity, including new guidelines derived from biophilic practices. Minister for Social and Family Development and Second Minister for National Development Desmond Lee attended the launch as well.

Conserving native pollinators and seed dispersers

Birds, butterflies, bees and bats are important agents of pollination and seed dispersal in our natural forests. By moving between different natural forests to forage, they help to promote genetic exchange amongst different specimens of the same plant species, leading to healthier individuals with each generation. They are key to plant regeneration and help to sustain the diversity of forest flora species. This in turn strengthens the ecological resilience of Singapore’s forest ecosystems to the impacts of climate change.

Guided by the key thrusts of Singapore’s Nature Conservation Masterplan, the projects will look into research, conservation and outreach for each species group. This includes tracking the movement of native fruit-eating birds, enhancement efforts across various parks to create habitats that are more conducive for butterflies and birds, and studies to update the conservation statuses of native bees and bats.

The community’s participation in conservation efforts has helped to guide some of these projects. For example, the data collected by citizen scientists provides insights into the distribution of species of birds and butterflies across Singapore. This information helps shape plans to improve connectivity and enhance the population of these species across the island. NParks is looking into how the projects can further leverage on the community’s involvement.

Growth of community stewardship in nature conservation

The community’s involvement in nature conservation efforts has expanded over the last 25 years as Singapore grows as a biophilic city. There has been increased active stewardship to conserve Singapore’s biodiversity by promoting active and responsible use of our green spaces and raising awareness about human-wildlife interactions.  

Various stakeholders have come together in the form of working groups to discuss and tackle issues related to several fauna species, and help shape conservation and management plans. For example, the Long-tailed Macaque Working Group has produced a brochure to share with residents around nature reserves and nature parks on understanding and adapting to the presence of macaques. The Friends of the Parks initiative has expanded to comprise nine communities, each made up of stakeholders who work together to enhance green spaces and encourage responsible use of the shared spaces. Over the last few months, the youths taking part in the Biodiversity Challenge have also been studying human-wildlife interactions in our urban environment.

New initiatives to further involve community

To further encourage the community to appreciate, learn about and conserve Singapore’s natural heritage, NParks is launching several new initiatives that complement NParks’ existing suite of programmes under its Community In Nature initiative.

NParks is working on a set of guidelines derived from biophilic practices for Singapore’s urban environment. With more opportunities to get closer to nature in the city, there is a need to adopt building and landscape designs and practices that are more sensitive to the behaviour of animals. For example, minimising bird collisions through bird-friendly building designs and modifications, and introducing designs and practices that make buildings less likely to attract wildlife. The guidelines will be useful across Singapore, particularly buildings near nature reserves, parks and other green spaces, and the community can adopt these guidelines for their homes and workplaces. NParks is developing the guidelines with industry partners and community stakeholders and they will be released in 2019.

In September 2018, an educational bee-themed trail will be launched at HortPark and will feature information about different bee habitats. Visitors will have the opportunity to spot around 20 different bee species found in urban gardens, and learn about the many beneficial roles that native bees play, such as the pollination of edible food plants. The public can explore the trail on their own or take part in guided walks. Signups for the guided walks will open on 1 September.

Today’s event also saw the launch of the third edition of the Singapore Garden Photographer of the Year (SGPY) competition, which features a new “Youth” category to encourage more youths to explore, capture and share the beauty of Singapore’s green spaces and biodiversity. Participants will have a platform to showcase their skills and be in the running to win cameras and prizes. There will also be more workshops to bring photography enthusiasts, whether beginners or professionals, together. This competition is supported through the Garden City Fund, NParks’ registered charity and IPC, and its partners Nikon and the Photographic Society of Singapore.

Festival of Biodiversity

The culmination of NParks’ Biodiversity Week, the Festival of Biodiversity is an annual celebration of the community’s efforts to conserve Singapore’s natural heritage. Into its seventh year, the Festival of Biodiversity will be held on 2 and 3 June at the open space next to Tampines MRT station. This year’s festival will feature biodiversity-themed Escape Rooms created by youths from the Youth Corps Singapore Leaders Programme, alongside other interactive booths, exhibitions, and arts and crafts workshops.

Information accurate as at 2 June 2018

Last updated on 06 April 2021

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