National Parks Board

Singapore, despite being a small island, is home to a wide range of biodiversity. Our efforts to enhance natural spaces have brought people closer to nature and wildlife. Living amidst nature, it is inevitable for us to encounter them and hence it is important that we co-exist responsibly, for the safety of both humans and wildlife.   There may be instances where we come across certain wildlife, such as an injured baby bird and are unsure how to react. As tempting as it may be to approach it to help, trying to handle sick or injured animals on our own could do more harm than good.   Whether it’s a baby bird, bat, or any other wildlife, do observe by these  guidelines – keep a safe distance, do not feed them and give NParks’ Animal Response Centre a call at 1800-476-1600 (if an animal requires rescue).   Check out our Living with Nature in Our City in Nature guidebook here: https://lnkd.in/gA9DQ9sZ      #NParks #NParksBuzz #CityinNature #CityinNatureSG

With effect from 1 September 2024, all pet cats will need to be licensed and microchipped as part of the Cat Management Framework by the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), a cluster of NParks. This will help enhance traceability, as well as safeguard the health and welfare of all cats in Singapore.   To help pet owners ease into these changes, AVS has implemented a two-year transition period from 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2026 for licence applicants and existing licensees to fulfil the following requirements: Get your cat microchipped by a vet.   Complete the free online pet ownership course, which is mandatory for first-time cat and dog licence applicants, on https://lnkd.in/gkvha2DP.   Apply for the cat licence on Pet Animal Licensing System (PALS) using your cat’s microchip number, on https://lnkd.in/gRAc42MU.   Cat owners are allowed to keep all existing pet cats if they license their cats during the transition period, and ensure that their health and welfare are taken care of. This includes installing mesh and grilles on windows and gates, not allowing pet cats to roam freely, and using a harness or cat carrier when in public.   Remember, pet abandonment is an offence! For more information on the Cat Management Framework, visit https://lnkd.in/gjus7GjU.

Today marks World Rabies Day. Rabies is a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted from infected animals, such as dogs, to humans, and can be fatal. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, founded as OIE) reports an annual average of about 60,000 human deaths attributed to rabies worldwide. Singapore has been rabies-free since 1953 and it is important to remain vigilant to prevent the incursion of rabies. Every year, the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), a cluster of NParks, conducts Operation Vax Lyssa, a rabies vaccination exercise for dogs at coastal fish farms and Pulau Ubin. This involves vaccinating the dogs for rabies, microchipping, and licensing them.   AVS started the annual Ops Vax Lyssa earlier this week and efforts will continue over the following weeks. To date, this year, more than 40 dogs have been vaccinated and we are on track to complete the vaccination of approximately 80 dogs. This effort is no small undertaking, and we thank the team, including vets and volunteers, for their contributions.   On a broader level, AVS also works closely with partner agencies, such as the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), to share information that help detect animal smuggling cases. Due to the unknown health status of smuggled animals, they may carry bacterial or viral infections that pose a health risk to people if these infections are zoonotic. This not only compromises animal health and welfare, but also poses a threat to public health.   Rabies is one such example of zoonotic diseases. This fatal zoonotic disease is present in many parts of the world and endemic in our region. Recognising that rabies is a challenge for animal health authorities, there is a regional effort to control this disease, and we will continue to do our part to stop its spread.   The public has a role to play. Obtain your pets from reputable and legal sources, such as licensed pet shops and animal welfare groups, and license them for traceability. For more information on our rabies prevention and control efforts, visit https://lnkd.in/g2YeuiJH #NParks #NParksBuzz #AnimalHealth #PulauUbin

Seagrass meadows are globally recognised as an important blue carbon habitat and play crucial roles in the marine environment. While they cover only 0.2% of the world’s ocean floor and seabed, they have the potential to store carbon up to 40 times more effectively than terrestrial forests.   We are excited to announce the launch of the OCBC Seagrass Restoration Project in partnership with OCBC through the Garden City Fund, NParks’ registered charity and IPC. This pilot project is part of efforts to enhance Singapore’s climate and ecological resilience and is in line with our vision to transform our island-state into a City in Nature.   Under this three-year project, our researchers, together with National University of Singapore (NUS), will study the reproductive characteristics of seagrass, conduct a pilot seagrass restoration project, as well as develop and test innovative methods to improve the success of seagrass transplants. Prior to this launch, NParks has been working with Seagrass-Watch, the largest scientific seagrass assessment and monitoring programme in the world, since 2007. Together, we have involved volunteers from all walks of life in seagrass monitoring efforts and data collection under the TeamSeaGrass project. NParks also funded a research project which ran from 2015 to 2018 and assessed the current status of seagrass meadows in Singapore. Find out more about seagrasses and our intertidal zones at https://lnkd.in/gEJJbKdV #NParks #NParksBuzz #CityinNature #CityinNatureSG #OCBCSeagrassRestorationProject

Earlier this month, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve had the honour of opening the ASEAN Flyway Network (AFN) Regional Training Workshop on Wetland and Migratory Waterbird Management. The AFN Regional Training Workshop, held from 2 - 6 September 2024, was organised by Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity. Building on the momentum of a successful virtual session conducted from 19 - 23 August 2024, this intensive week-long in-person workshop aimed at enhancing the skills of national focal points, site managers, and other stakeholders in managing wetlands and migratory waterbirds within the AFN. NParks CEO Yu-Ning Hwang along with senior management, graced the opening ceremony, underscoring NParks' commitment to the ASEAN Flyway Network and our pivotal role in international conservation of migratory waterbirds. The workshop featured a mix of indoor and field sessions where resource persons were able to impart their knowledge on wetland management, bird identification and data collection and management. It also served as a platform for participants to exchange insights and foster networks by discussing the management practices of their respective sites. During the workshop, participants from Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Brunei, Philippines, Myanmar had the opportunity to propose plans for their own national training courses. This sparked a constructive dialogue between resource persons and other participants, which allowed for a collective review and enhancement of the proposed strategies. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone for making the workshop a great success. More importantly, we are encouraged by the collaborative spirit demonstrated by the participants, as they not only shared valuable knowledge on wetlands and waterbird management but also laid down actionable strategies for disseminating these practices within their countries, strengthening our collective resolve and camaraderie.

A new Southeast Asia Plant Phenology (SEAPP) Network was announced at the 8th Global Botanic Gardens Congress (8GBGC) which was jointly organised by the Singapore Botanic Gardens and Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) last month. The SEAPP Network, initiated by the Singapore Botanic Gardens, is coordinated in collaboration with the Southeast Asia Botanic Gardens (SEABG) Network of the BGCI. It aims to bring botanic gardens and arboreta in Southeast Asia together for the coordinated monitoring and collection of long-term phenology data of selected tree species to help researchers in the region better understand tropical plant phenology. The Singapore Botanic Gardens initiated the formation of the SEAPP Network after an in-depth study on tropical leafing behaviour spanning 90 years, which showed the importance of long-term monitoring of plants in botanic gardens in studying the effects of climate change. 10 botanic gardens from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, China, and Singapore that have ongoing phenology monitoring programmes or are interested in starting these programmes have expressed interest in joining the network. The Singapore Botanic Gardens has also invited more gardens in tropical Asia to join. Botanic gardens and arboreta which are part of the SEAPP Network will conduct phenology monitoring with the use of a standardised methodology. This will allow the data to be combined and analysed to reveal deeper insights on the phenology of plants in the region. At the 8GBGC, botanic gardens under the new network came together at a workshop to better understand the existing phenology activities of each garden and discuss a standardised protocol for long-term monitoring activities and data collection. The workshop was convened by Ho Boon Chuan, Edmund J.J. Chia, Chong Kwek Yan, and Jolene Lim from the Singapore Botanic Gardens. #NParks #NParksBuzz #SingaporeBotanicGardens #GlobalBotanicGardensCongress #GBGC #8GBGC

Earlier today, we opened the west section of Tampines Boulevard Park! Located in the Tampines North area, this 4.78-hectare west section of Tampines Boulevard Park is nestled between new and upcoming housing developments, complementing the existing green spaces in the vicinity like Sun Plaza Park, Tampines Eco Green, and the Tampines Park Connector. The new west section of Tampines Boulevard Park features an elevated garden with a stepping stone path, located within the nature playgarden. Additionally, there is a 60 m tri-colour children’s cycling track, a nature playgarden with a distinctive dragon head slide that was built incorporating natural materials such as Balau wood for its timber log steps, and an outdoor fitness area equipped with exercise equipment suitable for the young and old. Tampines Boulevard Park’s design integrates ideas and feedback from Tampines residents who were consulted through an online survey in 2020. NParks received over 600 responses, including requests for amenities such as a nature playgarden and a lawn for activities – both of which were incorporated into the park’s design. Find out more about Tampines Boulevard Park here: https://lnkd.in/gWxuegQC #NParks #NParksBuzz #CityinNature #CityinNatureSG

The newly opened 7,600 sqm Therapeutic Garden in West Coast Park – located in Area 2 near Carpark 2 – is designed to cater to a diverse range of users including seniors and children with special needs.   Featuring a Senior Zone and a Children’s Zone, the new therapeutic garden will bring more greenery and its associated health benefits to residents in the area. The Senior Zone emphasises accessibility with barrier-free access in most areas. It includes a Sensory Path, Hands-on Planting Zone, and a wheelchair-friendly exercise area for better senior mobility and interaction. The Children’s Zone has a Hands-on Planting Zone and outdoor classroom, Multi-sensory Zone, a Hyperactive Play Zone comprising the Nature Interactive Experiences Zone and Active Play Zone, and two Relaxation Zones. Therapeutic gardens are specially curated and planned for visitors to interact with nature, which improves their well-being. Several research studies have shown the therapeutic effects of greenery on people. NParks has also worked with institutions on research that offers insights into the benefits of nature exposure on the health and well-being of residents in Singapore. This includes a study that reflected better well-being outcomes in participants when exposed to a therapeutic garden, which were published in two papers in 2022.   We now have 15 therapeutic gardens in our parks and gardens across Singapore. We are also on track to having 30 therapeutic gardens in our City in Nature by 2030, bringing the health benefits of greenery to more residents. Find out more about therapeutic gardens: https://lnkd.in/ggfKFizk #NParks #NParksBuzz #CityInNature #CityInNatureSG

We’re thrilled to share that the rejuvenated Chinese and Japanese Gardens are now open, marking the completion of the development of Jurong Lake Gardens – Singapore’s first national gardens in the heartlands. Visitors can enjoy refreshed features and amenities with the rejuvenation of Chinese and Japanese Gardens complete. Familiar landmarks such as the Twin Pagoda and Bonsai Garden at Chinese Garden, have been retained following public feedback that they hold fond memories for many Singaporeans. New features like an edible garden with an outdoor kitchen and indoor plant factory, the Jurong Lake Gardens Gallery and curated gardens such as Sunken Garden are introduced. A wide range of stakeholders, including residents, students, volunteers and donors helped to shape the Gardens. Micron Technology donated S$1 million through the Garden City Fund, NParks’ registered charity and IPC, supporting the Gardens’ sustainability efforts through the implementation of a smart water management system in the Water Lily Garden and the larger Japanese Garden. Another key partner is Tote Board, which enabled the development of key features across the Gardens. Donations from Mr Jimmy Koh and Mr Han Jok Kwang also contributed towards the rejuvenation of Chinese and Japanese Gardens. We also worked with JTC Corporation to develop the design concept and partnered students from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Singapore Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, ITE College East, as well as volunteers from Friends of Jurong Lake Gardens to design and co-create five community plots at the Floral Garden located within Japanese Garden.   Guest-of-Honour Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Minister for National Development and Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration Desmond Lee joined us today to unveil a commemorative plaque and planted a Syzygium aqueum tree (commonly known as Jambu Ayer) to mark the completion of Jurong Lake Gardens. The Chinese and Japanese Gardens were designed with sustainable features such as mass-engineered timber buildings, vegetated detention ponds and carbon dioxide mineralised footpaths, continuing the Gardens’ focus on sustainability. The second phase of the development achieved the Building and Construction Authority’s Green Mark 2021 Platinum Super Low Energy certification for its best-in-class energy efficiency and use of intelligent energy management strategies. In conjunction with the opening, the largest edition of Lights by the Lake will be held with festivities spanning across Chinese and Japanese Gardens, as well as Lakeside Garden. Enjoy over 300 lantern displays – the most number of lanterns displayed to date – as well as light shows, cultural and music performances, carnival games and a food market. More info: https://lnkd.in/gfCj-xNU

Good news for Bidadari residents and the community, as Bidadari Park is officially open today! Located right in the heart of the Bidadari estate and set amidst a lush and hilly landscape, Bidadari Park features a variety of habitats including woodlands, open woods, grasslands, and marshlands. It serves as a sanctuary for resident and migratory birds and features a wide variety of recreational options for park visitors, including: 🌺🌳 Immersing in greenery and nature 👀 Learning more about Bidadari’s heritage 🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♂️ Engaging in exploration and play In planning and designing the park, the multi-agency team saw the opportunity to retain the wooded and rustic nature of Bidadari and create a unique park experience for visitors. Visitors may explore the Woodland Experiential Trail to get up close to a variety of majestic mature trees such as Tembusu (Cyrtophyllum fragrans) and Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina), and spot birds or hear their calls at dedicated birdwatching hides along the trail. A hillock at Bidadari, nestled between the Woodleigh Glen and Woodleigh Hillside Build-to-Order (BTO) developments, has also been purposefully retained to ensure it remains a conducive stopover site for migratory birds. The park also features a marshland comprising an ephemeral upper section that serves as a habitat for biodiversity such as amphibians, insects, and birds, and a permanent lower section that serves as a water source and habitat for aquatic fauna, such as the Variegated Green Skimmer dragonfly (Orthetrum sabina) and the native Slaty-breasted Rail (Gallirallus striatus). Plants such as Geli-Geli (Lasia spinosa) have also been planted to filter pollutants, helping to help improve the water quality. For families visiting the park, a new nature playgarden featuring a 5 m tall treehouse with slides, climbing nets and an observation pod serves as an exciting new play area for children. The result of a multi-agency collaboration by NParks together with Housing & Development Board, PUB, Singapore's National Water Agency and National Heritage Board, Bidadari Park provides a peaceful retreat for the community right at their doorstep. Earlier today, Minister for National Development and Minister-in-Charge of Social Services Integration Mr Desmond Lee, Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment and Transport, Dr Amy Khor, and Adviser to Potong Pasir SMC GROs, Mr Sitoh Yih Pin, joined residents in planting trees at Bidadari Park and helped put the finishing touches to the park’s landscaping. Find out more about Bidadari Park here: https://lnkd.in/geAdETvN #CityinNature #CityinNatureSG #NParks #NParksBuzz