National Parks Board

Every year on 20 March, World Frog Day celebrates and raises awareness of frog species worldwide. Frogs play a key role in the ecosystem, primarily in controlling the insect population and serving as a food source for many larger animals such as birds, fish and snakes. However, did you know that apart from their role in nature, frogs also serve a massive role in scientific progression? In environmental science, frogs and toads are often known as bioindicators – organisms that can reveal the qualitative status of an environment, due to their permeable skin and typically biphasic life cycles (aquatic and terrestrial). Toxic pollutants can easily enter through their permeable skin, resulting in them being more sensitive to environmental changes and an ideal bioindicator on the health of the environment. However, since the 1980s, declines in frog populations have been occurring worldwide. According to the IUCN Red List, more than 20% of frog species are considered to be endangered. There are over 7,000 frog species all over the world and in Singapore, we have about 30 species. Find out more about six native frog species here on our island: https://lnkd.in/gv8gbbZ2 Photo credits: Daniel Ng

In Singapore, nature areas serve an essential role in protecting and maintaining its healthy and thriving ecosystem. These places are identified as places with rich biodiversity representative of key indigenous systems. Singapore has 4 nature reserves (Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Central Catchment Nature Reserve, Labrador Nature Reserve and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve) that help to safeguard our ecosystems and are also primary providers of ecosystem services. They help to clean the air and water, and are home to native flora and fauna, some of which are rare and endangered species. Our nature parks and nature reserves give members of public an opportunity to get closer to Singapore’s diverse ecology. While visiting these areas, it is important to be mindful of our actions so that we do not endanger the safety of the flora and fauna, and to ensure an enjoyable experience for all. To learn more about what you should take note of, check out our helpful infographic below, or visit https://lnkd.in/gJNEA9CU

[Gardening-related activities island-wide for all!] Launched in 2005, the Community in Bloom (CIB) programme has fostered a gardening culture among Singaporeans through encouraging and facilitating gardening efforts by the community. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the CIB programme this year, we are pleased to share that we have launched a new “Grow and Share” initiative to kick off the celebrations! The “Grow and Share” initiative aims to encourage community gardeners to share the joy of gardening with the wider community, through a range of free gardening activities, such as garden tours, therapeutic horticulture, eco-friendly workshops, and a green bazaar. To find out more and sign up for these “Grow and Share” activities island-wide, visit: https://lnkd.in/gkaqbkSy. More activities will be added in the coming months. In addition, local gardeners can now sign up for the popular Horticultural Competition and Community Garden Edibles Competition. Launched in 2019, the Horticultural Competition is a showcase of the horticultural mastery of gardening enthusiasts across four competing categories – air plants, aroids, begonias and succulents. More on the Horticultural Competition: https://lnkd.in/gF_7bpB7 Launched in 2015, the Community Garden Edibles Competition, which recognises the abilities of local gardeners to grow quality harvests, will also make its return this year – featuring 10 categories, including two new edible categories – Herbs and Leafy Vegetables. Find out more at https://go.gov.sg/CGEC2025 We will also be holding the first Horticulture Festival (HortFest) at HortPark from 23 to 31 August 2025! HortFest will feature a week-long lineup of impressive horticultural showcases, gardening tours and workshops, a marketplace and more. The top entries from the Horticultural Competition and Community Garden Edibles Competition will be among the displays as well. Stay tuned for more details on HortFest: https://lnkd.in/gsU_StnU #NParks #NParksBuzz #CityinNature #CityinNatureSG #CommunityInBloom #CIB20 #GrowAndShare #HortFest

Since the launch of the Therapeutic Garden at HortPark in 2016, NParks has been at the forefront of the therapeutic horticulture movement in Singapore. As part of the 2015 Active Plan for Successful Ageing report, in response to the rapidly ageing population; NParks developed several initiatives to promote the use of therapeutic horticulture in medical and educational settings. Today, there are 17 therapeutic gardens across our City in Nature. There have been numerous studies on the positive effects of therapeutic horticulture on patients, visitors and even healthcare staff. For example, a systemic review in 2019 showed that dementia patients enjoyed benefits such as alleviated agitation and reduced time spent idling. Several local scientific papers have also been published about the benefits of such programmes for seniors in the tropics. A recent systematic review published in 2024 found that the intervention could provide psychosocial and physical benefits, such as slight improvements in self-efficacy, self-esteem, aerobic endurance, and agility, to older adults without dementia as well. A typical session consists of simple warm-up exercises and a guided walk through the therapeutic garden to engage with the flora and fauna. This is followed by either a horticultural-based activity (e.g. plant pruning, watering or weeding) or a nature-art activity (e.g. creating a leaf collage). These activities were designed to promote low-intensity exercise, improve motor skills and promote mindfulness, and allow positive interactions in nature. Today, therapeutic horticulture has a growing presence in several senior care institutions, healthcare settings and schools. To learn more, check out ‘Therapeutic Horticulture Applications by the Industry in Singapore’ in the 21st issue of City Green magazine here: https://lnkd.in/gjPPjEG2

[Maritime Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference]   We are pleased to support the Maritime Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference 2025 that was held in Singapore last week! Organised by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), the theme was ‘Innovative Technologies to Tackle the Illegal Trade of Marine Species’. The conference provided a platform for representatives from ASEAN member states, the UK, and other partners to convene and share knowledge.   Following the opening address by NParks’ CEO Ms Hwang Yu-Ning, the speakers and attendees discussed various issues faced in tackling illegal wildlife trade – from species identification to the significance of existing and emerging tools and technologies, the role of strict legislation, as well as regional collaboration and cooperation.     For example, we shared about Fin Finder, a mobile application co-created by NParks, Microsoft and Conservation International. Fin Finder uses artificial intelligence to visually identify illegally traded shark and ray species. This allows law enforcement officers to identify fins of sharks and rays within seconds and quickly flag suspicious fin shipments for further DNA testing.   We also hosted the attendees for site visits! At NParks' Centre for Wildlife Forensics and Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation, the attendees learnt about Singapore's approach to combatting illegal wildlife trade through wildlife forensic techniques and wildlife rehabilitation. At Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, we shared about the conservation of mangrove habitats and its impact on marine species in the area.   With the increasing transboundary nature of wildlife crime, we look forward to strengthening our global partnerships and enhancing our collective efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade and protect the biodiversity around us.   #NParksBuzz #CityinNature #CityInNatureSG

The Committee of Supply debate for the Ministry of National Development Singapore (MND) took place earlier this week. At #COS2025, Mr Kiat How Tan, Senior Minister of State for National Development shared updates on NParks’ efforts to conserve and extend Singapore’s natural capital, as well as the ongoing review of the Animal and Birds Act. We have achieved our target of developing 130 ha of new parks by 2026, a year ahead of schedule. We have also established 391 km of park connectors as of end-2024, enhancing accessibility for people to explore our green spaces. Looking ahead, Singaporeans can look forward to the completion of more than 25 parks, which total over 170 ha, and over 50 km of park connectors within the next five years.   More therapeutic landscapes and pro-health features will be incorporated into our parks where feasible. For instance, parkgoers can enjoy new therapeutic gardens at upcoming parks such as Teachers’ Estate Park. These will add to the 17 existing therapeutic gardens within our parks, as part of our efforts to establish 30 therapeutic gardens across Singapore by 2030.   The Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), a cluster of NParks, is also reviewing the Animal and Birds Act to strengthen safeguards on public and animal health and safety. The current review of the Act encompasses two areas of review.   Under the first area of review, AVS is reviewing the regulatory framework for animal disease prevention and control, including measures to ensure the quality of veterinary health products, and has sought views from stakeholders since 2022.   For the second area of review, AVS will be engaging stakeholders later this year on the regulatory levers for animal welfare and management, which include penalties such as fines, imprisonment terms and the disqualification order regime. AVS is also reviewing its enforcement powers to better manage cases animal welfare issues, as well as the licensing regime for higher-risk pet-related activities and the use of animal training devices. Read more about the initiatives shared at COS 2025 here: https://lnkd.in/grhzxsdp #NParks #CityinNature #CityinNatureSG

[World Wildlife Day Regional Youth Symposium 2025]   Over the past two weekends, close to 700 youths from 24 countries — including all 10 ASEAN member states — gathered at the fourth edition of the World Wildlife Day Regional Youth Symposium, organised by youths from NParks’ Youth Stewards for Nature (YSN) programme!   As part of this year’s World Wildlife Day theme, “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet,” the symposium comprised of a series of virtual capacity-building activities, speaker sessions, and panel discussions on topics such as effective communications, financing and investing in wildlife conservation projects, youth-led initiatives, and exploring grant and funding strategies.   At the virtual Youth Showcase segment, participants also connected on Gather Town — an immersive virtual platform that simulates real-time interactions — and engaged with organisations from across Southeast Asia as fellow youths shared insights on their wildlife conservation journeys.   Find out more about this year’s World Wildlife Day Regional Youth Symposium https://lnkd.in/g36hm_Sw.   #NParks #CityinNature #CityinNatureSG #NParksBuzz #YSN #WorldWildlifeDay #CITES #WWD2025

Happy World Wildlife Day! Commemorated every year on 3 March, we take this opportunity to celebrate the many wild fauna and flora, recognise the roles and contributions of wildlife to people and the professionals who work tirelessly to safeguard the health of animals, humans, and ecosystems. Hear from Kelvin, a veterinarian with NParks, who stands on the frontlines to protect Singapore from zoonotic diseases that affect wildlife, community animals, and people.

We are pleased to announce the reopening of the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden Waterplay at the Singapore Botanic Gardens! The newly expanded area now offers a space of approximately 500 square metres, more than three times its original size. It features educational elements with interactive installations that demonstrate the water cycle and highlight the role of plants in transpiration and rain formation. New attractions for an immersive nature experience include a giant splash bucket simulating heavy downpour, a misty rainbow arch, a splash zone with shallow pool and water jets, umbrella fountains creating rainfall effects, and interactive signage with lights and sounds. Strengthening our commitment to providing engaging, educational experiences that connect children with nature, we invite families to explore this revitalised space and experience nature through interactive play! The Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden is designed for children aged 14 and below. Children aged 12 and below must be accompanied by an adult. To promote a safe environment for children, adults are permitted entry only if accompanying a child. Admission: Free Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8am to 7pm (last admission at 6.30pm). Closed every Monday. For more information, please visit: https://go.gov.sg/jbcg #NParksBuzz #CityinNature #NParks #CityInNatureSG #SingaporeBotanicGardens

Exciting news! We've just launched our Youth Stewards for Nature (YSN) 2025, marking the programme's fifth year of empowering young minds to shape Singapore's City in Nature. 🌿   Last Saturday on 15 February 2025, we welcomed over 110 enthusiastic youth participants, including 14 returning alumni, to Fort Canning Centre for the YSN 2025 Opening Event. These bright minds will be working on 12 innovative projects, spanning diverse areas including horticulture, urban greenery, and biodiversity conservation, under the guidance of 33 dedicated project mentors from various NParks divisions.   At the opening event, NParks CEO, Ms Yu-Ning Hwang shared exciting programme improvements based on valuable feedback from alumni and past mentors. We partnered with Halogen (Singapore) for the first time to facilitate engaging team-building activities and project discussions, fostering connections across the entire cohort.   We are thrilled to see these young stewards embark on their 6-12 month journey, tackling real-world challenges for our City in Nature. Stay tuned for updates as they progress towards their project showcase at the YSN Closing Event later in September 2025!   More about YSN: https://lnkd.in/g3V5rTdA   #YouthStewardsforNature #YSN2025 #CityInNature #CityInNaturesG #NParks #NParksBuzz