A new festival aims to educate Singaporeans on the country's diverse flora and fauna
Rachel Chan Straits Times 25 May 12;
A bird and butterfly race is on tomorrow at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, in which students will use two new iPhone apps to help them identify and record the species sighted.
The race will launch the Bird Guide and Butterfly Guide apps, created by the Nature Society (Singapore), and is also a highlight of the inaugural Festival of Biodiversity this weekend.
The two-day event, which aims to educate the public about Singapore's diverse wildlife, is on at the Botanic Gardens. Some 2,000 people are expected to participate in free activities, such as a nature and biodiversity conservation symposium; a garden-city-themed photography exhibition; and an exhibition showcasing Singapore's marine life.
The National Parks Board (NParks) is co-organising the festival with the Biodiversity Roundtable, a group comprising members of the natural history community including the Animal Concerns Research & Education Society (Acres)and Nature Society (Singapore) and government agencies.
The idea for such a festival came from the roundtable session, after participants realised there was a need to engage the public. It also wanted to raise awareness and the profiles of other organisations doing their part to conserve Singapore's natural heritage.
The annual festival is held in conjunction with the International Day of Biological Diversity, which falls on May 22. The date was designated by the United Nations in 2000 to promote biodiversity issues.
Talks, given by nature lovers, range in topic from dragonflies, to habitat loss and conservation, to the importance of examining dead animals.
Two books will also be launched at the festival: Our Fragile Rainforest by Dr Leong Tzi Ming and James Gan, and Caterpillars Of Singapore's Butterflies by Khew Sin Khoon and Horace Tan.
Walk on the wild side
Straits Times 25 May 12;
The Festival of Biodiversity's activities are free and take place at the Singapore Botanic Gardens tomorrow and on Sunday. Here are our picks.
Book it
FESTIVAL OF BIODIVERSITY
Where: Botany Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens
When: Tomorrow and Sunday
Admission: Free
Info: Go to www.nparks.gov.sg/festivalofbiodiversity or the blog at http://festivalofbiodiversitysingapore.wordpress.com/
THE RAINFOREST TOUR
What: Follow a volunteer guide through the rainforest trail at the Botanic Gardens. The one-hour tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
When: Tomorrow, 10 to 11am, 11am to noon; Sunday, 9 to 10am, 4 to 5pm.
Where: Meet the guide at the Visitor Centre 15 minutes before the tour starts.
BODIES OF EVIDENCE: A MORBID CELEBRATION OF BIODIVERSITY
What: Learn what dead animals can tell us about wildlife and the impact of human activities on the natural environment in urban Singapore. Presented by nature blogger Ivan Kwan.
When: Sunday, 2 to 2.45pm
Where: Function Room
DEVELOPMENT HISTORY OF THE PAST 200 YEARS AND ITS EFFECT ON HABITAT LOSS
What: A presentation, with aerial photos and satellite images, on how urban development has changed Singapore's natural environment starting from the late 1700s, when Teochew gambier planters from the Riau Islands arrived. Presented by Mr Tony O'Dempsey, chairman of the Vertebrate Study Group of the Nature Society.
When: Sunday, 2 to 2.45pm
Where: Function Room
SINGAPORE HORNBILL PROJECT - RETURN OF THE KING
What: A 40-minute documentary filmed by a team of dedicated researchers, citizen scientists and bird-lovers who spent more than six years studying the Oriental Pied Hornbill. This bird was thought to be extinct in Singapore as it had not been seen for more than 150 years. The 2010 film chronicles the efforts at helping the hornbill re-establish its home here after it was rediscovered in 1994.
When: Tomorrow, 11am; Sunday, 10am
Where: Function Room
SINGAPORE GOT WILDLIFE MEH?
What: A slideshow of short video clips and photos of native wildlife, taken by various nature enthusiasts. Catch interesting images, such as those of animals coupling in the reefs and those answering the call of nature while perched high up on the trees.
When: Tomorrow, 10am; Sunday, 3pm
Where: Function Room
STORYTELLING SESSION FOR KIDS
What: Librarian Chen Wanyingfrom the Bukit Merah Regional Library will be reading books such as The Giving Tree and The Lorax. For ages four and up.
When: Tomorrow, 11to 11.45am, 3 to 3.45pm
Where: Ridley Hall
MACRO WORLD OF SINGAPORE
What: An introduction to macro nature photography and basic techniques by accomplished nature photographer Lee Yan Leong who has shot for the United Nations Environemental Programme-World Conservation Monitoring Centre. He will share where shooters can go, the range of subjects available in Singapore, and the ethics of nature photography. Recommended for ages 15 and above.
When: Sunday, 1 to 1.45pm
Where: Function Hall
