Straits Times 23 Jun 12;
The National Parks Board (NParks) and Panasonic Asia Pacific are working together on a mangrove biodiversity monitoring study in Pasir Ris Park's mangrove forest.
The initiative, which started in March, includes 16 biodiversity monitoring sessions to be conducted over a two-year period. This is also the first time such an effort is undertaken in Singapore.
Covering an area of 6ha, the mangrove forest at Pasir Ris Park is one of the few mangrove sites left in Singapore. Results of the study will provide NParks with valuable information to aid the long-term conservation and management of Singapore's mangrove forests. NParks said in a statement on Saturday.
The partnership between NParks and Panasonic is in line with the City in a Garden vision to involve the community in the conservation of Singapore's natural heritage.
Through this project, volunteers can cultivate a better appreciation of the biodiversity in Pasir Ris Parks' mangrove forest. Children from as young as 10 can help monitor and collect information about mangrove trees, snails and mudskippers.
Mangrove study to aid conservation
Leslie Kay Lim Straits Times 24 Jun 12;
Volunteers in mud-proof boots and gloves are to descend on Pasir Ris Park mangrove forest as part of a new wildlife survey.
Around 60 people - mostly employees at Panasonic and their families - will visit the area roughly every 45 days in the two-year study. They will gather data on mangrove trees and creatures such as snails and mudskippers. The data can then be used in conservation work.
The project is a joint effort between Panasonic and the National Parks Board (NParks). Both organisations have collaborated on nature tours and tree-plantings in the past, but decided mid-last year to deepen their partnership.
'We want to make Singapore a city in a garden... but we can't do it alone,' said NParks general manager Chia Seng Jiang. He said the manpower provided by Panasonic would help the board manage the mangroves, and the data collected would build on a 2006 survey by the National Biodiversity Centre.
Led by NParks representatives, the volunteers will examine the plants and creatures, looking at factors such as abundance and general health. Snails and mudskippers were selected as they are indicator species which reflect the mangrove forest's overall condition.
The survey is part of a broader conservation programme at Panasonic which includes a $15,000 donation to NParks' Garden City Fund, said its general manager, Mr Low Beng Huat.
The outings to the mangrove forest are important because they create a greater awareness of the environment, added Mr Low. 'It's an opportunity not only to appreciate nature but also let the younger generation understand the importance of nature in Singapore.'
Siblings Lye Jia Qi, 14, and Lye Jia Hao, 11, said digging for snails was an unusual experience.
'We're from the city so it's important to encourage them to venture out,' added their father, Mr Lye Puay Foon, 44, whose wife works at Panasonic.
NParks, Panasonic to study Pasir Ris Park's mangrove forest
Sharon See Channel NewsAsia 23 Jun 12;
SINGAPORE: The National Parks Board (NParks) and electronics firm Panasonic Asia Pacific are working together to monitor Pasir Ris Park's mangrove forest.
It's the park's first such mangrove biodiversity monitoring study.
Covering an area of six hectares, the mangrove forest at Pasir Ris Park is one of the few mangrove sites left in Singapore.
It's a popular attraction that draws nature lovers and families alike.
The study, which started in March, will be conducted over two years.
Volunteers include Panasonic's employees and children, some as young as 10 years old.
They will help NParks researchers collect data of mangrove trees, snails and mudskippers in the forest.
Results of the study will provide NParks with information on the long-term conservation and management of Singapore's wetlands.
- CNA/ck
NParks and Panasonic embark on first mangrove biodiversity monitoring initiative at Pasir Ris Park
NParks Media Release 23 Jun 12;
Singapore, 23 June 2012 - The National Parks Board (NParks) and Panasonic Asia Pacific (Panasonic) are working together on a first mangrove biodiversity monitoring study in Pasir Ris Park's mangrove forest. As part of this study, which commenced in March 2012, 16 biodiversity monitoring sessions will be conducted over a two-year period. Apart from contributing $15,000 in cash and in kind to NParks' Garden City Fund for the study, Panasonic aims to provide 60 volunteers per monitoring session. Results of the study will provide NParks with valuable information to aid the long-term conservation and management of Singapore's mangrove forests. This partnership is in line with the City in a Garden vision, which is about involving the community to conserve our natural heritage.
Covering an area of six hectares, the mangrove forest at Pasir Ris Park is one of the few mangrove sites left in Singapore. It is also a popular park attraction - scores of nature lovers and families visit the mangrove forest every month to experience and learn about its rich biodiversity.
Through this project, volunteers can cultivate a better appreciation of the biodiversity in Pasir Ris Parks' mangrove forest. This project also reaffirms Panasonic's commitment to creating greater awareness and furthering environmental causes as its employees and children assist NParks' researchers in the monitoring sessions. Children from as young as 10 years old will help monitor and collect data of the mangrove trees, snails and mudskippers.
Mr Low Beng Huat, General Manager of Environment & External Affairs Group, said, "Panasonic is involved in comprehensive environmental preservation through various biodiversity conservation projects globally. This monitoring initiative at Pasir Ris mangrove forest is part of the broader Panasonic Conservation Programme. We recognise that mangroves are important to our ecosystem and are excited to collaborate with NParks to ensure their conservation. Also, it serves as a good opportunity for our employees and their children to better appreciate nature and preserve the environment."
"We are delighted to be collaborating with Panasonic to actively protect our ecosystem. It is important for us to continue in our efforts to conserve and enhance the rich diversity of our mangroves through monitoring initiatives and surveys. Active management of our mangroves will help enhance the health of the forest and the educational experience for all park visitors," said Mr Chia Seng Jiang, General Manager, Parks.
