What can be done?

After noticing the importance and value of Mangrove forests in Pulau Ubin, more can be done to develop sustainable efforts for conservation. Below are a few suggestions which cater to different levels: the country, the organisation/institutions and the individual.

|Education|

So as to preserve our nation’s heritage and the livelihood of the remaining few residents who inhabit the island, knowledge and awareness of Ubin’s mangrove forest and biodiversity can be taught in schools. This can also be done in a interactive excursion which can produce fun experiences with friends, making the visit impressionable. Eventually, experiences and knowledge can spark interest, care and concern in children, of nature and this can carry on to strong identification with nature in adulthood.

Besides current guided tours by NParks, the Outward Bound School (OBS) on Pulau Ubin and other schools in Singapore can educate its campers on mangrove forests by taking kayaking trips to the mangroves to experience them first-hand. Possible cleaning up and replanting of mangrove trees can be done to prevent the forest area from shrinking. These educational approaches can be implemented and funded by the government and institutions in Singapore.

As individuals, we can play apart by being active in learning about mangroves and conservation and seek the help and support of schools to conserve the forest.

|Adopting Mangrove areas|

Just like HSBC’s adopting of Chek Jawa, companies, institutions or individuals can take responsibility for an area of the mangrove forest or a particular species. This may include raising funds for conservation works and committing to ensure the forest is sustained.

One example is the “Mangrove Restoration Project” which began in september 2009 in South Florida. Led by Jennifer Grimm, the School of Environment, Arts and Society Environmental Programs Manager in Florida International university, a group of 75 individuals planted 1,500 red mangrove seedlings throughout half an acre of land at Oleta River State Park.  The park is vitally important to South Florida for housing many species, especially the threatened American Crocodile, and protect low-lying South Florida against wind, waves and tides during a hurricane. The ‘Adopt a Mangrove Program’ also done by the group is a campaign to raise awareness about wetland restoration and conservation initiatives to restore degraded areas while reducing the impact of climate change.

Through the adoption of the Mangrove forests on Pulau Ubin, or fragments of it, we can ensure commitment to the conservation of Mangroves and a sustainable act.

|Identifying Flagship Species|

Flagship species identify animals that grab our attention and are more nice-looking and spectacular. They are used as icons for wildlife centred conservation programs by raising and stimulating acting for conservation. In the case of Mangroves in Ubin special species of plants and animals can be identified and placed in company of group logos to spread awareness. This is like how the World Wild life Fund for Nature (WWF) used the Giant Panda in their logo.

Below are some possible flagship species specific to the Mangroves in Pulau Ubin:

The Gymnanthera Oblonga, which is critically endangered, is one possible species which can be turned into an icon because of its unique star-shaped arrangement of petals.

RonYeo Gymnanthera Oblonga

The beautiful Blue Glassy Tiger (Ideopsis vulgaris macrina) which is vital for flower pollination can be the icon or mascot for a specific brand or company and also,…

RonYeo BlueGlassyTiger

the Teruntum Merah (Lumnitzera littorea), which are pretty little flower in red bunches. Its vibrant red is sure to catch the attention of people and can be iconised.

Teruntum Merah

These are just some suggestions of what can be done. Beside learning and educating people on mangroves, the most important step is to act on on knowledge because…

Knowledge-is-not-power