Fig 1.1: Participants and nature guides before the start of the event at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Mangroves are a unique habitat for a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. As such, many of these mangrove species are not found anywhere else because of their adaptations to the mangroves. Hence, it is not often that we get to appreciate the mangrove biodiversity. Additionally, this unique ecosystem covers only about 0.5% of Singapore’s land area today, an impact due to Singapore’s rampant urbanisation and deforestation. The largest stretch remaining is found in Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (SBWR) and SBWR received its status as Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park in 2003 and has been recognized as a site of international importance for migratory birds.
Fig 1.2: A participant having a closer look at the kingfisher perched on a pole along with the myriad of shorebirds at the wetland
This nature walk, which was held on 28 December 2022 by Earthlink’s Nature Guiding team, provides an avenue and opportunity for participants to get up close and personal with the beauty of the mangrove forests. The walk also serves to cultivate an appreciation of nature and conservation among all participants. Furthermore, as the annual bird migratory season, stretching from September to December is underway, participants may observe bird species that cannot be found within Singapore at any other time of the year. The top 3 moments experienced from the event were the observation of a collared Kingfisher, witnessing rare species through the vast biodiversity and how highly impressed were the participants towards the nature guides in their expertise in the field. Hence, the objectives were met in providing an outfield type of education, while aiming to raise awareness on local biodiversity issues and the importance of nature and environmental conservation, as well as to allow participants to understand the important role a nature reserve plays in preserving and conserving Singapore’s wildlife.
Through this event, Earthlink’s Nature Guiding Committee also hopes to expand the scope and reach of its presence. The world of nature is never fully explored and understood without the practical experience in the field. Thus, we hope to continue to inspire students and the masses to act in the conservation and appreciation of nature.