In 1963, the planting of a tree at Farrer Circus signified the start of Singapore’s greening campaign.
Half a century of efforts later, Singapore now has over 300 parks and four nature reserves for both young and old to enjoy.
These efforts to preserve Singapore’s natural heritage were celebrated over the weekend at the Festival of Biodiversity held at VivoCity on 13 and 14 July 2013.
Organised by the National Parks Board and the Biodiversity Roundtable, the Festival of Biodiversity saw the involvement of about 35 partners including schools, nature groups and corporations.
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Visitors to the free event, now in its second year, were introduced to the variety of wildlife found in Singapore including birds, snakes and coastal marine life. Guides and experts were on hand to bring the exhibits to life. Art and craft workshops for children were also held throughout the two-day event.
Do Your Part: Plant a Stamp
At the Festival, SingPost announced a special biodegradable commemorative stamp with seeds embedded in them.
Designed with the theme ‘Our City in a Garden’, these stamps contain the seeds of the moss-rose plant, a small-sized creeper with brightly coloured flowers. They can be planted in a pot of soil and grow into the commonly-found creeper, also known as Portulaca Gradiflora.
These special stamp are available at $2.66 for a set of four from all post offices, the Singapore Philatelic Museum and online at http://shop.vpost.com.sg.
Remembering the Green Journey
Also launched at the Festival of Biodiversity was Living in a Garden: The Greening of Singapore, a new commemorative book. Sponsored by Dairy Farm Singapore, EnGro Corporation, Far East Organisation, Temasek Holdings, Tuas Power and Woh Hup Pte Ltd, the book recounts Singapore’s greening journey with over 250 historical and contemporary pictures.
It is available at $29.90 from major bookstores and, as a green alternative, downloadable in electronic form from www.booktique.com at $12.90.
The National Parks Board also announced a new initiative for schools, Greening Schools for Biodiversity, at the Festival.
The Festival of Biodiversity was held in conjunction with National Parks Board’s celebration of 50 Years of Greening Singapore.
Related Story: Initiative to Help Schools Increase Biodiversity.
