Category: News Page 7 of 14

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In commemoration of Earth Day 2021, on 25th of April, Cicada Tree Eco-Place brought participants on a guided walk along the Rail Corridor. It was a first time for some of our participants to witness a significant remnant of Singapore’s history while others were curious what biodiversity could be uncovered there.

We were thankful for lovely weather after days of rain before. Traversing the stretch between Hindhede bridge and Hillview bridge, we were accompanied by the flutey calls of the critically endangered Straw-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus zeylanicus) and fruit trees such as the pea eggplant and starfruit. As the sun came out, so did the butterflies and dragonflies. It was joy seeing the Common Bluebottle butterfly (Graphium sarpedon) licking salts off the ground to supplement its diet. We also got to witness numerous male Common Parasol dragonflies (Neurothemis fluctuans) fighting for territory along a stream.

Along the way we made a short detour to witness the scenic view of the Singapore Quarry. There, we were welcomed by the presence of the Banded Woodpecker (Chrysophlegma miniaceum), an uncommon resident bird, as well as the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus paradiseus), a smart bird known for mimicking other bird calls.

It was an enjoyable walk that brought Singapore’s biodiversity and history closer to us. We encourage you to start exploring the nature spaces around you too!

What is World Water Day?

22nd March is World Water Day.

World Water Day was designated in 1993 by the United Nations. It is an international event which celebrates water and raises awareness about over 2.2 billion people who live without access to clean water.

The theme for 2021 was “Valuing Water”. It aimed to start a conversation about what water means to people worldwide. Amid the pandemic, people were invited to go online to tell stories and share their thoughts and feelings about water.

A poignant video from PUB shows some of the shocking effects of climate change. In the era of the Anthropocene, it is our actions alone that will deteremine whether humanity will sustain alongside this wellspring of life, or drown in it.

https://www.facebook.com/PUBsg/videos/477786503252120/

How is World Water Day commemorated here?

In Singapore, the Public Utilities Board (PUB) has been championing the message that every drop counts with the #GoBlue4SG campaign.

Since the independence and founding of our nation in 1965, water has been an existential resource. Although our country has made great strides since, climate change threatens our water security.

Now more than ever, we must make every drop count.

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Here are some water saving tip from PUB:

• WASH clothes on full load
• ALWAYS use half-flush when possible
• TURN off shower when soaping
• ENSURE tap is off when brushing teeth
• RINSE vegetables in container

Watch this video to learn about saving water:

by Dr Ngo Kang Min

Tropical forests are known for their extreme diversity of living things, both above and below ground.

In Singapore, researchers have found more than 350 species of trees within a 2 hectare area of primary forest. In comparison, a 16 hectare forest on the eastern coast of the US has 76 tree species.

Even within such a small and highly-urbanised country like Singapore, there is still a lot of biodiversity remaining, and more to be discovered.

Secondary forests are forests that developed over land that was previously cleared of forests.

Although secondary forests usually have lower diversity than primary forests, they have great importance in providing ecosystem services and serving as buffers and refuge for the remaining primary forests.

They provide habitat for numerous plants and animals, filter polluted air, clean out rain water, reduce floods, and contribute to our well-being (forest bathing, walking / running through a forest).