The National Parks Board (NParks) is starting a network for Singaporeans who are keen on nature conservation.
It’ll be similar to the successful Community in Bloom programme, which has nurtured some 400 gardening groups islandwide.
Minister of State for National Development Tan Chuan-Jin announced the initiative at a symposium on biodiversity where he gave out awards to those who have made significant contributions to conservation efforts in Singapore.
Called Community in Nature (CIN), individuals, community groups and organisations can sign up to take part in nature awareness activities like photography and birdwatching.
Those who are keen to deepen their appreciation of nature will then be exposed to more hands-on activities, like plant salvaging and reforestation.
NParks said the aim is to engage the community and reconnect them with their natural environment.
It said the launch of CIN is in line with its City in a Garden framework, to engage and inspire communities by creating a network of individuals and groups to conserve Singapore’s natural heritage.
“It is an opportunity to reconnect with nature and bringing a wide range of activities, such as photography and bird watching, and so on and so forth. And I think it will certainly enrich the lives of our Singaporeans, especially the young Singaporeans who are just spending time at gaming parlours and playing with their X-Box. Get them out of the house, go and walk, and get them a lot healthier and ready for national service,” said Brig-Gen Tan.
NParks is in the process of a year-long public engagement exercise launched on August 22 to seek ideas on transforming Singapore into a City in a Garden.
