Wetlands of Singapore

Source: ASEAN Regional Centre for Biodiversity Conservation

There are about 7 of such wetlands in Singapore, according to this source:

1. Pulau Tekong Mangroves
2. Serangoon Estuary
3. Nee (Yishun) Swamp Forest
4. Mandai Mangroves
5. Kranji Reservoir & Estuary
6. Sungei Buloh Ponds & Mangrove
7. Sungei Poyan Reservoir

 World Wetlands Day
 
According to the International Year of Biodiversity (IYB) 2010 blog, 2 Feb is World Wetlands Day 2011.   2011 is also UN International Year of Forests. 

Why are Wetlands important?

"Mangroves, peatswamp forests, freshwater swamp forests are biologically diverse and help in managing our freshwater, and providing us with many other ‘services’ across the globe including vital roles in carbon storage.  They are our allies in the face of climate change. Despite their utility, they are often under threat from development, from drainage and conversion."

Sengkang Floating Wetland was opened in November 2010.  According to a GovMonitor article,  "Sengkang Floating Wetland serves more than just aesthetics. While beautifying the landscape and creating new spaces for leisure activities, the wetland’s main function is to cleanse the water in the reservoir. Wetlands are also one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems, and support a thriving community of plant and animal life."

“The wetland is home to about 18 plant species that have been carefully chosen for both their cleansing and aesthetic properties. These plants absorb nutrients and pollutants through their roots. This helps to ensure that the water in this reservoir, an important source of our water supply, stays clean the natural way.”

The Sengkang Floating Wetland is a project under PUB’s Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) Programme. Into its fourth year, the ABC Waters Programme has been transforming Singapore’s comprehensive network of drains, canals and rivers into beautiful streams, rivers and lakes and integrates our water bodies with our parks and green spaces, creating new community spaces that are clean, pleasant and bustling with life and activity. 

The latest to open is the Lorong Halus Wetland opposite the newly launched Punggol Promenade Riverside Walk (refer to my earlier posts).

While searching for more information about wetlands, I stumbled on the following interesting and useful websites:

1. Wild Singapore Happenings 
2. Naked Hermit Crabs

Upcoming events found on these websites include:

• Chek Jawa boardwalk withe the Naked Hermit Crabs nature volunteers on Sat 12 Mar, 9.30am (need to email them at nakedhermitcrabs@gmail.com)
• Mangrove walk on Sun 13 Mar at 9.30 am or Wireless Trail at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Now to find willing companions to join me on these expeditions!