SINGAPORE - A new book showcasing Singapore's development into a City in a Garden, and a special set of biodegradable stamps affixed with seeds have been launched to commemorate 50 Years of Greening Singapore.
A new National Parks Board's (NParks) initiative, Greening Schools for Biodiversity, was also launched.
This initiative enables schools to assess and enrich the biodiversity in their school compounds.
The Festival of Biodiversity, organised jointly by NParks and the Biodiversity Roundtable, is an annual celebration of the community's efforts to conserve Singapore's natural heritage. It was held on Saturday morning at VivoCity
President Tony Tan said at the event: "Singapore has come far in balancing biodiversity conservation and urban development. The garden environment and green spaces contribute to an enjoyable and livable environment in which Singaporeans can live, work and play.
"These are the results of deliberate and sustained efforts that began 50 years ago. I am heartened to see that many Singaporeans are taking ownership of our City in a Garden vision, and helping to conserve Singapore's natural heritage for the benefit of future generations," he added.
Launch of Commemorative Book - Living in a Garden: The Greening of Singapore
The Commemorative Book, Living in a Garden: The Greening of Singapore, showcases Singapore's development into a City in a Garden and introduces many of the plants and animals that live here.
It features more than 250 photographs, as well as interviews with people who were part of Singapore's greening journey.
The Commemorative Book is available at $29.90 from major bookstores as well as the Gardens Shop and Library Shop at the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
An electronic version is also available for $12.90. From now till August 11, the public can enjoy a special launch promotion of 20 per cent discount on the book.
Launch of Biodegradable Commemorative Stamps with Seeds
For the first time, Singapore Post Limited has released a special set of four biodegradable Commemorative Stamps with seeds.
Titled Our City in a Garden, the beautifully illustrated stamps in denominations of 50 cents, 80 cents and $1.10, portray Singapore's vibrant urban landscape nestled within a thriving garden.
The 1st local stamp is affixed with the seeds of the Portulaca grandiflora (commonly known as moss-rose) for planting. A small-sized herbaceous creeper, the Portulaca grandiflora is a common sight in Singapore.
All stamp products of this issue are on sale at the Festival of Biodiversity and at all post offices.
Instructions on how to plant the 1st local stamp are found on the back of the self-adhesive sheetlet (2 x 1st local stamps and 2 x 50c stamps) and at www.nparks.gov.sg/50years.
Greening Schools for Biodiversity
At the Festival of Biodiversity opening, NParks also shared a new Greening Schools for Biodiversity programme. It is open to all primary schools, secondary schools and junior colleges.
All participating schools will be assisted by experts from the National University of Singapore's Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, Nature Society (Singapore), ButterflyCircle and NParks in conducting a biodiversity audit of their school grounds and implementing plans to attract more biodiversity to their school grounds.
Mr Poon Hong Yuen, Chief Executive Officer, NParks, said: "This initiative showcases how we have been partnering with schools and NGOs to make Singapore greener and richer in biodiversity.
Teachers and students will benefit by learning about the biodiversity in our City in a Garden, and taking action to attract more birds, butterflies and dragonflies to their schools."
Four schools, Commonwealth Secondary School, Raffles Junior College, Singapore Chinese Girls' School and West Grove Primary School, have already come on board. Schools can join the initiative at www.nparks.gov.sg/greeningschools.
Festival of Biodiversity
In its second year, the Festival of Biodiversity is held on July 13 and 14 at VivoCity, Central Court B.
Highlights of the Festival include an exhibition of Singapore's habitats and their inhabitants. Children can also enjoy free art and craft workshops to learn more about Singapore's flora and fauna.