Biodiversity of Singapore Symposium III - What went on?

Bright and early, many nature enthusiasts made their way to NUS, LT27. Since 2001, the Biodiversity of Singapore Symposium was first initiated and now it has come to its third series of talks. For this symposium, we had the theme of "The Next Generation".

Siti (Twinny!) was the emcee for the day

In total, five different sessions were held and poster sessions were held over tea breaks. Click here to find the abstracts of the presented posters. I also had a poster up about giant clams conservation and research in Singapore! Just as the theme, many of the speakers lined up were the young and enthusiastic or the middle-aged and active enthusiasts. As we continue to progress as a country, people are also becoming more aware of the existence of a natural biodiversity heritage around Singapore. Over the past decade, we have moved from a strong economic focus (not that this has reduced) but there is also the rising importance of preserving our heritage in terms of the environment.

BG Tan Chuan Jin, the current Minister of State, Ministry of National Development graced the event and shared his two cents of his impression of biodiversity in Singapore. As an NSF, his frequent training in the ulu forests have graced him several memorable events such as which is the durian tree that has been fruiting. He also remarked that the army probably has done good deeds since these areas tend to be of limited access, thus well-protecting the rich biodiversity of the forest patches. (On a side note, I kind of agree with him on the military access to such places, and one of such area that was of my interest is the Live Firing islands off South).

BG Tan Chuan Jin (MOS) giving his speech

Onto his main speech, he had pointed out two of my friends! Miss Lim Wei Ling (left) is currently working with NParks Biodiversity Centre and leads Team Seagrass on regular surveys. Marcus, a fellow batchmate (also affectionately known as the Ubinator!) studies mammals in the forest patches. His breakthrough study on Pulau Ubin allowed him to re-discover the greater mousedeer (that have not been sighted for almost 80 years!). Marcus later went on to explain his wide grin. This camera trap that was placed within the damaged forests in Mandai (due to the strong winds) apparently survived! It was the only tree around that area that did not fall. haha...

Poster girl, Lim Wei Ling and boy, Marcus Chua for their conservation efforts!

Siva was up next to present the awards for ICCS contributors. This year, ICCS celebrates its 20 years of work and presented awards in recognition of the partners' hard work over the years. Applause to them! :) He also shared MOS Tan's reflection with us. In short, we all have to work together to keep our spirits high and our efforts in keeping our biodiversity heritage.

Siva giving an overview about ICCS, here shown BG Tan's thoughts

There was so much going on! Being a student in the marine biology lab, I do not know much of the works that my fellow colleagues do along the corridors. This was a great opportunity to not only learn from them, but also their research contribution to understanding local biodiversity better. Here shows the slides from Dr. Darren Yeo's presentation on freshwater biology in Singapore. Dr. Yeo's current research niche is freshwater invasive biology, and looks at several invasive species such as the red-claw crayfish found in our reservoirs.

Freshwater natives in Singapore

Do we have freshwater animals? Yes we do! In fact, some of them were endemic - meaning unique to Singapore only! :) Theses crustaceans, however, are facing imminent threats of extinction as our freshwater streams keep getting dammed up. Let's hope that these endemics will still be around!

Endemic crustaceans in Singapore

Another interesting presentation was by my fellow coursemate, Chong Kwek Yan (PhD candidate with the plant systematics lab. I must say, that I thoroughly enjoyed his presentation of his lab colleagues and how they find plants fun to work with. Their research work has progressed from mostly systematics to more recently, ecology-based studies. They also have focus on re-introduction of native plant species, which has been demonstrated by the sudden influx of plants surrounding the University Hall. Go check it out! :)

Chong Kwek Yan giving his plant speech

Posting this photo below raises the other issue of the presence of former plantations in Singapore. Did you know that many of the existing forest patches harbour a great deal of fruit trees? Examples of surveyed patches indicate the presence of longan, langsat, rambutan, mango and durians! Yum! Wen Qing has videoed the entire presentation, so click on it to hear what Kwek Yan has to share about his lab.

Current honours students in the plant systematics lab

My affinity with Dr. Tan Heok Hui began as a UROPS student. He was one of my examiners for my early research projects. After which, I began to TA for his module, field studies on Tioman. He is a very good field person, more than capable at catching his desired animals... Here shows a picture of himself 'breaking the laws'! Ah well... What scientists do... :P

Dr. Tan Heok Hui and his bio-data

He briefly shared his insights on invasive fish species in Singapore - mostly the chromids, a south american stingray and cichlids found in our waterways... Their impacts on our freshwater ecosystem have not been fully quantified and whether they have a negative effect we cannot be sure. However, despite being introduced, they may play an important role to our local ecosystems. Who knows? Research needs to be constantly done!

It was heartening to see so many youths present during the talks, and they made up almost two thirds of the audience for the symposium. I recognise many familiar faces - mostly the honours students from 2010 and current students from NUS. Not forgetting the NParks personnel from their various departments, who were present to answer some of the questions. There were a bunch of interesting questions raised during the symposiums... Here's a summary list (as much as I can remember):

1) Community Impression

• How much of the research done has been passed onto the correct agencies and that it has been understood by the policy and decision-makers?
• How can we make coral reefs more charismatic for conservation efforts?
• What are your opinions of the use of captive animals for conservation efforts?

2) Forest session

• Is it possible for MOE curriculum to incorporate biodiversity and ecology into the syllabus? (Hottest debate!)
  
• How do we know if the animals can cross the Eco-Link once it's being built?

3) Freshwater session

• How much of the research done is made available (freely for teaching use)?
• Concerns over the thrash accumulation at Bishan Park

4) Marine session

• Is Semakau the only place that has the richest diversity?
• Scientists are unable to retrieve information from governmental agencies (i.e. is it the lack of thereof?)
• Where and how can we dive off Singapore?
  

All in all, everyone probably still have much to ask the experts of their fields but unfortunately time was constrained. The questions brought us to attention to some issues:

1) People are definitely much more aware of biodiversity in Singapore and they would like to see these information incorporated into decisions and developments.

2) At the same time, there is still the need to continue to inform and educate the others who do not know of this biodiversity in Singapore.

3) It is also hoped that information pass down could be more open to the public, government agencies and research bodies.

4) Educating our young from an early age until adolescents.

I find myself being more sure of my decision to continue on this line of work. Many people can do well in their jobs, but only a few will have an impact on their peers and society. Just as how Ria has inspired not just myself, but many others as well. We look upon her as a role model for her relentless efforts, but we should also not forget to share and be part of this effort, and join her in protecting our natural heritage. :) Peace...