Figure 1. A Snapshot of Keppel Discovery Wetlands

(Source: Wong Hui Jie)

 

We’ve all heard of the term ‘Man vs Nature’— the destruction of forests, the pollution of oceans, and what about the otter attack at the Singapore Botanic Gardens (SBG)?

I urge you to consider a different perspective and see the collaboration between Man and Nature instead. As Singapore works towards being a City in Nature, it is important that we learn how to integrate our urban lifestyles with our environment.

 

Recently, thanks to my Applied Biogeography class in NUS, I had the opportunity to explore the Keppel Discovery Wetlands (KDW) at SBG’s Learning Forest. Established in 2017, the KDW is 1.8 hectares of freshwater wetlands, curated to conserve and restore a collection of more than 200 plant species from Singapore and around Southeast Asia. These include one of our island’s largest collections of Tiger Orchids (Figure 2).

 

While NParks restored and protects these wetland ecosystems, they also keep them attractive and accessible to the public. This has allowed the KDW to boost regional research and act as a source of education for visitors.

 

Figure 2. Tiger Orchids (Grammatophyllum speciosum)

(Source: Elizabeth Chee)

 

 

As I stood on the boardwalks of KDW and soaked in the melodies of  birds around me, I truly felt the merriment of being one with nature. This experience is not  accidental, but a deliberate effort by NParks to transform previously inaccessible habitats through biophilic designs.

 

NParks drew inspiration from natural processes,  and curated environments where visitors can have an immersive nature experience. While visits to the wetlands may conjure  insects and muddy terrains, the boardwalks interwoven with the wetlands allow visitors to enjoy the flora and fauna without worries (Figure 3).

 

Figure 3. Botanist’s Boardwalk

(Source: https://foursquare.com/v/keppel-discovery-wetlands/58de0348a8b75966fd65b949)

 

 

Although unnatural, the boardwalks bring people close to nature. In fact, public appreciation and opinion  is a key factor in encouraging the continued conservation of species! Thankfully, we have a wonderful team at KDW which cares for our delicate wildlife,  such as the Deer Antlered Phalaenopsis which have been brought back from extinction through the Orchid Conservation Programme.

 

Another way man works with nature at KDW is through our management of invasive species. I witnessed an infestation of hydrillas at the wetlands, and although it may not look like much on the surface, such hydrillas grow rapidly and take up excess nutrients from the water (Figure 4).  This can potentially deter animals from visiting these wetlands.

 

Figure 4. Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillate) infestation

(Source: Wong Hui Jie)

 

Initially, the KDW project was funded by Keppel Corporation, who channeled $2.08 million to the Garden City Fund. However, as the contract with Keppel ceased, there was a  lack of manpower and funds to clear these hydrillas, which led to its proliferation. This shows that human interventions are extremely crucial in ensuring that our wetlands continue to remain habitable for all wildlife!

 

Natural areas such as these are important to serve as habitats and ecosystem services. To truly be a City in Nature, it is all the more crucial that we learn to live amongst such environments peacefully and collaboratively.

 

Afterall, we wouldn’t want our cute little otters to be chased away, right?

 

Written by Wong Hui Jie