Environmental literacy, community action
Our lesson series are designed to provide teachers with the confidence and resources to advance environmental literacy in their classrooms. This summer, we invite 3rd–5th grade teachers to pilot one or more of our lesson series.
The CAELI Community-Based Partner Hub is a portal that connects K–12 teachers and administrators to environmental education community-based partners and their programs. Find experiential learning opportunities for your students today!
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Organiser: Enterprise Singapore
Description:
The fifth edition of the Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge, organised by Enterprise Singapore, seeks innovative minds to devise sustainable solutions under key themes: Climate Change, Green Buildings, Sustainable Agriculture & Trade, Sustainable Materials, and an Open Category.
Successful innovators will gain a unique opportunity to engage in co-innovation with corporate partners. In addition, prizes include potential grant support, S$75,000 from Hexagon Group, as well as funding and real-world testing facilitated by industry pioneers. Learn more
Otters are highly social creatures and like to forage and travel in groups of up to twelve or more. They are also incredibly resilient. In Singapore, the smooth-coated otter has adapted well to our urban cityscape.
In this series, we showcase the diversity of rare, peculiar, and fascinating native flora and fauna in Singapore. We enthusiastically invite you to explore our nature reserves and gardens, urging you to pause and observe your surroundings—whether by looking up or down—to see if you can catch a glimpse of these unique wonders.
In recent years, Singapore has seen a rise in otter sightings. Once on the brink of local extinction, these critically endangered creatures are now thriving.
Otters can be found in wetlands, mangrove forests, rivers, lakes, and rice paddies. They find shelter in mangroves, where they breed and hunt for an array of prey. However, pollution and habitat loss from the decline of mangroves due to deforestation threatened their survival in the 1970s.
When Singapore started its greening movements, cleaning up its waterways in the 1980s, expanding conservation efforts, and integrating more green and blue spaces within urban areas in 2001, the otter population rebounded.
Image Courtesy of Vicki Burton
You can find two otter species in Singapore—the small-clawed otter and the smooth-clawed otter. They are both listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. In certain regions of Asia, these otters face the threat of poaching for their skins. The ongoing illegal trade further threatens the species.
Image courtesy of JJ Harrison
Common name: Smooth-coated Otter
Scientific name: Lutrogale perspicillata
The smooth-coated otter is most common species in Singapore. They are the largest otter in Southeast Asia and have a distinctive smooth, velvety coat. They forage for larger fish most of the time. Their also feed on crabs, shrimp, mudskippers, frogs, and birds. They are regularly seen at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve but have been spotted in locations like Singapore Botanic Gardens, Marina Bay, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, and reservoirs. According to Nparks, there currently about 170 smooth-coated otters island wide.
Image Courtesy of Burgers’ Zoo
Common name: Small-clawed Otter
Scientific name: Aonyx cinerea
The small-clawed otter is more elusive and mainly found in off-shore islands such Pulau Ubin and Pulau Tekong. It is the smallest species of all 13 species of otters found around the world. As their name implies, they have very small claws that don’t extend beyond their webbed feet. They have brown to light brown fur and a pale chest, throat, cheeks and chin. They primarily feed on crustaceans and molluscs like crabs and snails but will also eat small fish, insects, frogs, bird eggs and other small aquatic animals.
Image courtesy of Mibby23
Otters are highly social creatures. They use body language and touch, smells, and calls to communicate. And they like to forage and travel in groups of up to twelve or more. They are also incredibly resilient. In Singapore, the smooth-coated otter has adapted well to our urban cityscape. They have been seen using concrete and grass for grooming, and choosing small gaps and crevices under bridges as resting sites or dens.
Living in a city where nature intertwines with urban life through parks and water bodies, we must learn to live alongside with wildlife. How can we share our rivers, reservoirs, and coastal wetlands with the otters?
Image courtesy of © CEphoto, Uwe Aranas
If you come across otters in the wild, we encourage you to (safely) capture photos and document your observations. We especially recommend using the local SGBioAtlas app or the iNaturalist app, which enables you to share and validate your findings within the community.
Discover the wonders of nature, observe the intricacies of the world around you, and let curiosity be your guide. Happy exploring!
📷 Post your findings on social media and tag us on Instagram or Facebook.
Recommended resources:
📗 International Union for Conservation of Nature, Otter Report
December events in Singapore that help you raise awareness, take action, connect with nature, be a part of the environmental movement, and meet like-minded people.
Organiser: Enterprise Singapore
Description:
The fifth edition of the Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge, organised by Enterprise Singapore, seeks innovative minds to devise sustainable solutions under key themes: Climate Change, Green Buildings, Sustainable Agriculture & Trade, Sustainable Materials, and an Open Category.
Successful innovators will gain a unique opportunity to engage in co-innovation with corporate partners. In addition, prizes include potential grant support, S$75,000 from Hexagon Group, as well as funding and real-world testing facilitated by industry pioneers. Learn more
Time: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., 1st – 3rd December
Place: AnchorPoint
Organiser: Cloop
Description:
Get ready to unwrap the most wonderful time of the year with Cloop’s festive edition Fashion Swap! Whether you’re gearing up for travelling, Christmas, NYE, or CNY celebrations, Cloop’s got your style needs covered sustainably!
Learn more about the event here.
Time: Friday, 1st December, Friday, 8th December, Friday, 15th December, Friday, 22nd December, Friday, 29th December
Place: East Coast Park
Organiser: @eastcoastbeachplan
Description:
The East Coast Beach Plan is a ground-up initiative for anyone interested to join or self-organise clean-ups to do their part to reduce plastic pollution from entering the ocean. Note that all sessions are ad-hoc and self-organised by interested individuals, nothing is really centrally organised. Do participate safely and at your own discretion and risk.
Read this document before you go!
Time: 7 p.m., Thursday, 7th December
Place: Punggol Regional Library – Programme Room (Level 5) | Zoom
Organiser: Punggol Regional Library
Description:
In this programme, Jasmine Tuan, co-founder of Cloop, and Kevin Kho, Centre Manager of the RGE-NTU Sustainable Textile Research Centre will talk about the afterlives of our clothes. Find out what Singaporeans are doing to tackle the problem of textile waste, and how technology can help to give our clothes a second chance of life.
Get tickets here.
Time: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., 16th & 17th December
Place: Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre, 30A Yishun Central 1, Singapore 768796
Organiser: Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre 慈济人文青年中心
Description:
The Zero • Market is a sustainable lifestyle market, where fresh produce and sustainable goods are available! They are working towards Zero Waste, starting with Zero Meat and Zero Plastic (except for unavoidable plastic packaging). It takes place every 1st and 3rd Weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of the month unless otherwise stated. Visit the Zero • Market and don’t forget to bring your own bag!
Learn more here.
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturday, 16th December
Place: PAssion Wave@Marina Bay
Organiser: PAssion Wave@Marina Bay x Stridy
Description: Learn about marine biodiversity and environmental conservation with PAssion Wave @ Marina Bay and Stridy. Complete the sessions below to be an ambassador:
Part 1: Theory
Part 2: Waterway / Park Cleanup
Part 3: Volunteer with us
The minimum age of participation is 12, and participants are expected to register as volunteers and volunteer with PAssion Wave.
Online registration closes on 11 December. Use this link to register.
Time: Sunday, 17th December
Place: Various locations
Organiser: Repair Kopitiam
Description:
Repair Kopitiam is an initiative designed to combat the disposable culture by offering a platform where individuals can mend their personal belongings with guidance and assistance from volunteer “Repair Coaches”. This do-it-yourself (DIY) repair event takes place on the final Sunday of each month at different locations throughout the country. To participate, attendees need to schedule a specific timeslot and are allowed to bring up to two items for repair during each session.
Booking opens on 1st December through 13th December. Read event house rules here.
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday, 30th December
Place: Visual Arts Centre
Organiser: Visual Arts Centre x NTU ADM
Description:
This immersive experience is perfect for aspiring eco-conscious artists and individuals of all ages. Learn to merge artistic expression with a commitment to environmental responsibility. Dive into techniques that bring your ideas to life while championing sustainability. From recycled materials to nature-inspired themes, the workshop will ignite your passion for art and the planet.
The minimum age of participation is 10.
Learn more about the workshop here.
The fashion industry has long been synonymous with change and innovation, yet with these advancements comes a controversial side – the problem of textile waste. Here are some practical ways to reduce textile waste and make a positive impact on the planet.
The fashion industry has long been synonymous with change and innovation, yet with these advancements comes a controversial side – the problem of textile waste. Textile waste is pollution caused by the production and disposal of textiles such as clothes, shoes, accessories, towels, sheets, curtains, mattresses and more. It has adverse impacts on the environment.
In production, various toxic chemicals, dyes, and heavy metals used in the making of textiles, when not properly managed, find their way into water systems through run-off, which can affect the water quality of water bodies like rivers and lakes and underground aquifers. Run-off contamination also poses health risks to local communities that consume or come into contact with contaminated water, poisons the soil, and disrupts the balance of aquatic ecosystems.
The fast-fashion industry contributes to textile waste in a significant way. In response to the demand for budget-friendly trendy clothing, companies produce products quickly with synthetic materials. Polyester, for example, is a type of plastic fabric that is made from petroleum-based substances. During its manufacturing process, greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere. Notably, the fashion industry produces 2-8% of global greenhouse gas emissions every year.
The combination of low prices, subpar quality, and fleeting trendy styles also perpetuates a cycle of disposable consumption, where items are bought and discarded shortly after.
When polyester textile ends up in a landfill, it does not break down. It only degrades over time into microplastics and further pollutes the land and water.
In Singapore, textile that does not get recycled gets incinerated along with the rest of our waste and further generates emissions and air pollutants. Particularly concerning is the incineration of garments crafted from synthetic fibres, as it may release microfibers into the atmosphere.
Fashion is a powerful form of storytelling through self-expression. When we don clothing, footwear, and accessories, it evokes a sense of self-confidence and positivity. We use it to communicate our identity, values and personal style. Fashion serves as a visual representation of who we are. Not to forget, fashion also serves a practical function, providing us with clothing suitable for different weather conditions or activities.
As individuals, we can make a difference by adopting sustainable practices in our fashion choices. Here are seven practical ways to reduce textile waste and make a positive impact on the planet.
Before making a new purchase, ask yourself if you need it. Consider the quality, versatility, and timelessness of the item. Choosing timeless pieces that can be styled in different ways extends the lifespan of your wardrobe.
Explore thrift stores, vintage shops, and second-hand online platforms. Buying pre-loved clothing not only gives garments a second life but also helps to reduce the demand for new production.
Host or participate in clothing swaps with friends, family, or colleagues. Clothing swaps are a fun and sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe without spending money or contributing to textile waste. Cloop, Swapaholic, and The Fashion Pulpit are a few local organisations to look out for. Connect with them to stay updated on their upcoming events.
Transform old or worn-out clothing into something new through upcycling. Turn old jeans into shorts, create a tote bag or a pouch from an old t-shirt, embroider designs or add patches to revive old garments.
Extend the life of your clothing by following proper care instructions. Wash clothes in cold water, air dry when possible, and avoid over-washing. Proper clothing care helps maintain the integrity of the fabric and prevents premature wear and tear, reducing your need to replace them.
When purchasing new items, support brands that prioritise sustainability. Look for companies that use recycled materials, eco-friendly materials, have ethical manufacturing practices, and take-back programmes. By supporting these brands, you can contribute to a shift in the fashion industry towards more responsible and sustainable practices.
If you find yourself with clothing you no longer need, donate it to local charities or clothing banks. Ensure that the items are clean and in good condition. If the items are not fit for donations, explore recycling options. Cloop’s yellow bins, for example, accept items in any condition.
What are some practices you adopt to make less textile waste?
In the current era where climate change is a pressing concern, mangrove forests stand out for their remarkable ability to efficiently sequester carbon, trapping significant amounts of carbon dioxide by storing carbon in their biomass and the surrounding soil.
In this series, we showcase the diversity of rare, peculiar, and fascinating native flora and fauna in Singapore. We enthusiastically invite you to explore our nature reserves and gardens, urging you to pause and observe your surroundings—whether by looking up or down—to see if you can catch a glimpse of these unique wonders.
Mangroves are a group of shrub and tree species that live along shores, rivers, and estuaries in the tropics, subtropics, and even some temperate coastal areas. Although used to describe the species, plant, or forest, the term mangrove is also commonly used collectively to describe the unique ecosystem these plants form.
Image courtesy of Cattan2011
These inter-tidal forests, comprising salt-tolerant trees featuring a partially exposed network of roots, are possibly the world’s most productive type of wetland. They provide shelter and food for an immense diversity of wildlife. They physically protect coastlines. They provide sustenance, raw materials, and medicine to communities who continue to depend on the land for their livelihoods. They are extremely resilient and are able to withstand the worst of storms, hurricanes, and flooding.
During high tide, the roots of mangrove plants are completely submerged in seawater. And during low tide they are exposed to the sun. While the distinctive roots of mangroves play a crucial role in facilitating the respiration of these plants, their significance extends beyond that singular function.
Mangrove root systems provide a safe haven for fish fry and juvenile animals and host a variety of species, including mudskippers, otters, and water monitor lizards.
Image courtesy of Ravenblack7575
Their roots act as natural filters, trapping sediments and pollutants, and enhancing water quality. They protect marine life, and provide a natural buffer against storm surges and coastal erosion.
Image courtesy of Eustaquio Santimano
In the current era where climate change is a pressing concern, mangrove forests stand out for their remarkable ability to efficiently sequester carbon, trapping significant amounts of carbon dioxide by storing carbon in their biomass and the surrounding soil.
However, the combined impacts of rising sea levels and activities such as agriculture, aquaculture, urban development, and harvesting have resulted in the erosion and deforestation of mangrove forests, causing the loss of more than a quarter of these vital ecosystems in the past 50 years. In the 1820s, mangroves accounted for 13 percent of Singapore’s land area. Today, less than 1 percent of the mangroves in Singapore remain.
Approximations suggest that Singapore’s remaining mangrove patches may store 450,570.7 megagrams of carbon, an equivalent to the average annual carbon emissions of 621,000 residents.
The most extensive expanse of mangrove area on mainland Singapore is loacted within Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve. They can also be found within areas such as Mandai, Labrador Nature Reserve, and Pasir Ris Park, as well as offshore islands like Pulau Semakau and Pulau Ubin.
Image courtesy of Eustaquio Santimano
Images courtesy of Zairon (left), Nparks Flora Fauna Web (right)
Common name: Bakau Minyak
Scientific name: Rhizophora apiculata
The Bakau Minyak is one of the two most common mangrove species in Singapore and native to Singapore. They have the potential to grow upwards of 30 metres or more. Boasting a smooth dark grey bark that can reach up to 50cm in diameter, the bakau minyak is distinguished by its characteristic arching prop or stilt roots connected to the trunk, along with aerial roots emerging from its branches.
Images courtesy of Nparks Flora & Fauna Web
Common name: Bakau Putih, Black Mangrove
Scientific name: Bruguiera cylindrica
The Bakau Putih, also known as Black Mangrove, is another common mangrove species and native to Singapore. These mangroves can reach heights of up to 20 meters but are frequently spotted on nature trails as compact shrubs or modest trees ranging from 2 to 3 meters in height. The trees have a greyish bark and are notably recognised for their lateral roots that stick out from the mud surface, bearing a resemblance to a person’s bent knees.
Image courtesy of Nparks Flora & Fauna Web
Common name: Nipah Palm, Water Coconut, Mangrove Palm, Attap
Scientific name: Nypa fruticans
You may already be familiar with this plant based on your knowledge of a popular local dessert. Ice kacang is a local favourite of red beans, creamed corn, grass jelly and the gem of all gems––attap chee, topped with a mountain of ice drizzled with gula melaka. Attap chee is the fruit of the nipah palm. And gula melaka (palm sugar) is made from its sap. The Nipah Palm is a mangrove palm native to Singapore. It is a medium to large-sized stemless palm that frequently grows in small clumps, characterized by its expansive leaf fronds.
If you come across mangroves in the wild, we encourage you to capture photos and document your observations. We especially recommend using the local SGBioAtlas app or the iNaturalist app, which enables you to share and validate your findings within the community.
Discover the wonders of nature, observe the intricacies of the world around you, and let curiosity be your guide. Happy exploring!
📷 Post your findings on social media and tag us on Instagram or Facebook.
In this interview, Yinling, the co-founder of Cloop, shared her journey to circular fashion and the origin story of Cloop, a circular fashion enterprise focused on reducing fashion overconsumption and helping consumers close the textile loop with solutions for unwanted textiles and sustainable shopping alternatives.
Featuring Singapore’s environmental advocacy and innovation, Singapore Green Guardians (SGG) had the privilege of having an insightful conversation with Yinling Tan, the co-founder of Cloop. In this interview, Yinling shared her journey to circular fashion and the origin story of Cloop, a circular fashion enterprise focused on reducing fashion overconsumption and helping consumers close the textile loop with solutions for unwanted textiles and sustainable shopping alternatives.
Yinling: During my time studying in the UK, I found myself ensnared in the world of online shopping, accumulating a room full of unworn clothes I didn’t need.
In 2019, upon completing my degree in Environmental Science and returning to Singapore, I enrolled in a two-month zero-waste boot camp run by Secondsguru. Our final project, coincidentally, delved into the waste produced by the clothing industry, and the findings were shocking:
These eye-opening facts led me to reflect on my shopping habits, sparking a personal redemption arc and a commitment to champion sustainable fashion.
Yinling: I started to run swap events and eco-conscious campaigns. In 2020, I met my now business partner Jasmine Tuan, and we founded Cloop. Our mission is to close the loop for fashion for good. Yet, we soon realised clothes swapping had limitations—80% of donated clothes we received couldn’t be resold or swapped. Since Singapore doesn’t have its own textile recycling facility, it is difficult to track the actual textile recycling rate.
To address this, in March 2022, we collaborated with Life Line Clothing, a Malaysia-based textile recycler. Their facility collects, sorts, upcycles, and downcycles textile materials, providing a second life for textile waste.
Photo: Life Line Clothing
In July 2022, the first textile recycling bin in Singapore was launched, and a year later, we have more than 370 bins citywide and counting.
Locate Cloop Life Line Recycling Bin Near You
Yinling: Weekly, we collect up to 50 tonnes of textile waste, yet this represents only 1% of the total waste generated. Our goal is to install 600 bins across Singapore, doubling our textile waste recycling capacity.
Yinling: Recognizing recycling as a last resort, we stress the importance of rethinking clothing purchases, advocating for waste reduction through swapping, second-hand shopping, and upcycling old textiles.
To foster awareness and behavioural change, we conduct upcycling workshops and deliver talks to corporates and schools. With six pop-up thrift stores and regular swap events, we provide avenues for those aiming to embrace sustainable fashion. To stay updated on our events, you can follow us @cloop.sg on Instagram.
Photo: Cloop
Yinling: Another initiative is to assist corporates in reducing textile waste through Life Line Clothing’s Upcycle4Better programme. By upcycling old textiles like company uniforms and bed linens into new products—tote bags, pouches, and cleaning cloths—we aim to help organizations achieve their sustainability goals while creating community-based job opportunities for designers and sewers.
Photo: Cloop
These small agile birds, measuring 9 to 15cm long, are a common sign in the island’s green spaces––in gardens and nature parks. Here are a few sunbird species that you might encounter in Singapore:
In this series, we showcase the diversity of rare, peculiar, and fascinating native flora and fauna in Singapore. We enthusiastically invite you to explore our nature reserves and gardens, urging you to pause and observe your surroundings—whether by looking up or down—to see if you can catch a glimpse of these unique wonders.
Have you seen a sunbird flitting from flower to flower and thought… hummingbird?
These small agile birds, measuring 9 to 15cm long, are a common sign in the island’s green spaces––in gardens and nature parks. They live primarily on nectar and sometimes feed on small insects. Because of their small size and nectar-feeding behaviour, it is easy to mistake them for hummingbirds.
Image courtesy of Mendis Tan via Nparks Flora Fauna Web
But you won’t find hummingbirds in this part of the world. Unlike hummingbirds, sunbirds rarely hover while feeding and usually perch to feed.
Sunbirds have long, curved bills that can reach deep into flowers, making them effective pollinators––particularly tubular flowers that bees and butterflies find difficult to access. By aiding in pollination, sunbirds help to maintain the beauty and diversity of plant life in Singapore, contributing to the balance and health of the local ecosystem. Their bills also allow them to feed on fruits when flowers are unavailable and hunt for insects and spiders to feed their young.
Sunbirds are Old World birds from the family Nectariniidae. They are native to Asia, Africa, and Australasia.
In tropical regions, sunbirds mate and breed throughout the year. The males are brightly coloured, almost iridescent, and often larger than females. They build hanging purse-like nests and usually lay two eggs at a time.
Image courtesy of Jim Bendon
They are often seen in pairs and are monogamous, meaning they have only one partner and mate for life. You might even see them in small family groups! Sunbirds live up to 7 years in the wild and generally stay in one area from birth to death.
Images courtesy of (left) Nparks Flora Fauna Web, (right) Lip Kee Yap
Common name: Olive-backed Sunbird, Yellow-breasted Sunbird
Scientific name: Cinnyris jugularis
The Olive-backed Sunbird, also known as the yellow-bellied sunbird, is the most common sunbird found in Singapore. They often build their nests on the tip of branches or on fences. Males boasts a vibrant metallic-blue forehead, throat and breast, olive-green upperparts and a contrasting yellow chest; females are yellow with dull olive brown upperparts.
Images courtesy of (left) Doug Janson, (right) Jason Thompson
Common name: Brown-throated Sunbird, Plain-throated Sunbird
Scientific name: Anthreptes malacensis
The Brown-throated Sunbird is another common sunbird that can be spotted in coastal areas, mangrove habitats, parks, and gardens. Males display a distinctive brown throat, a metallic-green head and neck, purple wings, and a lemon-yellow belly; females are dull olive.
Images courtesy of (left) Krishna Prajapati, (right) Rejaul Karim
Common name: Crimson Sunbird
Scientific name: Aethopyga siparaja
The Crimson Sunbird has earned the unofficial title of Singapore’s national bird, resonating with the moniker “the little red dot” often used to describe the island on world maps. Males exhibit a bright red colour with a grey belly and greenish-black tail; females are dull olive-green with a pale yellow belly and dull-green tail.
Images courtesy of (left) Nparks Flora Fauna Web, (right) Gerard Chartier
Common name: Copper-throated Sunbird
Scientific name: Leptocoma calcostetha
The Copper-throated Sunbird is one of the larger species of sunbirds. They are found predominantly in coastal areas and mangroves. It prefers to feed on the nectar of flowers of Bruguiera trees. They are in danger of habitat loss in Singapore due to the degradation and destruction of mangroves. Males appear dark all over with an iridescent green crown and shoulder, copper-coloured throat and upper breast; females are olive with a yellow belly, a pale-grey head and throat and an incomplete white eye ring.
If you come across a sunbird in the wild, we encourage you to capture photos and document your observations. We especially recommend using the local SGBioAtlas app or the iNaturalist app, which enables you to share and validate your findings within the community.
Discover the wonders of nature, observe the intricacies of the world around you, and let curiosity be your guide. Happy exploring!
📷 Post your findings on social media and tag us on Instagram or Facebook.
On Tuesday (November 7th), The Earthshot Prize held its 2023 annual award at Mediacorp Theatre in Singapore. It is an initiative launched by Britain’s Prince William in 2020 to address critical environmental challenges. The award celebrated the achievements of five outstanding projects under five categories — building a waste-free world, cleaning our air, fixing our climate, reviving our oceans, and protecting and restoring nature.
On Tuesday (November 7th), The Earthshot Prize held its 2023 annual award at Mediacorp Theatre in Singapore. It is an initiative launched by Britain’s Prince William in 2020 to address critical environmental challenges. The award celebrated the achievements of five outstanding projects under five categories — building a waste-free world, cleaning our air, fixing our climate, reviving our oceans, and protecting and restoring nature. Each of the winners received a £1 million (S$1.7 million) prize to advance their projects.
Here are the five winners and their projects.
Winner: ACCIÓN ANDINA
The Project:
Acción Andina brings together local and indigenous communities in the high Andes to collaborate on the protection and restoration of native forests and ecosystems. The initiative provides essential resources such as salary support, project and financial management, and technical training.
Impact:
Since 2018, the project has planted nearly 10 million native trees across five countries, restoring over 4,000 hectares of Andean forests and safeguarding more than 11,000 hectares of native forests from destruction.
Future Plans:
The goal by 2045 is to protect and restore one million hectares of high Andean native forest ecosystems across seven countries.
Winner: WildAid Marine Programme
The Project:
WildAid ensures marine protected areas (MPAs) worldwide continue to fulfill their conservation promises, create sustainable fishery zones, and combat overfishing threats.
Impact:
Operating in 96 MPAs across 16 countries, WildAid has improved protection for over 8,500 marine species.
Future Plans:
With a focus on expanding to 250 MPAs and coastal fishery zones in the next five years, WildAid is determined to strengthen the global efforts to conserve our oceans.
Winner: GRST
The Project:
GRST pioneers cleaner battery production by eliminating toxic adhesives in lithium-ion batteries and reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Impact:
GRST’s technologies enable a 35% reduction in energy consumption, a 40% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, and production of batteries that last 10% longer.
Future Plans:
Expanding to international markets, GRST plans to set up a manufacturing facility in Singapore.
Winner: Boomitra
The Project:
Collaborating with 150,000 farmers worldwide, Boomitra focuses on improving agricultural practices to enhance soil health, increase crop yields, and sequester carbon dioxide.
Impact:
Since 2018, Boomitra has removed 15 million tonnes of CO2, with plans to provide at least US$200 million to farmers and ranchers by 2025.
Future Plans:
Boomitra is scaling their solutions internationally to help farmers improve soil health and increase crop yields. It also aims to store one gigaton of CO2 in the soil by 2030.
Winner: S4S Technologies
The Project:
S4S Technologies aids small-holder farmers in India by providing solar-powered dryers and food processing equipment, preventing unsold produce from going to waste and supporting women entrepreneurs.
Impact:
Over 100,000 farmers and 2,500 female entrepreneurs have experienced increased profits and doubled or tripled incomes since 2020.
Future Plans:
S4S aims to expand its network to one million small-holder farmers, help 10,000 entrepreneurs, and save half a million tonnes of food from waste in the next three years.
Photos: The Earthshot Prize
The ant plant, also commonly called Baboon’s head, is native to Southeast Asia and is considered rare and critically endangered in Singapore. It is a remarkable botanical wonder that has developed a unique and mutual relationship with ant colonies.
In this series, we showcase the diversity of rare, peculiar, and fascinating native flora and fauna in Singapore. We enthusiastically invite you to explore our nature reserves and gardens, urging you to pause and observe your surroundings—whether by looking up or down—to see if you can catch a glimpse of these unique wonders.
Image courtesy of Bernard Dupont
Common name: Ant plant, Baboon’s head, Dedalu Api Laut, Hempedal Itik, Kepala Beruk, Pedal Itik
Scientific name: Hydnophytum formicarum Jack
The ant plant, also commonly called Baboon’s head, is native to Southeast Asia and is considered rare and critically endangered in Singapore. It is a remarkable botanical wonder that has developed a unique and mutual relationship with ant colonies.
The Ant plant forms a tuber at its base, known as a caudex, that are inhabited by ants in the wild.
Typically the tuber grows to about 20cm wide (but can grow up to an impressive 55cm!) and contains hollow chambers and tunnels that are ideal spaces for ant nesting.
Image courtesy of NParks
The plant provides shelter and nectar to ants. In return, the ants provide the plant with protection from herbivores and pests. This is known as a symbiotic relationship, when close associations are formed between two species.
The Ant plant is an epiphyte and grows on the surface of another plants. It is often found on trees in primary and secondary forests. The ant plant is best suited to a tropical climate and thrives in Singapore, where high humidity and abundant rainfall prevail. It derives its moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, water or nearby organic debris and stores them in its distinctively swollen stem.
Emerging from the stem, the ant plant produces long, slender, and flexible branches. These branches host short, broad, leather-like leaves and give rise to delicate white flowers.
Image courtesy of NParks
The Ant plant serves as a perfect example of the intricate interdependence between flora and fauna in the region, underscoring the importance of each species and the roles that plant life plays in the environment.
If you come across a rare Ant plant in the wild, we encourage you to capture photos and document your observations. We especially recommend using the local SGBioAtlas app or the iNaturalist app, which enables you to share and validate your findings within the community.
Discover the wonders of nature, observe the intricacies of the world around you, and let curiosity be your guide. Happy exploring!
📷 Post your findings on social media and tag us on Instagram or Facebook.
November events in Singapore that help you raise awareness, take action, connect with nature, be a part of the environmental movement, and meet like-minded people.
Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m., Tuesday, 14th November
Place: Punggol Regional Library – Programme Room
Organiser: GoLibrary, National Library Board
Description:
The Organic Composting for Gardening Programme discusses the importance of organic composting in gardening and its role in contributing to sustainability in Singapore. Key speaker Jayden Ong, co-founder of SoilSocial, will share about the practical aspects of organic composting at home and within community gardens.
Registration is free. Reserve a spot here.
GoLibrary is the organiser of Programmes on Sustainability. Head to an NLB library to pick up tips on how to live a greener life! Explore other programmes and offerings here.
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Saturday, 18th November
Place: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Organiser: National Parks
Description:
What’s in my water? is a guided morning walk at Sungei Buloh that offers an opportunity to explore and familiarize yourself with the diverse land and coastal creatures and plants inhabiting the wetland reserve. Sungei Buloh comprises mangroves, mudflats, ponds, and forests, making it a tropical haven for a wide-ranging ecosystem that includes mudskippers, crabs, water snakes, monitor lizards, otters, and various other species.
The What’s in my water? tour is free. Limited to 12 participants on a first-come-first-serve basis. Registration opens at 8 a.m., 10th November. The walk will be cancelled if it rains.
Time: Friday, 10th November, Friday, 17th November, Friday, 24th November
Place: East Coast Park
Organiser: @eastcoastbeachplan
Description:
The East Coast Beach Plan is a ground-up initiative for anyone interested to join or self-organise clean-ups to do their part to reduce plastic pollution from entering the ocean. Note that all sessions are ad-hoc and self-organised by interested individuals, nothing is really centrally organised. Do participate safely and at your own discretion and risk.
Read this document before you go!
Time: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday, 18th November, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sunday, 19th November
Place: Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre, 30A Yishun Central 1, Singapore 768796
Organiser: Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre 慈济人文青年中心
Description:
The Zero • Market is a sustainable lifestyle market, where fresh produce and sustainable goods are available! They are working towards Zero Waste, starting with Zero Meat and Zero Plastic (except for unavoidable plastic packaging). It takes place every 1st and 3rd Weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of the month unless otherwise stated. Visit the Zero • Market and don’t forget to bring your own bag!
Time: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m., Sunday, 26th November
Place: Georges @ The Cove
Organiser: Georges
Description:
Love Our Coast Beach Cleanup is an initiative led by georges to promote care and responsibility for the beaches and coastal ecosystems in Singapore. The cleanup process comprises an initial briefing, during which participants will receive cleaning equipment. Following the cleanup, they will be responsible for sorting the items collected from the beach.
Registration is free. Click here to sign up.
Time: Sunday, 26th November
Place: Various locations
Organiser: Repair Kopitiam
Description:
Repair Kopitiam is an initiative designed to combat the disposable culture by offering a platform where individuals can mend their personal belongings with guidance and assistance from volunteer “Repair Coaches”. This do-it-yourself (DIY) repair event takes place on the final Sunday of each month at different locations throughout the country. To participate, attendees need to schedule a specific timeslot and are allowed to bring up to two items for repair during each session.
Booking opens on 10th November through 21st November. Read event house rules here.
Time: 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., 28th November
Place: Jurong East MRT Station (Meeting point)
Organiser: CGS Experiences
Description:
Turning waste to energy: TuasOne Waste-To-Energy Plant Tour is a guided visit to Singapore’s sixth waste-to-energy plant. The plant can process about 35% of the garbage that Singapore generates daily, incinerating up to 3,600 tonnes of waste and generating up to 120 megawatts of electricity daily. Explore the facilities and learn about the technologies employed to turn waste materials into energy.
Learn more about the tour and register here.
Edit: Wow! This tour is popular and completely booked out now. You can join the waitlist or organise your own group booking via the NEA Portal.
Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Monday, 20th November
Place: Singapore Botanic Gardens, Centre for Education & Outreach
Organiser: National Parks
Description:
Weird and Wonderful Plants is a children’s workshop and guided tour through the Singapore Botanic Gardens to observe unique and strange plants in their natural habitat. Participants will discover plants with such as the Pitcher plant, Venus flytrap, Ant plant, and Air plant and learn about their important ecological roles, why plant life is crucial for the environment and why it’s essential to conserve biodiversity.
The Weird and Wonderful Plants workshop is $50 per child. Suitable for children in Primary 1 to 6.
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. – 2 p.m., 3 p.m. – 4 p.m., 16th – 26th November
Place: ArtScience Museum, Basement 2, Rainbow Room
Organiser: ArtScience Museum
Description:
Deep Field by Tin&Ed is an immersive art experience by Australian artists Tin Nguyen and Edward Cutting. The experience starts with a guided tour of the museum where participants will have a chance to design their own imaginary flora and fauna taking inspiration from the natural environment. Their creations will be added to a new ecosystem of plants revealed through the lens of Augmented Reality (AR). As participants immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the natural world, they are prompted to establish a deeper connection with and contemplate their relationship with our planet and nature.
The Deep Field by Tin&Ed workshop is free with registration. Click here for more information about Tin&Ed. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Book here to reserve a slot.
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