Gardens by the Bay launches Wonderful Wetlands series, features mangrove monitoring and augmented reality tour

To commemorate World Environment Day, Gardens by the Bay (GBTB) launched Wonderful Wetlands — a series of public lectures and environmental activities — on Sunday (Jun 5). 

Sponsored by Temasek and SG Eco Fund, the event aims to help members of the public gain a deeper understanding of nature-based solutions to combat climate change.

Participants will get to monitor the growth of mangroves and biodiversity planted in the Kingfisher Wetlands while learning about blue carbon — the carbon captured by coastal and marine ecosystems.

They will also be able to experience GBTB’s pilot, self-guided Augmented Reality tour which will allow them to explore the sustainability elements around the wetlands. 

Minister for National Development Desmond Lee, who launched the Kingfisher Wetlands in November last year, was present on Sunday to inaugurate the new series. 

“This series uses the Kingfisher Wetlands as a platform to engage everyone on the value of mangroves in our ecosystem, so it is not just a laboratory but also a classroom,” said Minister Lee. 

GBTB has also signed a Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with Republic Polytechnic (RP) and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE). 

The collaboration will present professional opportunities for students and teachers in areas such as biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and landscape management. 

Students from RP will be involved in a long-term mangrove monitoring project at the wetlands. 

Additionally, GBTB will offer six book prizes annually to ITE students who are pursuing their NITEC studies in Urban Greenery and Landscape, and higher NITEC in Landscape Management and Design.

Wonderful Wetlands is set to last till December.