Singapore Nature Map

We tried looking for a Google map showing the different nature areas in Singapore but could not find one, so we decided to do one ourselves. Since wildsingapore is the best source of information on nature areas and also to save time, we shamelessly copied description of 18 nature areas from wildsingapore into the map (Thanks Ria for the permission). Images of the nature areas are also shown in the map (Thanks to wildsingapore and various people who shared their photos on Flickr). We hope that more people can learn about the biodiversity in Singapore and explore the nature areas. 

A larger view of the map is shown here.

View Larger Map

Stephen M. Meyer said in The End of the Wild, “Of course, the end of the wild does not mean a barren world. There will continue to be plenty of life covering the globe. … Life will just be different; much less diverse, much less exotic, much more predictable, and much less able to capture the awe and wonder of the human spirit.” So, treasure and be amazed by the wild nature that is around you or they may give way to development and urbanisation soon. Unless you stop it.

International Year of the Reef 2008

This year is the International Year of the Reef (IYOR), and individuals and groups around the world are joining hands to raise awareness about the value and importance of coral reefs and threats to their sustainability, and to motivate people to take action to protect them. According to the IYOR website, IYOR 2008 will:

• Strengthen awareness about the ecological, economic, social and cultural value of coral reefs and associated ecosystems
• Improve understanding of the critical threats to coral reefs and generate both practical and innovative solutions to reduce these threats
• Generate urgent action at all levels to develop and implement effective management strategies for conservation and sustainable use of these ecosystems.

In Singapore, there are also several events to celebrate IYOR, including guided walks, exhibitions and talks. Yes, there are reefs and marine biodiversity in Singapore (see photo below on Pulau Hantu). Yes, there are concerned and dedicated individuals and groups that care about the reefs.

Join in the fun now and learn about protecting our reefs. Visit the IYOR Singapore blog for more details on events and news.

A final thought:

… we are not different from, separate from, in charge of, superior to, or inferior to the natural world. We are part of it. Whatever we do to nature, we do to ourselves. Whatever we do to ourselves, we do to the world. For most, there is no concept of a separate “nature”: it’s all us and we’re all it. – Thom Hartmann

Source: IYOR Singapore blog; International Year of the Reef 2008. Image attribution: IYOR Singapore blog; wildsingapore.