reflections

Lim Zong Yi

Firstly, the courses at Sungei Buloh have exposed me to the diverse biodiversity that we have in Singapore. I have learnt about bird counting techniques, tree and plant identification methods and many other things. I have realized the wonderous beauty that nature holds and understand the importance of why we should conserve such nature reserves.

Although our project has not been completed due to technical problems in the labaratory, we have, from our samplings at Changi Beach and Sungei Buloh and study of barnacles, expanded our knowledge. We developed our method of collecting barnacles and also learnt why barnacles are good biomonitors as the heavy metal concentration in the barnacles is proportionate to the bioavailability of metals in that area. In conclusion, the SWAP programme has definitely benefited me very much.

Aaron Ng Qiyuan

Although our project has yet to pull through, I think that we can still benefit a lot from the experience gained along the way. I have gained more insights into the physiology of barnacles, as well as the importance of nature conservation. All animals are intricately linked in the web of life, and removal of one of the species would result in the endangering or possible extinction of other species. It is therefore very important that we conserve what we have now and not take the environment and Mother Nature for granted.

Attending courses at Sungei Buloh has also proved fun and enriching for me as there are many new things that I did not know before. Exposure to such new and foreign topics has left me with much experience in the field of biodiversity, and I hope that the SWAP program would continue on for more years to come.

Jerald Han

This project has allowed me to learn about and appreciate the great biodiversity of the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Little did I know that Sungei Buloh was home to so many magnificent creatures and that it was part of such a huge network of migratory paths. As often mentioned, species loss is a timed bomb, if we do not do what we can to protect such rich ecosystems, then there would be serious implications.

Working with barnacles have been an enlightening journey thus far, who knew that so much beauty could lie in a relatively small organism and that how useful such a dull looking organism can be. The process had only made me love Mother Nature even more. 

Aaron Tiong

Before our group entered into the SWAP Programme, we did not have too much knowledge about Sungei Buloh, as well as the barnacles we would come to research on intensively during the course of our project. However, that soon changed, as we went for the courses organised by SWAP. Sungei Buloh is a beautiful reserve with a rich biodiversity, and there is much more value in its boundaries than meets the eye. Through courses such as the introduction to Sungei Buloh’s flora and fauna, the Wader census as well as replanting of plants, its has certainly been a highly informative yet hands-on approach to learning which I have certainly enjoyed.

The barnacles we are studying are also highly interesting organisms. Being good biomarkers for pollution, our aim in studying them was ultimately to compare the pollution levels at Sungei Buloh with that at Changi. Through this project, we have found out more about the barnacles’ physiology and living environment, and we certainly hope that the results we eventually get will help efforts to make polluted areas more environment-friendly. Although our project is not completed, we still see the value which it has, which has spurred us on to complete it, and certainly there is still much to learn from the remainder of this project.

In this project, we focused on creating a Virtual Tour for the very aim of showcasing the Mangrove Boardwalk in Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and increasing awareness towards mangroves. We experienced some difficulties along the way. One such difficulty was that throughout the course of our data collection in the form of a questionnaire, we did not manage to collect all of the questionnaires we distributed due to time constraints and technical difficulties. However, we managed to overcome this difficulty by getting our family members to participate in the data collection in order to adhere to our desired sample size.We enjoyed this project thoroughly. In the course of doing this project, we managed to learn a lot from the workshops, talks and hands-on activities (conservation activity) held by Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. The talks and workshops have provided us with a good platform to start off for our project. All of us benefited by learning and viewing sights that we might not have seen if not for our participation in this project.

We have managed to achieve our aims and objectives of this project, which is to better promote Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and the conservation aspect – which focuses on increasing peoples’ awareness after viewing the virtual tour.

However, the most significant thing that people should do is to visit Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and experience its splendor, as a virtual tour will never be a substitute for a personal walkthrough. Still, the Virtual tour that we have created is a worthy application that holds immense benefits, and we hope that it will be of use to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

Also, the number of people who were willing to participate in mangrove conservation activities increased after watching the virtual tour, which is a good sign. Hopefully, with more people willing to help in the conservation, we will be able to preserve our natural heritage and biodiversity of life and protect the remaining pockets of nature that belong to us.

Cassandra Sim Li Ying:

Throughout this whole journey of learning, experiencing, investigating, exploring, and most importantly, enjoying, I made full use of all the time to discover a different world—nature. Away from the busy and bustle city life and walking into the peaceful and awakening call of Mother Nature, I have learnt how much the trees, the birds, the otters, the insects, have to be conserved and treasured. I have also learnt a very important lesson which is that everyone who does wrong would have a heavy price to pay, that is, everyone is responsible for his or her own actions. What really is this lesson is that every living thing on Planet Earth deserves the right to live peacefully without any disturbance. An action from Human, for example littering, noise disturbance, and illegal capture, will cause another living thing to suffer. Nature behaves like an eco-system. Every living thing is dependent on one another. When one dies, the rest will. This concept will further emphasize the importance of conservation. Without plants, there would not be any herbivores. Without herbivores, there would not be any carnivores. And without carnivores, Human would never be able to survive on Planet Earth.

Therefore, through this project, I have a sudden urge to prevent such a calamity. I worked through this project with this in mind: to save the herons from reaching extinction in Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve or even in Singapore. It has been my goal throughout these 3 months of the project. Whenever, I stumbled upon a magnificent heron flying in the air, or standing tall on a stranded pole, I could feel a strong surge of joy and sense of relief. Moreover, it gave me a sense of achievement there herons have not totally disappeared and there is more that I can do to save them from reaching extinction. I have realized a small effort from me can actually contribute a lot to the herons. In fact, I would definitely make full use of this wonderful opportunity in entering this project, to play a part in the conservation of herons, and the salvation of Mother Earth.

Lim Pan Yin:

Through this project, I was able to have a meaningful and rewarding experience of the Mother’s Nature. The trips to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve have given me the chances of being closer to flora and fauna which I have neglected due to the busy city life. The natural breeze, whispering of the trees and the creatures living in the reserve has allowed me to feel the beauty of the natural environment and open my eyes to another world which we live in. Due to the time and effort spend in the project,

I have come to realize the importance of conserving the Mother Nature. We, humans are so busy with our everyday life that we come to neglect the things around us. Though we might not have meant it, our actions have harmed the natural environment around us. In turn, it will also come to affect us one day in the future.

During this project, our group has gone to SBWR a few times to do bird census of the herons. I was able to use the chances to observe the herons. It was through the census that I find out that herons are magnificent and elegant. They are part of the beauty of the mangrove swamp and it gives me a satisfaction that I was also able to play a part in protecting this image. Although during the project we met many problems, we were still able to have an enjoyable time though the process.

Low Gar Yim:

This project gave me an enriching experience that one will not be able to go through in classrooms. We were given opportunities to get closer to wildlife and do our part to conserve Mother Nature. Some examples would be noting down the status of mangrove wetlands by doing bird census, as well as replanting of new mangroves. Our project also focuses on conserving a species of bird, called herons. Thus we had several chances to do bird census on our own. During the project, we had met with several limitations, but together with my other group members, we came up with several solutions to counter these problems. We were determined to work together as one so as to produce results that can help in conservation. Thus this project also gave me the taste of the importance of perseverance and teamwork.

Zoey Ang Zuo Yi:

To me, this project is something that I had never experience before. I get to know a new place, which is Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, and had a chance to get close to birds. I have never thought of being involved in such projects, it is very different from those that require one to just sit down and write or think.

I also get to be involved in fieldwork, when our group has to go down to the reserve frequently to do our bird census. I like the experience and the feeling of immersing in nature. Despite the fact during the course of the project, our group encountered lots of problem and had to endure the itchiness after being bitten by mosquitoes, the project proves to be an enriching one. I gain much valuable knowledge and widen my horizon. Only from this project, then I knew that birds could be so beautiful, wetlands and mangroves are so important, the various types of fauna and flora available at the reserve and many more.

Singapore can be full of wonderful places, and SBWR just proves to be another one that fascinates me. I can even stay there a whole day just to watch birds in action! Not only did I get to learn things out of textbooks, I also learnt to be more patient since we are watching birds. Definitely, I took away more from the project than what I had contributed.

From this project, the entire group find this project as one of discovery. Not only that but discovery that leads to a whole host of possible and plausible ideas, like that of NEmation Sungei Buloh style. Moreover, this project has helped us think in a novel and different manner, helping us to open up to new ideas and reflect critically on our own. The daunting task of walking up to strangers and searching for new people affiliated with huge companies has been accomplished and the experience never to be forgotten. We have sincerely enjoyed the research process and hope for more opportunities like this to come by soon.

 Individual reflections

 Goh Ying Hua Priscilia

This project has been one interesting journey as not only did we learn more about the place through researching, there was also practical lessons where we actually got to go down into the field in activities like mangrove replanting. From this project, it has also pushed away all initial reservation about working in reserves and sparked interest in the ecosystem. Furthermore, this project has shown how delicately balanced the ecosystem is even within a small reserve like SBWR. Other than the ecological aspects, this project also trains me to think critically and analyze problems from different perspectives.

 Li Fangqin

Many people have heard of SBWR but many of them have not yet visited the place, including a lot of Singaporeans. As a foreign student, I have never been to SBWR before until I participated in the SWAP project. This project gives me an opportunity to watch the wildlife in action and enjoy the natural scenery. Moreover, Wetland reserves are a very important part of the eco-system, especially in a steel and glass city state like Singapore. Hence, in order to promote the eco-tourism in SBWR, we did surveys, interviews and researches on it and tried our best to find solutions to make SBWR more well-known by people. I sincerely hope that in the future, SBWR will not only be a place where people come and enjoy the peace, but more for eco-tourism where people come to learn and appreciate nature.

Ng Shu Hui

Although Singapore has few nature reserves, a majority of the public does not visit the nature reserves and parks often. With this project, I was able to view this situation from different perspectives and find ways to get more people to appreciate natural sites left in Singapore. This project has allowed me to gain a better insight about nature reserves such as SBWR, as before this project, I barely knew anything about SBWR, much less ecotourism. Therefore, this project has done a lot to enlighten me about this nature reserve. I hope that in the near future, more people will also be enlightened about the nature reserves in Singapore and learn to appreciate them more. 

Wang Jia

I have gained many new experiences from this project. Being from China, I have never been in a nature reserve until this SWAP programme came along. This project has let me gained new experiences. Moreover, it has also let me see a lot of new plants. Other than the ecosystem, it has taught me how to do a good survey and how to carry them out. Furthermore, this project has also made me think about solutions in different methods. I have come to enjoy nature much more with this project.

Gar Yim:

This 3-day art workshop is very enriching for me. It not only gives me the opportunity to improve on mine art works, but also allows me to explore mine own creativity. I believe that through this workshop, I also build up mine own confidence. At first, I started out being a person who is unsure of one’s art works. I always think that mine art works are ugly. However, the mentors helped me step by step in improving my art works. They taught me skills to draw a better picture without lesser effort. Thus as the workshop continued, I was better able to come up with y own designs and draw them freely on the fabric and wood provided. This gave me a strong sense of achievement when I see mine completed art works. Thus, at the end of the lesson I will be able to conclude that a good art work is must not only be pretty, but must be creative as well.

Zoey:

For the 3-day art workshop, I enjoyed myself a lot. I also got a chance to draw and paint, as normally I cannot afford the time to do so. At first, all of us dare not draw or paint anything on the materials provided, like pencil case and bookmarks. However, as time pass, we gradually gain confidence and produce more works. Also, the works that we made will be sold to raise funds. I thought this was actually a good idea. Making something means it is unique and that can be a point to attract buyers. Moreover, it is handmade, so in a way we are thanking the buyer with our sincerity. In conclusion, the 3 days prove to be fun for me!

Cassandra:

This was my first time attending an art workshop and I was really enlightened by the passion for art that is portrayed by my Workshop Instructors. More importantly, I am very thankful for them for being such good volunteers by taking their precious time to guide us along throughout this workshop. I am also more than grateful when the teachers rendered me help when things went wrong while I was painting. I’ve learnt so many new art skills, especially how to paint well, since I am in charge of painting items during the workshop. I tried hands-on on various materials, including wood and fabric. It was something I have not tried on in my life since such opportunity was not given to me before. Although it was hard to paint on fabric cloths, I tried my best to ensure perfection in my artwork. Perseverance and patience was indeed an important mindset that I had used throughout this three day workshop.

Pan Yin:

The three days art workshop was an incredible experience for me. I was in the group that was given the task of designing the collage that was going to be given to the HongKong and Maipo Wetland Reserve. As we were working together designing the collage, I was able to interact with the students from other schools and get to know them better. Although there were a lot of changes made to the design as we progress, the product had still turn out to be quite successful. I had an enjoyable time through the whole process and it had given me the taste of the importance of perseverance and teamwork. I had also tried designing the bookmarks that was going to be on sale. It really gives me a satisfaction upon seeing the products that we have made during the three days of the workshop.

Gar Yim:

This conservation activity will not only allow me to have a rare opportunity to plant young mangroves, but also learn more about conservation issues and help in conserving the mangrove. I believe that mangroves are human’s great assets, however most of the world’s mangroves are starting to disappear from the Earth’s surface. Many people do not know that mangroves are actually good “barriers” against waves or floods. The alarming rate of disappearance of the mangroves definitely requires the next generation to help in mangrove replanting and conservation. This will then ensure the survival of mangroves. Thus I feel that through this conservation work, I can help to do my part to help the mangroves as well as mankind. Despite my efforts may not be to a great scale, I believe that if more students like me were to come together to help in such conservation work, we will definitely deal a great impact on the mangrove ecosystem, bringing lots of benefits.

Zoey:

Today, we had a conservation activity-planting of mangrove saplings. Despite the fact that the activity lasted for only about an hour or two, I find it “educational”. Why? Firstly, through this activity, I got to understand the hard work done by SBWR’s staff in salvaging the mangroves. It is certainly hard work. I only planted about 4 saplings and I felt extremely tired already. Secondly, as I am digging a pit, lots of organisms pop out to say “hi” to me. So, in the process, I got to know a new friend-peanut worms. Yes, it is disgusting but they are also important, as they are food for birds and other animals. All in all, I think that it has been a excellent activity!

Cassandra:

According to the staff of Sungei Buloh, we were told that such a conservation activity like going onto the mudflats of the reserve was not something any Tom , Dick and Harry would be able to do. Such a rare opportunity was even put forward to us, students and it then pushed me to treasure such an opportunity. Replanting was indeed not an easy job. My clothes got stained with mud, my spectacles were splashed with mud and my face was also splattered with mud. However, overall, it was a rewarding experience as I had played a part in the conservation of our precious mangroves. It was an eye-opener for me as I learnt how to use the various replanting tools. Although, it was tough, replanting was a new skill that I have learnt as this is not an everyday activity anyone can experience. All in all, I would indeed volunteer myself to such conservation activities again, to play my part in the conservation of the mangroves in Sungei Buloh, for the sake of Mother Nature and Planet Earth.

Pan Yin:

During the conservation activity, I was given the chance of getting closer to the Mothers’ Nature. We were assigned the jobs of planting mangroves trees in Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. It was a tiring job and I got dirty and muddy when planting the trees. Despite that, I still felt that it was worthwhile whenever I think that the trees I had help to planted will one day grow to be the part of the wildlife. I was able to have an enriching experience through the activity and I am glad that I was able to play a part in the conservation of nature.

Zoey:

On this sunny day, we went to Sentosa Underwater World for a site visit. I was actually looking forward to this visit, as I like to go to Sentosa a lot and love marine live. From the visit, I got to know that coral reefs are actually facing the same fate as mangrove trees. It was quite sad to learn that. Nonetheless, I hope that we can help with our small effort. We also went to the quarantine area for a “behind the scene” visit. It was astonishing and scary at the same time to be standing at the top of the big aquarium tanks of Underwater World! I am sure that no words in the dictionary can explain how I feel that moment. Oh, I saw Gracie, the dugong, swimming just beside me! We also got the chance to watch a show at the Dolphin Lagoon. The pink dolphins are so cute!

Gar Yim:

I feel that this is a very meaningful experience as our purpose of visiting underwater world not only include looking at the wide variety of fishes but also increase our awareness about marine conservation. As young adults, I feel that we can do our part now and in the future to help in marine conservation. Through the briefing about marine destruction of animals like the coral reefs, we definitely can do our part to educate the people around us about what they can do to protect the marine life. This includes reducing littering or even refraining from touching marine animals like coral reefs. Additionally, we can help in marine conservation work like cleaning up litter to help the marine animals directly.

Cassandra:

This visit to Underwater World took as a surprise to me, as it did not seem to be part of any conservation activity. Only till the day of the visit, did I realize that the purpose of the visit to Underwater World was actually so important to aid us in the conservation efforts in Sungei Buloh. It was also my first time hearing that the conservation of corals could actually improve the water conditions in the sea! During the free and easy time that our guide provided for us, I viewed many marine animals in the large tanks in the observation room. It was really fascinating to see how the sharks could swim ‘friendly’ with all the other meekly marine animals. More wonderful, the divers were more than brave to dive into the aquarium filled with many types of sharks. Their courage also prompted my temptation to become a qualified diver so that I would be able to get in close contact with the marine animals. It has been my dream to be able to dive in the sea, since my only experience in snorkeling in the sea and it was only a bird-eye view for me of the vast ocean.

Pan Yin:

Although it was not my first time to the Underwater World, it did not fail to fascinate me with the marine creatures living in it. We were brought around to the open areas of the tanks where the maintenance and habitat of the marine world were explained to us. Also, we went to watch the dolphin show at the Dolphin Lagoon. It amazed me that humans and dolphins can communicate with each other. Through the performance, I realized that the dolphins were really intelligent creatures with the tricks that they can do. The trip had given me an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Gar Yim:

This is another briefing that allows us to better understand the plants and animals in the reserve. We had field trips around the reserve and we get to broaden our knowledge about the different varieties of plants and animals. The trip proved to be very enriching and intriguing.

Zoey:

I have been longing to go to the reserve again and finally, I get to! Today, we learnt about the flora and fauna in the reserve. It is just so amazing! In a small corner of Singapore, there are actually so many species of plants, insects and animals. I appreciate the volunteer who gave the presentation; it was definitely a rewarding learning experience. We also venture out to the reserve this time to look at the various fauna and flora. If not for this workshop, I would not have known that the seeds of the mangrove trees are in a long bean shape. The knowledge I gain from this workshop sure widens my horizons!

Cassandra:

This briefing was mainly for us to get to know and familiarize ourselves with the different fauna and fauna species in Sungei Bulog Wetland Reserve. This would then better prepare us when we visit Sungei Buloh alone the next time. Moreover, we would also know which flora and fauna are dangerous to humans and we can refrain from ourselves hurt, during visits to Sungei Buloh, since for example there are some flora that are poisonous in the reserve and touching them would cause hurt to the skin and so on.Furthermore, such a briefing would also benefit us when we lead guided tours at the end of the year, which is part of the programme organized by Sungei Buloh. We would then be more confident in telling the names of the various species of flora and fauna.In addition, such knowledge can also help in our own project where we are able to differentiate different birds and not mistake one bird for another.

Pan Yin:

After the talk on the Understanding our Wetlands, I had a better understanding of the wildlife living in Sungei Buloh. The flora and fauna had made the mangrove full of life and fill it up with colours. We, humans are so busy with our everyday life that we come to neglect the things around us, especially the nature. It had reminded me of the importance of the conservation of the Mothers’ Nature before we lose it. Though this talk, I gain much valuable knowledge and widen my horizon of the wildlife in the wetlands which will later on help me in the project.

Gar Yim:

This briefing allows me to get a better view about Sungei buloh’s birds. I learnt that there are many bird species in the reserve. This really interests me in the following project as I hope to discover more about the reserve and its animals. Later on, we had a briefing on proposal writing and research methods. I learnt the basic things to include in one’s proposal before starting on our actual project. Thus I feel that this briefing is very useful in enabling us to do a appropriate and clear proposal. In addition, we also learnt about some useful research methods that will come useful for our project.
Zoey:

It was an enriching day! Not only did I get to know more about birds, I also get to know more about proposal writing and research methods. After the talk on the birds of buloh, then I realized that birds in Singapore do not only refer to those mynahs, crows and sparrow only. There are lots of wonderful birds out there in the reserve waiting for me to see with my own eyes! We also manage to venture a little into the reserve. This is my first time in the reserve, the excitement within me just cannot be controlled. We saw the dollar bird, purple heron, grey heron, the biggest king fisher in Singapore and many more. I am most impressed with the purple and grey herons, which are beautiful. Next, the session, on proposal writing and research methods provided me with valuable information that can be of use when we do our project. In all, it is a wonderful day!

Cassandra:

In this workshop, I actually got a chance to realize how many beautiful birds there are in Sungei Buloh. Such amazing photographs were taken with courtesy of the volunteers and it has really portrayed to us that Sungei Buloh is a great home for many circles of life! During the Proposal Writing and Research methods part of the workshop, I got to interact with other students from the two schools, and got to know them better during the group discussions. The skills learnt were also put into good use during my entire duration of my group’s report writing. This helped improve the quality of our report, and I am very grateful to Sungei Buloh for organizing such an activity for us.

Pan Yin:

I have learnt more about the ways of the research methods which will help the group to complete the project. The methods for researching of information are important as it differs from time to time, depending on what you are looking for. Using a suitable method will ensure efficiency in collecting the information and accuracy of the information collected. Proposal writing is also an important part to take note of as it is needed in every project that we do. It reminded me that I should think through the feasibility and manageability of the ideas before the group conducted it out and allow us have an overview of what we are going to do.