Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (SBWR) has been identified as an East Asian Australasian Shorebird Network Site. This means that SBWR is recognised as a site of international importance for migratory birds.

An international co-operative effort developed in 1996 by Wetlands International (an NGO) and supported by both governments and non-government organisations, the East Asian Australasian Shorebird Site Network raises the awareness on the importance of wetland areas for shorebirds and promotes activities for their conservation. SBWR joins 30 others sites from 9 other countries in this network - Australia, China, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Korea and Russian Federation - including Australia’s Kakadu National Park, China’s Mai Po and Japan’s Yatsu Tidal Flats. Through this network, SBWR will share research information and resources with its international counterparts.


A certificate was presented to SBWR to signify its formal entry into the network at the Official Launch of Countdown to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve 10th Anniversary on 7 December 2002.

The ceremony was officiated by Guest-of-Honour Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister of State (Ministry of National Development). Also in attendance were Prof. Leo Tan, Chairman of NParks, and Mr Eric Gill, General Manager and CEO of HSBC.

In his speech, Prof. Leo Tan said, “Just as some of these migratory birds are highly faithful to their wintering site, we have a community of people who are just as highly committed to this wetland site. This includes our volunteers who have been with us since the first year of the reserve’s opening. A number of them are among our midst today”. (please check Prof. Tan’s quotation against delivery)

On HSBC, Prof. Tan elaborated, “HSBC, a long-standing corporate partner of Sungei Buloh since the opening, has been a staunch supporter of the wetland reserve’s nature outreach programmes. In so doing, HSBC has added to the richness and variety of Sungei Buloh’s education programmes. Sungei Buloh would not have come so far without the dedication, commitment and support of its partners, the local community and the wetland reserve’s many friends”. (please check Prof. Tan’s quotation against delivery)

A year-long programme of countdown activities commencing on 7 December 2002 – including mangrove planting, nature journal and photography competitions, and monthly library talks – have been planned to involve the community.

Speaking at the event, Mr Gill commented, “The programme lined up for the year ahead exemplifies how HSBC and NParks work closely together - in partnership with the community - to reach out to individuals, schools and organisations, bringing everyone closer to nature. Through the activities lined up, we hope participants will have the opportunity to learn about nature at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. We are proud to be associated with Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and look forward to developing future partnership programmes”.

Issued on: 7 December 2002

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