Launch Of Nature Cove

4 December 2004 (Saturday) - Nature Cove was officially launched at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve today. Sponsored by the Press Foundation of Singapore Limited (PFS), Nature Cove is a resource room catering to students and visitors to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Nature Cove has a selection of some 60 titles on wetland conservation and nature-related hobbies.

Professor Leo Tan, Director, the National Institute of Education and Chairman, the National Parks Board (NParks), graced the launch ceremony as the Guest-of-Honour. Also present were Mrs. Sng Ngoi May, General Manager of PFS, Dr. Leong Chee Chiew, Chief Operating Officer, NParks and Mr. Charles Ho, Chairman of the Garden City Fund.

Besides sponsoring Nature Cove, Press Foundation's donation of some S$19,000 has contributed to the funding of educational activities. In November, more than 20 students from Chestnut Drive Secondary School, Commonwealth Secondary School and Hillgrove Secondary School attended a one-day nature photography-cum-poster design workshop at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. The works of the students are displayed at the nature reserve, and prizes for the best photograph and best poster design were awarded at the launch of Nature Cove.

Best Nature Photograph Winner, 15-year old Rida Nisar of Hillgrove Secondary School, said, "I was captivated by the sight of the young mangrove sapling because it signifies hope and life. In addition, the solitary green plant in the midst of the brown and harsh-looking mangrove surroundings drew my attention. I am glad to do my part as a member of Hillgrove Secondary's Environment and Photography Club, and to help create public awareness of the flora and fauna around us with my photograph titled 'Hope'."

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Sng, General Manager of PFS, commented, "The Press Foundation of Singapore is happy to support this meaningful educational project to create environmental awareness and promote a better appreciation of conservation efforts among the community, especially in our young."

Dr. Leong, Chief Operating Officer, NParks said, "I would like to commend the Press Foundation for their support in sustaining our green initiatives. Nature Cove will benefit students requiring resources for their nature-related projects and also visitors curious about the flora and fauna that they have spotted at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. I am also happy to see the students learning about, and recognizing the importance of, nature conservation through the one-day workshop. We look forward to future collaborations and a lasting partnership with the Press Foundation."

Mr. Ho, Chairman of the Garden City Fund, added, "I am heartened by Press Foundation's active interest in the Garden City development. Press Foundation's contribution towards value-added amenities and educational programmes will benefit the public and the Garden City. This collaboration is a good example of working with partners and the community to conserve our green heritage. "

For more information, please contact:

Ms. Koh Puay Koon
National Parks Board
Tel: 96278169
Fax: 64747074

Ms. Juliana Chong
Press Foundation of Singapore Ltd
Tel: 63191895
Fax: 63198150

About National Parks Board
National Parks Board (NParks) is responsible for providing and enhancing greenery of the Garden City. Beyond green infrastructure, NParks is committed to enhance the quality of life through creating memorable recreational experiences and lifestyles.

NParks manages some 300 parks, the park connector network and the lush roadside greenery in Singapore. Some of the parks managed include Singapore Botanic Gardens, Fort Canning Park, East Coast Park, Bishan Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park and Pulau Ubin Recreation Area. In addition, NParks manages nature reserves such as Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.

As Singapore's scientific authority on nature conservation, NParks monitors and coordinates measure to ensure the health of designated nature areas.

About Press Foundation of Singapore
The Press Foundation of Singapore, a registered charity and an Institution of Public Character, was set up in January 2003 to help build a lifelong learning community that embraces language enrichment, creativity, diversity, healthy living and sports. The first contribution of S$20 million to the Foundation came from media group Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. For more information about the Foundation, please visit the website at www.pressfoundation.org.sg.