The Festival of Biodiversity in its third year has matured! There are much better panels, a larger space for many more partners and better circulation of people within exhibits, and a larger number of volunteers distributed around the two sections. President of Singapore Tony Tan once again lent his support by officially opening the session.
What makes it all stand out of course is the invaluable contribution by volunteers who engage the public with enthusiasm and up to date and fascinating information about biodiversity in Singapore. Local researchers, educators and managers are happy to spend time introducing regular shopping folk at the Vivocity shopping centre chatting with them about our biodiversity. It is a great introduction and exposure to the topic – with inspiration provided by animals, plants and the people who care about them.
If you missed it, catch the second day of the festival on Sunday at Vivocity or keep tabs on Ivan Kwan’s twitter feed.
There are two sections this year! More space, easier for the public to move around and a more relaxed feeling. Still, volunteers were challenged to raise voices to be heard in that vibrant environment!
Singapore’s first marine park in our history, just a dream a few years ago! Such a well kept secret until the Festival of Biodiversity launch that I forgot we’d be announcing this today. Find out more at nparks.gov.sg/sistersislandsmarinepark
I love the maps!
With my neighbours Kelvin Lim (Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, NUS) and Karenne Tun (NParks National Biodiversity Centre: Coastal & Marine Unit) and the hardworking and sweaty ACRES Slow Loris
The Malayan tiger, extinct in Singapore, threatened in Malaysia. Can we help prevent this majestic creature disappear in our time? A lovely presentation by Teresa Guttensohn and friends from Cicada Tree Eco-Place, one of many groups participating in the Festival these two days
And it was lovely watching the Toddycats in action! Most of the photos below were taken by civet-poop girl Fung Tze Kwan.
Yang Yi Yong (ICCS North East Zone Captain) introducing the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum which will open doors next year
Adriane Lee (ICCS North West Zone Captain) with his iPad props about the impact of marine trash
Ambert Ang and Marcus Chua at the LKCNHM booth
David Tan talking to kids about birds – at a suitable level
Ong Say Lin (peegboy) manning the post-dinner shift
Ivan Kwan (twitter master) and Chloe Tan (smammal girl)
Ottergirl Meryl Theng
ICCS advert on one of our poster with a photo of Germaine Leng, Fung Tze Kwan and Amanda Tan at Kranji East mangrove last year. 
Some of the specimens [Photo by Ivan Kwan]
A lovely view of the hotbed of activity [Photo by James Koh]
Otterman speaks... 