Dear Friends,
OVERVIEW
“Hopefully, Leave No Trail of Litter Behind!”
It was heartening to read in the Straits Times, dated 13 Nov 2022, about what our country and in particular what NParks is doing to make our ‘forest and trails more accessible to the public.’ We are very sure that this is welcomed by many, especially by nature lovers and the general public alike. We also agree with NParks that this effort would ‘protect and provide a habitat for a great variety of animal species that can reside within these habitats.’
The information provided in the media is important for the public to know what is being done to enhance the well-being of all; providing recreational opportunities for the public, and at the same time, the park serves to protect the Bukit Timah and Central Catchment nature reserves, ‘protecting the effects of development as well as negative climate effects.’
However, the Waterways Watch Society is concerned that not much emphasis is placed on the individual responsible actions when patronising the park. The media can help greatly in this area and as Gena Soh said, “Green, green and more green – it may be difficult to appreciate a nature park if one does not know what to pay attention to.” It is not so much as what to look out for in the park but, equally important the public needs to know what to do and not to do when in the park; for instance, to eradicate the littering problem.
Our experience tells us that many are oblivious or ignorant to the need to protect the environment and the animals living there by not littering. Take a walk and look at our floating wetlands and waterways, there is still a lot to be done to impress on the individuals. Signboards at these places can only serve as a reminder. The public must know what to prepare and bring along when going to the park and the etiquette of keeping the environment clean and free from litter.
It cannot be overemphasised that education is the way to get our people to better appreciate the greenery we have and, hopefully, we will not leave any trail of litter behind. Let’s monitor and see how Singaporeans show their appreciation for this new recreational site.
In summary, the following activities were done for this week:
- We conducted 8 CSR and 3 VIA programmes which were attended by 260 participants and 168 participants respectively, and together they collected a total of 299 kg of litter.
- We participated in a virtual Assembly Talk to 200 students from West Spring Primary School.
- This week a total of 121 members were involved for CSR/VIA programmes, talk, patrols, administration, housekeeping duties and training and, the total trash collected = 364 kg.
- Boat Patrol. A total of 4 Boat patrols were carried out; 2 at Marina and 2 at Punggol.
- Bike Patrol. A total of 3 Bike patrols were carried out; 2 at Marina and 1 at Lakeside.
- Foot Patrol. We conducted 1 Foot Patrol at Pang Sua.
- Pedal boat Patrol. 1 Pedal Boat patrol was conducted at Marina.
- Boat Training for members. We conducted 2 Boat Training sessions for our members.
ACTIVITIES AND REPORT
1. Educational Programmes
2. Volunteer Patrols & Activities
a. Marina
b. Punggol
c. Lakeside
d. Pang Sua Pond
e. Yishun Pond
