Calling all nature-lovers! Did you know that Singapore is home to more than 250 species of hard corals ? Or that we have over 290 species of birds and 2,100 native vascular plants ?

Heading out to the zoo or our various nature reserves and parks are some ways to learn more about the rich biodiversity that call our city in nature home, but this month, you can also visit the National Parks Board (NParks) Festival of Biodiversity 2023!

About the Festival of Biodiversity 2023

Initiated in 2012, the Festival of Biodiversity is an annual event organised by NParks in collaboration with the Biodiversity Roundtable—a group of over 20 NGOs such as ACRES, Jane Goodall Institute and more, with a heart for our local biodiversity.

Aimed at creating awareness and fostering appreciation for our natural heritage, the 2023 edition of the festival, held on 27th and 28th May at Heartbeat @ Bedok, offers a wide array of on-site and online programmes for all ages and interest levels. Best of all? Admission is free!

Festival of Biodiversity highlights

Scuba divers and ocean-lovers won’t want to miss hearing from coral scientist Sam Shu Qin on her journey transforming the Singapore seabed into a vibrant marine habitat. Those with a penchant for creepy crawlies on the other hand may be keen on meeting arachnologist, Joseph K H Koh as he shares about the defence tactics of local spiders—which can be compared to how the armed forces operate!

Alternatively, you can swing by to meet and greet nature organisations in Singapore to learn about their wildlife conservation efforts and how you can contribute. And for the little ones, there are a variety of workshops that merge craftwork and games to help them learn more about everything from the otters to sunbirds and leopard cats that share our city in nature.

Can’t make it down? No problem!

That’s not all! For those who can’t make it down that weekend look out for various community programmes and activities running through May, June and even July.

Photography enthusiasts in particular may be keen on NParks workshops like “Fabulous Birds of Singapore”, or “Incredible Insects”, both of which involve a guided walk through Singapore Botanic Gardens to spot the fascinating creatures.

And those staying home can still get in on the fun by downloading NParks craft worksheets to introduce the kids to local biodiversity in a fun and engaging way!

Sounds good? We think so too. So visit the website for more information and swing by to Heartbeat @ Bedok from 27 to 28 May to dive into the wonders that our city in nature offers!