SIT Launches Mangrove Conservatory with S$680,000 Support from the Foundation of Rotary Clubs Singapore | SIT 10th Anniversary

SIT Launches
Mangrove Conservatory
with S$680,000 Support from the Foundation of Rotary Clubs Singapore

1st of SIT’s ‘10 Acts for Good’ initiative, the Mangrove Conservatory is established with S$680,000 support from the Foundation of Rotary Clubs Singapore.
The conservatory will serve as an integrated platform combining community outreach, education, and applied research to improve climate resilience with mangrove conservation and to develop future-proof mangrove strains for the region.
It will be situated at the Punggol Heritage Trail next to the upcoming Punggol Coast MRT Station and SIT Punggol Campus.

PLEDGING TO PRESERVE
a wide array of
genetically diverse mangroves

In May 2024, the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) announced a new Mangrove Conservatory that will be established with a donation of S$680,000 over three years from the Foundation of Rotary Clubs Singapore (FRCS)^[1].

At a signing ceremony, SIT announced the launch of a new Mangrove Conservatory with support from the Foundation of Rotary Clubs Singapore. (From left) Mr Barry Rassin, Trustee Chair, The Rotary Foundation; Mr Chew Ghim Bok, Board of Directors, Rotary International, and 2024 Rotary International Convention Head of Organising Committee Chair; SMS Low Yen Ling; Prof Chua Kee Chaing, President, SIT; Prof John Thong, Deputy President (Academic) & Provost, SIT. (Photo: Studio Zeros)

The Conservatory will preserve a wide array of genetically diverse mangroves, reintroduce lost species, and serve as a hub for innovation and learning.

Research will focus on identifying mangroves that best address climate change, increase biodiversity and maximise carbon sequestration^[2]. Public outreach efforts will include displays on mangrove species and their suitability for various coastal locations. This knowledge will be instrumental in guiding the cultivation and application of valuable mangrove species across Singapore and the region.

To inspire future generations to become stewards of our planet, SIT and Rotary Clubs will engage the community to raise awareness about the critical role mangroves play in environmental protection.

[1] FRCS is an Institution of a Public Character (IPC) - the charity arm of all Rotary Clubs in Singapore.

[2] Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide. It is a method of reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere with the goal of reducing global climate change.

Situated next to the upcoming Punggol Coast MRT station and in the heart of JTC’s Punggol Digital District, the Conservatory will be readily accessible to the public exploring the Punggol Heritage Trail, where they will be presented with first-hand opportunities to gain meaningful insights into Singapore’s ecological heritage and the importance of mangrove ecosystems.

With the ongoing climate crisis, mangroves should play a critical role. Mangroves, coral, and seagrass can protect our shores, increase biodiversity and sequester carbon. We are grateful to FRCS and Rotary Clubs in Singapore for helping us build this Conservatory. The Mangrove Conservatory will be very special, as it will help to address climate challenges and simulate Singapore’s climate in controlled environments, and with our public outreach and education efforts, we can raise awareness of the importance of environmental protection in a very tangible way.

Associate Professor Cesar Jung-Harada,
Singapore Institute of Technology, Principal Investigator and Project Lead

With the drive of Singapore Green Plan 2030 and Rotary International’s seventh area of focus, Protecting the Environment, the timing cannot be better than now. For Rotarians, who are People of Action, the establishment of a mangrove conservation facility at SIT is a huge opportunity for us to make a lasting impact on the world and community around us. The Rotary Clubs in Singapore and SIT partnership, in mangrove conservation to mitigate effects of climate change and maximising carbon sequestration, is a match made in heaven.

Mr Chew Ghim Bok,
Board of Directors, Rotary International, 2024 Rotary International Convention Head of Organising Committee Chair

Mangroves not only
protect against coastal erosion
but are also
more absorbent of carbon.

Strengthening Singapore’s Coastal Defense and Climate Change Adaptation

With climate change resulting in sea levels rising by 1.37m by 2150 ^[3], densely populated areas and critical infrastructure in Singapore could be vulnerable to regular flooding. Reimagining coastlines will be crucial in bolstering Singapore’s coastal defence and climate change mitigation, with mangroves forming a key nature-based solution in Singapore’s long-term coastal adaptation planning.

Integrating outreach, education, and applied research, the Mangrove Conservatory is unique in allowing the public to learn about and contribute to preserving mangrove diversity and restoring lost species while providing a platform for researchers to develop solutions to tackle climate change and rising sea levels. While most global mangrove research occurs in an open environment, the Conservatory distinguishes itself by creating a controlled environment that simulates Singapore’s climate change and sea level conditions. It aims to develop sea-level-rise-ready mangroves to protect Singapore’s shorelines and cultivate climate-resistant mangrove forests for carbon sequestration and as carbon sinks.

[3] https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/s-pore-sea-levels-could-go-up-by-137m-come-2150-densely-populated-areas-may-be-hit-by-regular-flooding

Scaling Up to Drive Meaningful Impact in Singapore and Asia

Beyond students, staff and the public, SIT plans to extend outreach to include experts working on applied research projects, community volunteers and agencies such as the National Parks Board (NParks) and Conservation International.

With further support from FRCS, SIT will expand mangrove research and development to ecological restoration at nearby Coney Island and Pulau Ubin. These places will have a large mangrove forest that will boost authentic learning opportunities for students.

Watch the video of SIT’s Mangrove Conservatory.