The OneMillionTrees movement is a nationwide effort to plant a million trees across Singapore over the next 10 years, bringing the number of trees in Singapore to more than 8 million.
Launched in April 2020, this movement is a concerted effort to increase the number of trees planted throughout the whole of Singapore, including our streetscapes, gardens, parks and park connectors, nature reserves and nature parks, and more
Through the OneMillionTrees movement, everyone can play an active role in building a City in Nature for future generations to enjoy.
For more information please check this NPARKS Website
https://www.nparks.gov.sg/treessg/one-million-trees-movement
Here is our ‘Nature Talk’ with Chia Shin Yin about this project.
Can you tell us how do you know about this One Million Trees project?
I was actually in the mailing list for youth nature explorers, so i came across an email about the youth stewards for nature programme. YSN (Youth stewards for nature programme) is not solely about the OMT (One Million Trees) initiative, there are other stewardship projects like creating insect themed gardens, bee hotels, therapeutic gardens, nature playgrounds, SBG research etc
Can you share your experience?
Right now, we are actually in the planning stage. The project lasts 6 months and it started in January this year ( 2021 ). My team mates actually come from diverse backgrounds- 2 are currently studying Bachelor of Environmental Studies in NUS, the other 2 are actually working adults that set aside time for this cause and i find that very commendable
We already have 2 site surveys at Thomson nature park, in the first site survey we identified a suitable plot of land near the Macaque trail but it had a lot of invasive species. But a huge albizia tree fell near the carpark and created an area large enough for around 500 saplings to be planted.
Our NParks mentor shared with us the process of planning and facilitating a tree planting event, which is actually more tedious than expected.
Here is the process we are doing:
1. We have to list down the objectives – what animals do we want to focus on, habitat enhancement (wind buffer, reduce soil erosion, restore secondary forests etc)
2. We have to identify suitable stakeholders (schools, general public or residents near TNP)
3. Research on suitable tree species(fruiting trees, shade providing, sunlight and water requirement), compile a list of trees we wish to plant and send them to Nparks staff at the Pasir Panjang Nursery for approval (some trees may not be in stock etc)
4. Attracting and sending invitation to stakeholders
5. We have to familiarise ourselves with the tree planting process (attending other events, know the safety considerations etc)
As youth, is this project bring value for you?
Well, I guess i gain a deeper understanding about plant conservation, logistics management, event planning. It aligns with my passion for horticulture, botany and conservation. One of the most rewarding things is to see the tree that you planted grow into a tall, majestic giant and u can actually see and witness the growth of a forest.
There is a saying that goes “We do not inherit this Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” I believe the greatest takeaway from participating in this OMT movement is to preserve what we have now so that our younger generation are able to enjoy the nature parks and nature reserves in the future.
If you like to become a part of this NPARKs project.
Please check this link:
https://www.nparks.gov.sg/treessg/contribute
About our guest: Chin Shin Yin.
She is aiming to pursue bachelor of environmental studies in NUS.
She is part of the team that actually researched about the type of plants that the wildlife in Thomson Nature Park consume (mouse deer, raffles banded langur, straw headed bulbul). She helped to compile a suitable list of tree species that we will plant during the tree planting event.
