Biodiversity research in Singapore

Why is biodiversity important?

Biodiversity is essential to life as we know it. Every species, no matter how big or small, plays a role in keeping our natural world healthy and balanced. These natural processes are called “ecosystem services,” and they benefit us in many ways.

Ecosystem services are critical functions provided by biodiverse, well-functioning ecosystems. These include processes such as water purification, air quality regulation, soil fertility, pollination of crops, and climate moderation.

Biodiversity enhances the resilience and stability of ecosystems, ensuring they can continue delivering these essential services even in the face of environmental changes or disturbances.

Why is biodiversity research and conservation needed?

In the face of global biodiversity declines due to anthropogenic activities and climate change, biodiversity conservation is needed to prevent biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. Such efforts are even more crucial in Singapore, which has less than 1% of its primary forests remaining and hosts many critically endangered species. Biodiversity research helps inform conservation efforts by identifying and filling knowledge gaps, enabling the development and implementation of appropriate strategies and policies. Both research and conservation work in tandem to safeguard Singapore's unique biodiversity and ecosystems.

Research Projects in Singapore

Learn more about some of the research projects in Singapore's biodiversity conservation scene!

Tropical Forest Ecology Research Programme

The Tropical Forest Ecology Research Programme was launched by NParks in March 2021. It aims to inform forest conservation strategies and policy in Singapore and the region.

Garden Bird Watch - Contribution to research and conservation

Learn more about how the data collected from Garden Bird Watch contributes to conserving Singapore's garden birds through analysis and research.