Launch of 'Private Lives: An Exposé of Singapore's Mangroves'

(L to R) Prof Peter Ng, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim and Mr Jeffery W Davis launched the book by pasting the cover on a copy of it.

This public education project is supported by the ExxonMobil Biodiversity Fund, which was set up in December 2005 through a donation to RMBR to produce educational materials on nature and conservation for schools and the general public. To date, RMBR has produced 7 guidesheets out of a set of 10. These full-coloured guidesheets portray interesting facts about Singapore’s rich natural heritage and ecosystems. In addition, a series of 4 books on Singapore’s biodiversity, targeted at the general audience, were planned, and two, including the present one on mangroves, have already been written.

	The book is edited by Peter Ng, Wang Luan Keng and Kelvin Lim, with contributions from 16 authors.

Professor Peter Ng, Director of the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research at NUS, said “Mangroves are grossly under-appreciated habitats, but are in fact a major part of Singapore’s natural heritage. There is a diversity there that equals that in lowland rainforests and coral reefs, and we actually know much less about this rich ecosystem. This is despite the fact that man has been using mangroves for many generations. It is very important that the general public and students realise how valuable mangroves are to humans, and help conserve the remaining patches that are still in Singapore. We are extremely grateful that ExxonMobil has joined forces with NUS to publish this book and help ensure there is a future for our mangrove forests and its myriad of inhabitants.”

Mr Jeffery W Davis, Asia Pacific Manufacturing Director, ExxonMobil Chemical Asia Pacific Pte Ltd remarked, “ExxonMobil is honoured to be associated with the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity on this project. The guidebook reveals the natural classrooms that provide us with opportunities to learn more about the flora and fauna that reside in these mangrove areas. Though small, these mangrove swamps have yielded a large number of discoveries in the last decade.”

Prof Dennis H. Murhpy, who contributed much to the studies on local mangroves, was crowned the "King of the Mangroves" by Dr Yaacob.

Titled “Private Lives: An Exposé of Singapore’s Mangroves”, the book, which is the second of the series, has over 550 photographs. It unveils the intriguing lives of mangrove plants and animals in Singapore, such as the critically endangered mangrove tree, Beras Mata Buaya, Tetragnatha josephi (a mangrove large jaw spider named after Singapore’s ambassador to Australia and Brunei), mud crabs (most easily recognised by most people as chilli crabs), mudskippers (fishes that walk on land), birds that came from as far as Siberia. The book is edited by Peter Ng, Wang Luan Keng and Kelvin Lim, with contributions from 16 authors. The book also explores man’s impact on the environment and how the environment can be preserved for future generations. The book is now available at the RMBR, Nature’s Niche and Select Bookstore at a retail price of $35 (hard cover) and $22 (paperback). Schools can get a 10% discount of the book (only at RMBR).

	Ms Wang Luan Keng, RMBR's Education and Research Officer, showed Dr Yaacob selected projects done by our young nature explorers.

At the event, two guidesheets: one on urban nature and one on coral reefs will also be launched. The guide-sheets are now available at RMBR, Nature’s Niche and Select Bookstore at a price of $5 each. Schools can get a special discount of $4 (only at RMBR).

Proceeds from the sale of the book and guide-sheets will go to the ExxonMobil Biodiversity Fund to support public outreach efforts. For more information on the biodiversity publications, the public or schools can contact: Wang Luan Keng at dbswlk@nus.edu.sg or call 65163011 or log on to exxonmobil.rafflesmuseum.net.

With the launch of the new mangrove book and guidesheets, RMBR and ExxonMobil are also pleased to announce a new education initiative: Nature Explorers’ Programme. This program will reach out to 300 students (upper primary to junior college level) and aim to cultivate these young naturalists by fostering greater awareness of biodiversity, experiential-learning and creative thinking in them. Students will be engaged in hands-on workshops, nature walks, learn to observe nature and write about them.

Photo Gallery

the photo exhibits outside LT 27..		Waiting for the arrival of the guest-of-honour.		Dr Yaacob arrived at the launch venue.
Dr Yaacob among the audience at LT 27.		Prof Ng gave an interesting overview on what can be found in the new book.		The audience were very much entertained by Prof Ng's amusing speech.
Mr Davis shared his thoughts on the importance of nature conservation.		Dr Yaacob was conferred the title "Honorary Raffles Museum Nature Explorer".		Prof Dennis H. Murhpy was pleasantly surprised when his name was called to go onto the stage.
At the sales counter.		Dr Yaacob was given a tour of the photo exhibits after the launch.		The lovely spread at the tea reception.

Photos by Tan Heok Hui and David Tan.