Latest News

Singapore Opens First Seed Bank To Make Sure Our Plants Don’t Go Extinct

Singapore’s First Seed Bank Now Open

The increasing global temperatures, depleting clean water resource and imbalances in biodiversity is a testament of climate change.

Source

Just like how we humans seek respite from Singapore’s unbearable heat in our air-conditioned buildings, plants need protection as well.

National Parks Board (NParks) has set up The Singapore Botanic Gardens Seed Bank to protect local and regional plant diversity against diseases, natural disasters and climate change. The bank was launched on Saturday (13 Jul).

Can house 25,000 plant species

Situated in the former Raffles College at Cluny Road, the seed bank is big enough to store seeds from 25,000 plant species.

This means that close to half of seed plant species in the south east region can be stored in Singapore’s seed bank.

Seeds are stored at -20 degree Celsius
Source

When there’s a need for habitat restoration in the future, the seeds stored in the bank can be used.

In addition to having storage rooms, there are seed biology labs where scientists can conduct research on tropical plant seed preservation.

Free visitor galleries

If you’re interested in finding out in detail the process of seed banking, there are galleries and an outdoor garden you can visit.

 


Source

To promote the importance of seed conservation, NParks will also be organising guided tours and public talks, where visitors will get to learn more about the different kinds of seeds and how they are important to our ecosystem.

Source

Biodiversity matters

The effects of climate change can be extremely detrimental to regional flora and fauna.

Biodiversity often gets hit the first and hardest by the effects of climate change. In order for us to not lose the beauty around us, we must all do our part in conserving it.

To learn more about seed conservation, head down to The Singapore Botanic Gardens Seed Bank.

Address: 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569
Opening hours: Open daily, 9am–6pm. Closed every last Friday of the month.
Closest MRT: Botanic Gardens

Featured image from NParks.

Mugdha Jaruhar

I have a snacking problem.

Recent Posts

S’pore High Commission officer accused of child neglect in London, given a warning

The authorities have investigated and closed the incident with no follow-ups required, MFA said.

16 Nov 2024, 4:14 am

‘Fate extinguished his dream’: Motorcyclist killed in container truck accident in M’sia worked in S’pore

He crossed the border daily in hopes of buying a house for his family.

16 Nov 2024, 2:39 am

Wet weather to continue for rest of Nov, temperature could drop to 23°C on some days

On a few days, the thundery showers might extend into the night.

16 Nov 2024, 1:14 am

Priest discharged from hospital 6 days after stabbing, expresses gratitude for support

His church has urged parishioners to refrain from visiting him as he heals.

16 Nov 2024, 12:27 am

Kitten with broken spine found in Thailand drain, rescuers seeking funds for surgery

The kitten will be put up for adoption after its injuries are cured.

15 Nov 2024, 6:38 pm