Keppel unveils $2.08m forest wetland restoration project

It will be open to the public in early 2017.

A freshwater swamp forest will soon rise at the heart of the city-state.

The National Parks Board (NParks) and Keppel Corporation have unearthed their plans to restore the historical 1.8 hectare-forest wetland ecosystem found inside the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Keppel pledge $2.08 million to the Garden City Fund (GCF) to support the restoration efforts of the site, which will soon be named Keppel Discovery Wetlands.

The future conservation area will be home to over 200 species of carefully curated plant collections.

GCF Chairperson Leo Tan said the Keppel Discovery Wetlands will provide habitats for a rich diversity of wildlife and enhance the biodiversity of the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

"The Wetlands will also create opportunities for the public to learn about freshwater swamp forests, the plants and animals in it. In the process, they can gain a greater appreciation of our native biodiversity and conservation efforts. We hope that Keppel's support could inspire more organisations to join us in conserving our native flora and fauna for future generations," Tan said.

The site will be made up of thematic freshwater forest wetland habitats connected by trails including Orchid Islands, Pulai Marsh and Botanists' Boardwalk.

For Keppel Chairperson Lee Boon Yang, this project is in line with their commitment as a group to protect the environment.

"We believe that Singapore's natural heritage is a precious resource and all Singaporeans share a responsibility to care for the environment. The Keppel Discovery Wetlands, developed with our donation, will conserve a unique freshwater forest wetland habitat that will be of aesthetic and educational value as a wildlife refuge in our city," he said.