Speech by SMS Tan Kiat How at the ACRES Gala Dinner 2023
Jul 29, 2023
A very good evening to everyone. I am happy to be here tonight to celebrate ACRES’s 22nd anniversary and your contributions to the wildlife sector in Singapore.
ACRES’s Contributions to the Wildlife Sector
Passionate ACRES staff and volunteers help over 4,000 wild animals in distress, through your 24-hour wildlife rescue hotline. ACRES’s volunteers dedicate more than 18,000 hours every year, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to helping our wildlife.
ACRES also reaches out to the community, to promote safe and responsible human-wildlife encounters. This includes educational talks, roadshows, and on-the-ground engagements with residents.
ACRES has also just launched a handbook on strategies for co-existence with Singapore’s wildlife. This handbook has been published on ACRES’s website. It will be a helpful resource for members of the public and other stakeholders.
Last year, ACRES launched a co-existence ambassador programme, in partnership with Outward Bound Singapore (OBS).
The programme trains OBS alumni, youth leaders, and coaches to raise awareness on wildlife etiquette, incorporating messages on human-wildlife co-existence into their programmes. Two batches of ambassadors have already graduated, and some even designed and conducted a roadshow at the Istana Open House last Sunday.
These programmes play a crucial role in fostering greater appreciation for our local biodiversity, which contributes towards our vision of transforming Singapore into a City in Nature.
ACRES’s Partnership with NParks
Over the years, ACRES has been a valued partner to NParks.
First, ACRES participates actively in several wildlife working groups, where we jointly develop strategies for the conservation and management of species such as otters, pythons, and long-tailed macaques.
Second, ACRES actively provides feedback on environmental studies for development projects, sharing helpful insights on wildlife connectivity and the mitigation of human-wildlife conflict.
Third, ACRES and NParks actively engage the community on wildlife issues.
Last year, ACRES, NParks, Mandai Nature, and other nature groups launched the Our Wild Neighbours initiative. Through this initiative, we promote human-wildlife coexistence in Singapore.
For example, we recently engaged the future residents of Tengah on the common wildlife species that they may encounter near their homes, and shared tips on how to safely share spaces with wildlife. Through platforms such as HDB’s MyNiceHome roadshows and Our Wild Neighbours’ website, we have reached out to over 12,000 individuals in the past few months.
Beyond these efforts, NParks also partners ACRES to combat illegal wildlife trade. ACRES’s animal crime investigation unit collaborates with NParks’ wildlife trade team, by sharing information and supporting investigations into wildlife-related crimes.
Last year, the Endangered Species (Import & Export) Act was amended taking on board valuable input from ACRES and other key stakeholders. The amended Act strengthens Singapore’s regulatory regime and enforcement against illegal wildlife trade.
NParks and ACRES also share a close collaboration, working together on various initiatives to rescue and rehabilitate wildlife, as well as to strengthen the conservation of our native biodiversity and ecosystems.
On this note, I would extend my heartfelt congratulations to ACRES on the successful repatriation of three critically endangered turtles – Jasmine, Genie, and Saleen – to Malaysia just two weeks ago.
One of the three turtles, Saleen, had been cared for by NParks since last January. We are excited to witness these turtles being returned to their wild habitat. We wish Jasmine, Genie, and Saleen all the best as they return to the wild, and we look forward to strengthening our partnership with ACRES in the years ahead.
Conclusion
In closing, I would like to thank ACRES for your strong commitment and contributions to Singapore’s wildlife sector, and for being a valued partner to NParks. I wish ACRES continued success in your efforts. Please have an enjoyable evening ahead!