Professor Leo Tan, Chairman, National Parks Board;
Mr Paul Lawrence, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation;
Ladies and gentlemen;
Good morning.

OUR GARDEN CITY

Singapore’s reputation as a Garden City took seed some 40 years ago. Driven by a compelling vision to distinguish our island as a lush tropical city-state, Singapore has made various strategic investments in greenery infrastructure. From the verdant greenery along roads that form the backbone of the Garden City, to the Bougainvilleas on overhead bridges that provide visual relief from the concrete environment, we have focused on creating a green mantle throughout our island. We are now enjoying the fruits of our efforts, as we are known internationally as the premier tropical Garden City.

THE HERITAGE TREE REGISTER

2 As part of our early investments in greenery, a variety of trees were incorporated into our landscape to provide shade, color, and fragrance. These trees have matured gracefully through the decades. Today, they are an important part of Singapore’s natural heritage. Some of these trees, like the popular Tembusu at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, have evolved into icons for our Garden City. This special Tembusu is now featured on the back of our five-dollar note.

3 To conserve these mature trees, NParks launched the Heritage Tree Scheme in 2002. From the initial 35 trees that were accorded the Heritage Tree status, there are now 161 Heritage Trees. A panel of experts selected these trees from more than 360 nominations sent in by the public. The interest shown by the public in submitting the nominations testifies to how the trees and greenery have become an integral part of our lives.

4 To enhance public awareness and recognition of the Heritage Trees, NParks has developed an online Heritage Trees Register. The Register, available on the NParks website, contains detailed information including the common and scientific names of these Trees, their girth size, height and location. This register presents a great opportunity for us all to know more about these “majestic green giants”.

THE YOUNG ARBORIST PROGRAM

5 To further spread the message of our green heritage among the younger members of our population, I am pleased to note that NParks and HSBC are working together to implement the Young Arborist Program. I commend such pubic-private partnerships that bring benefits to the community.

6 The Young Arborist Program is an educational package, specially designed for our students in the primary and lower secondary levels. The Program will provide a fun and interactive framework to learn about simple tree biology, identification of our local trees and their value, the significance of Heritage Trees and the roles of arborists who take care of our trees.

7 By using the entire Singapore streetscape as an outdoor classroom, the Program will take students on an experiential journey of discovery where they will learn about trees and the important role they play in our living environment. From amongst the participants of the Program, we may well discover the next generation of arborists among us, who will rise up to the challenge to tend to these Heritage Trees in the future.

HSBC/NYAA YOUTH ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS

8 For the older students, I am heartened to know that there are also recognition schemes in place to inculcate a love for nature and greenery. Jointly organized by the National Youth Achievement Awards Council and HSBC, the HSBC/NYAA Youth Environmental Awards acknowledges and honors young people who have excelled and distinguished themselves through their commitment and participation in environmental activities. The Awards highlight the catalytic role that youths can play in raising environmental awareness and triggering environmental action. At this point, I would like to congratulate the recipients of the Youth Environmental Awards. You have made a difference to the greening of our nation.

CONCLUSION

9 The success of the Heritage Tree Scheme and the Young Arborist Program depends on the support and participation of everyone. So, the next time you take a walk or travel along the roads, keep a lookout for the majestic trees around you, and send your nominations to the Heritage Trees Panel. For parents or teachers, involve your students in the Young Arborist Program. Together, I am confident that we will be able to conserve worthy natural legacies for generations to come.

10 In conclusion, I would like to applaud HSBC for its continued commitment in supporting programmes and outreach activities to raise the level of nature appreciation in Singapore. I would also like to thank the National Youth Achievement Awards Council and the various schools for your efforts and commitment towards educating our future leaders.

11 It is now my pleasure to officially launch the Heritage Trees Register and the Young Arborist Program.

Thank you.

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