The greening of Singapore is a national endeavour requiring the close involvement and support of the whole community. In this regard, NParks works closely with the Ministry to build community ownership by enhancing lifestyle experiences in parks, promoting the appreciation of greenery and nurturing a culture of gardening in Singapore.

Through the 'Community in Bloom' programme, NParks creates green awareness by involving the community in gardening projects to enhance their natural surroundings. Other outreach programs such as the Adopt-A-Park scheme and Park Watch scheme, allow volunteers to participate in various activities. These include guided walks and organising park activities. Cultural and artistic performances and other recreational events are also regularly held to draw more people to the parks.

For more information, please refer to this website http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/

The 3,206-hectare Bukit Timah and Central Catchment Nature Reserves represent the last and only extensive pieces of Singapore's primary and mature secondary forests. NParks carries out active management of these nature reserves through reforestation programmes, removal of invasive creepers, and overseeing the overall health of these reserves.

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore's first ASEAN Heritage Park, meanwhile, is located at the northwestern coast of the country. A site of international importance for migratory birds, it covers 130 hectars and was developed from vacated prawn farms into a nature park and bird sanctuary for both resident and migratory birds.

NParks ensures the health of these designated nature areas, which includes the gazette nature reserves. It monitors and documents the biodiversity of these nature areas which are conserved and promoted as wildlife sanctuaries, and as valuable resources for education and outdoor recreational activities.

For more information, please refer to this website http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/

The Ministry, through NParks, is responsible for providing and enhancing the greenery of the Garden City. Beyond green infrastructure, NParks is committed to enhancing the quality of life through creating memorable recreational experiences and lifestyles. Adding to this is the development of extensive streetscape, or roadside greenery, which forms the backbone of our City in a Garden. An island-wide Park Connector Network is also being developed to link major parks and residential areas.

MND also works closely with NParks to continually upgrade the landscape industry in Singapore and coordinates measures to ensure the health of Singapore's biodiversity. For instance, NParks is responsible for securing roadside greenery and helps ensure that development projects include trees for shade and to enhance the aesthetics of the environment. On top of that, the Streetscape Greenery Master Plan is aimed at accentuating and providing distinctive landmarks in our future landscape.

To complement the lush streetscape greenery, the greening approach is now directed at moving upwards through the greening of rooftops and sides of high-rise buildings. This not only helps to ensure optimal land use, but also improves the environment for quality living.

For more information, please refer to this website (http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49&Itemid=54)

For information on the Streetscape Greenery Master Plan, click here (http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=78&Itemid=66)