Located in the Northeast part of Singapore nearby the Kranji Reservoir, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is preserved as a wetland site and consequently designated as a nature park. Originally 87 hectares when it opened in December 1993 and now extended to 130 hectares, the Park received international status as a site for migratory birds in 2002.
Funding sources and management structure
The costs of construction and operation of the Reserve is mainly supported by the Singapore Government. In 1997, Sungei Buloh Education Fund was set up to support outreach programmes at the Reserve and SG120,000 was donated by HSBC Care as a start-up fund. The Reserve is managed by the National Parks Board (NParks), a statutory board in the Ministry of National Development.
Managing sustainability
NParks is part of the government, so the decision making process is centralized. Sungei Buloh Master Plan was launched in 2008 to develop the existing Kranji Nature Trail into Sugei Buloh Wetland Park.
Benefits to the community
The Reserve offers research opportunities in ornithology and mangrove wetland wildlife, providing primary data and a study site for gathering first-hand researches on natural sciences. For others, the Reserve provides a form of recreation for people to appreciate nature and wildlife.