AVT1011 Conservation and

Sustainability

Topic 1: Apply principles of conservation

of biodiversity and ecosystems – Part II
Objectives:

Explain the Describe current Apply key principles of

importance of conservation efforts conservation in local and
conservation regional contexts.
CONSERVATION
• Conservation is an act of preservation.

• Wildlife conservation: the practice of

protecting wild flora and fauna, as well as
their habitats.

• Maintain the essential ecological

processes and life supporting systems

• Preserve the diversity of life

• Ensures sustainable utilization of species

and ecosystems

• Ensure that the nature persists for future

generations to enjoy
•In-situ
conservation
(i.e., onsite)

•Protect (maintain
& recover) the
natural habitats
and the organisms
found within

• Ensure sustainable
utilization

Cynthia W.
 MARINE RESERVE
Marine reserve is a type of marine
protected area that has legal protection
against fishing or development.

E.g.:
• Sister’s Island Marine Park, Singapore
• Great Barrier Reef, Australia
• Cape D’Aguilar, Hong Kong
• Tun Mustapha Park, Malaysia

Watch Sister’s Island:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED6xzzozchI
•In-situ conservation (i.e., onsite) – Hong Kong
Cynthia W. James L.

Cynthia W.

James L.

James L.

James L.
 •In-situ conservation
(i.e., onsite)

•Terrestrial, freshwater

•Covers 9,308 ha

•Altitudinal range (<150 m to >2500

m)​

•Host a variety of habitats – plantation (eg.

Coffee/tea), rainforest, grassland

•Threats: Poaching, excessive tourism, “waste”

land auctioned away, selective logging,
civilization-resettlement
RESERVED FORESTS
• Oxygen – for survival

• Reduce pollutions

• Prevent soil erosion

• Water cycle – control moisture level in

our ecosystem

• Protect biodiversity – natural home to

millions of species of animals (including
us) and plants
RESERVED
FORESTS • The slopes and summit of Singapore’s
highest hill
• 162.5 m above sea level
Bukit Timah • 163-hectare nature reserve
Nature • 40% of the local flora and fauna
Reserve • Protected by Tree and Park Act, Nparks
• ASEAN Heritage Park in 2011
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
• Singapore's first ASEAN Heritage Park
• 202-ha of mangroves, mudflats,
ponds and forests
• migratory shorebirds
• 2880 hectares - largest
nature reserve in Singapore
• Houses Singapore Zoo, Night
Safari, River Safari
• Rich biodiversity – over 500
animal species

• Conservation effort to the

critically endangered banded
Leaf monkey – endemic to
Singapore & Malaysia
Labrador Nature Reserve

• 10 hectares of coastal secondary-type

vegetation and its rocky shore (sea-
cliff)

• many historical relics and natural

artifacts (WWII)

• 70 kinds of birds, >11 species of

butterflies, corals, crabs, seagrass,
horseshoe crabs.
•Ex-situ
conservation James L. James L. Cynthia W.

(i.e., Offsite)

•Creation of an artificial
habitat that simulates
the natural habitat James L.
James L.

•Organisms are brought

James L.
in and are looked after
under human care

Cynthia W.

James L. James L.
Ex-situ conservation
Zoos and aquaria

•In simulated environment

Cynthia W.
•Thus, it is important that the welfare of the
animals are taken into account

•Good health Cynthia W.

•Display of normal behaviour

•Access to food and water

•Clean and comfortable shelter

•No stress

Cynthia W.
Ex-situ conservation
Zoos and aquaria

• Primarily to run breeding programs particularly for

endangered animals
Cynthia W.
• Incorporate education and research (i.e., raise public
awareness)

• Tourist attraction Cynthia W.

• Conservation funds

• Associations that provide criteria for zoos and

aquariums to comply to​:

E.g., World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)

Southeast Asian Zoo Association (SEAZA)
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA)

Cynthia W.
Mandai Eco-tourism hub, featuring two new
wildlife parks:
1) Bird Paradise (2022)
2) Rainforest Wild (2024)
 In-situ In-situ Ex-situ Ex-situ
Protects a large land Removed a small number of
area (i.e. habitats threatened/vulnerable
within) animals from population ​
ADVANTAGES
BETWEEN THE Protects a variety of Increases survival rate due to
TYPES organisms human care, absence of
predation, environmental
OF CONSERVATION disturbances
​Sustainable within / Increase production through
naturally occurring breeding programs

​More adaptable to Research and education

environmental changes
 In-situ Ex-situ

May result in Small population =

competition reduced
DISADVANTAGES for land usage genetic diversity
BETWEEN THE Lack of reinforcement Risk of inbreeding and
TYPES reduced
OF CONSERVATION fitness

External threats Expensive to maintain

Difficult to reintroduce
back
to the wild
 CONSERVATION
How we can help?

• Participate in citizen science projects

• Collect nationwide data
• Evaluate species richness in the area/ country
• Facilitate policy and decision-making
• Attend talks and seminars
• Gain most updated information and research methods
• Visit educational outreach booths
• Buy responsibly
• Support sustainability
• Donate to support researches and conservation programs
 Watch: CNA Green Plan – Kickstart Your Green Journey - YouTube

CNA Green Plan - CNA (channelnewsasia.com) Singapore unveils Green Plan 2030, outlines green targets for next 10 years (channelnewsasia.com)