1 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I

2 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I CONTENTS Explore and Reflect Aims Aim 1………………………………………………………………….…………………………. Pp3 Aim 2…………………………………………………………………………………………..….Pp15 Aim 3………………………………………….………………………………….……………….Pp27 Aim 4…………………………………………………………………………….………………..Pp33 Aim 5………………………………………………………………………………………………Pp40

Take Action Project Step 1: What Project…………………………………………………………………………Pp 45 Step 2: Integration ………………………………………………………………………….Pp 47 Step 3 & 4: Planning and Preparing……………………………………………………Pp 49 Step 5: Execution ……………………………………………………………………………Pp 49 Step 6 & 7: Evaluation and Celebration………………………………………………Pp 51 Reflections………………………………………………………………………………………Pp 52

References …………………………………………………………………………………….P55 3 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I

WSEB I: Clean Water Clean Air

Objectives: Explore the sources of clean water and clean air in the local environment. Identify threats to clean water and clean air in the local and global environment and be able to suggest solutions.

Contents

Activity 1: Exploring the Kallang River @ Bishan Ang Mo Kio Park ...... 4

Activity 2: Taking Samples of Water Quality in several locations ...... 9

Reflections about the water survey...... 10 4 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I Activity: “Exploring the Kallang River @ Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park”

Changes in the waterway between Peirce Reservoir and Bishan

In February 2013, my class went for a walk by the Kallang River @ Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park (BAMKP) as part of our Values In Action activities. For me, exploring this park is nothing new as i have lived in the Bishan area ever since i was born. I have played in the old canel (alternatively, we can call it a longkang) as a child (Figure 1), i watched as they reconstructed the old park into this new “natural” looking riverbed (Figure 2). As a cub scout, i have even explored the nature in the “new” park while pursuing my Naturalist proficiency badge (Figure 3).

5 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I

The series of photos earlier discuss the changes in the waterway of BAMKP. These changes, however, are unnatural changes. Water in nature, if left alone, is a very strong force that can even change the physical features of the land. However, in , nature is not given much chance to make natural changes to the land.

The BAMKP used to have a man-made storm drain running through it, now has a natural looking river image. These changes that were made was man-made and took place over a period of 15months, leaving a lovely natural looking park with many water features (Fig 4)

For the purposes of this section of the report, i wish to focus on two ponds that have undergone a massive change. Only the old Lotus Pond has been left untouched (of which i am glad, as it affects one part of this environmental project which i will discuss under Section 2 of the project).

6 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I

Cleansing Biotope

In the park upgrading, NParks and PUB co-operated in creating this natural water purification system (Fig 5) to increase sustainable water use in the park.

How the biotope works

Surface runoff from rain, the ponds, and water from the river is filtered through the cleansing biotope, a layered structure with many different types of plants. After the filtration process, the water is passed through a treatment process then (theoretically) used to supply water to the water playground. This all forms a cycle as the water from the playground will run into the pond from which it is channelled back to the biotope, and so the whole process goes on (Figure 6). 7 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I

If you ask, how does a man-made structure qualify as a natural purification system, it is because the materials used to clean the water is natural – the plants chosen to be grown in the cleansing system are carefully chosen for their properties. Plants like the water Canna, the Pickerel Weed, Paper Reed, have been used in many of our reservoirs as natural water cleansers (Figure 7).

8 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I

9 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I Activity: “taking samples of water quality”

I had the opportunity to work with two RI sec 3 boys who were attached to Dr David Bickford for their Science Mentorship Programme (SMP). Their project (to be described in Section B of this project) also involved an exercise on water sampling.

Area 1: Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Lotus Pond

Area 2: Bishan-Ang Mo Kio river

Area 3: Lower Peirce Reservoir

Area 4: Venus Drive stream

We collected water samples (Figure 8) from each area and tested it for various elements – namely phosphate, nitrate, and pH level (Figure 9). The purpose of this water testing was to see if the water quality would affect the population of the area. Phosphates and Nitrates could come from pollution, or the excessive use of fertilizers. Being that BAMKP is an urban park, it is highly possible that in caring for the park, excessive pollutants were introduced.

Table 1

Water Quality of four locations as measured by pH, nitrate, and phosphate levels

Lower Peirce BAMKP BAMKP Venus Drive Reservoir Lotus Pond Stream pH levels (M ± SD) 6.20 (0.04) 5.80 (0.04) 6.10 (0.05) 7.10 (0.06)

Nitrate Levels 36 47 55 33

Phosphate levels 0.02 0.05 0.03 0.02

10 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I

Explaining the results of the water survey

An internet search of frog rearing and frog breeding sites revealed that a pH level of 7.20 is considered optimal for frog breeding. are able to survive in pH levels no lower than 4.90. Therefore, the four areas surveyed should all be possible for frogs to breed in.

Reflections of the Water Survey

Two-thirds of the planet we live on is covered with water, and up to 75% of the human body consists of water. We need water to live – while a human can last on average up to three weeks without food, the same person can only last on average up to three days without water. Currently, in Singapore, we are lucky that we have clean water to drink on a daily basis (thanks to our four National Taps). Some other less fortunate countries cannot live such luxurious lives. 11 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I What humans sometimes forget, however, is that we are not the only consumers of water. Plants need water. need water. Nature needs water. Water sustains life. How do we know if a water body is healthy or weak?

The easiest indicator of a water body in danger is the appearance of green algae and slime in natural water bodies (Figure 10). The second indicator is the strong smell that resembles rotting eggs – a result rotting of stuff thus polluting the water. An ecosystem that gives off stagnant smells is at risk.

Walking in the BAMKP, one does not get that dead feeling. As such, we are very lucky – the water is of an acceptable quality. The quality of the water can sustain life, as is evidenced in both river and pond. Walking by the side of track leading to the Tree Tops Walk (that was our Venus Drive location), there is a light feeling, evidence of being surrounded by a lot of life.

12 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I

Clean Air Clean Water and The Frog Project

The young of frogs, the tadpoles, live in water. If the water body they are in is starting to putrefy, the tadpoles’ development will suffer and we may not have so many frogs making it through the tadpole stage. This will be crucial to the environment because frogs are necessary to eat insects and keep infestation by vectors under control. When water source are at risk, life-forms within that water source suffer.

The frogs’ coping mechanism towards dirty water in their habitat is simple – they move away and search for a better water source to lay their eggs in. This will bring about a reduction of frogs within the habitat, thus the animals that feed on frogs will also suffer.

Thus, the presence of clean water and air is crucial for the maintenance of frogs within an ecosystem 13 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I

 Illness  Disease carrying vectors  grass & plants  Primary Consumers

“Bad” Tadpoles  Frogs water die  Mutant frogs

Frogs leave the  Food source for ecosystem in search animals in ecosystem of better water to that prey on frogs lay eggs in

14 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I

Table 2: Threats to Clean Water and Potential Solutions

Threat Solution

Outdoor Washing (e.g. Education of the risks involved floor, car) Choose to use biodegradable soap

Littering Education of the people

Provision of more refuse bins

Stiffer fines, more monitoring

Burning Education of the people

Only burn in allocated places

Clear up after you finisih

Stiffer penalties of indiscriminate burnings (offerings)

15 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I

World Scout Environment Badge II

Objectives: Explore a local natural area. Understand the ecosystem connections of native species of plants and animals and their habitat needs. Be aware of global conservation issues affecting biodiversity.

Contents

Activity: Survey of Bishan Ang Mo Kio Park as an Ecosystem...... 16

Maintaining Sufficient Habitat for a Healthy Ecosystem...... 25 16 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I

Activity: Nature Survey of the Bishan Ang Mo Kio Park (BAMKP)

Definition

An ecosystem is the relationship of how the living resources, habitats, and residents of the area interact. It consists of many things, both living and non-living. It will also take into account the physical features of the land.

The area of my survey is the Bishan Ang M Kio Park (both park 1 and 2) as this is one of the four areas that the main project will be considering.

Description of area

BAMKP is divided by Marymount Road. The Pond Gardens (Park 1, between Marymount Road and Upper Thomson Road) is less popular/frequented in spite of the various playgrounds. People who go to this side of the BAMKP tend to be there for exercise. Park 2 (between Marymount Road and Bishan Road) is more frequented – there is a dog run, a spa, and two food places. Possibly this is why this side is more populated – the easy accessibility to food sources and transport facilities. [Frankly both are equally accessible, this easy accessibility of Park 2 is an illusion] 17 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I Table 1: Survey of Bishan Ang Mo Kio Park (BAMKP) as an Ecosystem

Park 1 Park 2

Abiotic components

- Air Similar across both parks Similar across both parks

- Water River and 3 ponds Only river & small drains

- Soil More moist – trees Drier – less trees

- Temperature Similar across both Similar across both

- Man-made Spread out, less dense Spread out, dense pockets structures

Biotic Components

- Plants Older, more variety Grass field, vege garden

- Insects More judging by the Less evidence of them sounds

- Birds More variety (see below) Less variety

- Frogs More species, spread out Lesser species, 1 location

- Other animals Lizards, snakes, terrapin, Only lizards and fish noted fish, squirrels, bats in tank/stream

- Human users Jogging and exercising Jogging, exercising, walking, talking, picnicking, star-gazing

18 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I Nature Survey: Birds

From my observations, there is a wider range of birdlife in Park 1. Depending on time of the day, the birds i have seen or heard in Park 1 (but not in Park 2, or to a lesser extent) that i can identify and name include the Coucal, the Kingfisher, the Purple Heron, the Nightjar, the Green Wood Pigeon. i have included a photo journal (not exhaustive) of some of the birds i have seen in Park 1.

19 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I

20 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I

A three month survey of Park 2 revealed only the mynah, the muniah, the peaceful dove, and the rock pigeon (not featured in my photo log). I have also seen the black- naped golden oriole fly by. The birds seen in Park 2 are also commonly seen around Singapore. There is more diversity of the birds found in Park 1 than in Park 2, possibly due to the type of activities conducted in Park 1 (closer to humans).

Nature Survey: Other life

With regards other animal life, Park 1 also has more insect and reptile life. A night walk in Park 2 is a very noisy walk – noisy with people, as it is a popular hang-out place – convenient to eateries such as MacDonald’s and kopitiam (along Bishan Street 22). Frequently in the evening, people are also walking their dogs in Park 2. Park 1, however, has less human activity – but that does not mean it is less noisy at night. The sounds one hears when walking in Park 1 are not human, but animal. Common sounds include insect and frog, and the occasional night jar (bird).

During my survey, i saw many dragon flies in Park 1 (and none in Park 2). This is probably because of the three ponds in Park 1 – dragonflies need ponds to lay their eggs in – the water source in Park 2 is not suitable for the life cycle requirements of the dragonfly, as it is located in the vegetable garden, where everything is neat and well- tended, while in Park 1, the Lotus Pond is a natural ecosystem of its own. 21 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I

22 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I

Nature Survey: Insects

There are many insects around. Bees are common in both Park 1 and Park 2, as are flies, crickets, and cicada. Other commonly seen insects include stick insects and various colours of grasshoppers.

There are some kinds of insect life that is seen in Park 1 but not commonly in Park 2. These are dragonflies. Dragonflies in the nymph form live way longer than in their adult form; in their adult form, dragonflies usually only live a month or two on average. During my survey of the BAMKP, i was pleasantly surprised to see many different types of dragonflies zipping around the lotus pond in Park 1. Not to say there were none in Park 2, but the amounts and variety was much lesser. This got me thinking about the environment and the habitat. The big difference between Park 1 and Park 2 is the amount of shade that covers the pond, and the size of the pond itself. The Lotus Pond and its surround is an ecosystem that can support a lot of life 23 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I

Figure 2: Insect life in/on the Lotus pond (Park 1): Dragonflies, Damselflies, pond skaters, boatmen, and even spiders 24 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I Nature Survey: The Frog Project

Although Park 1 and Park 2 both have their individual ponds, my study of the area suggests that Park 1 has a better environment to support frogs. The water in the Lotus Pond is sufficiently clean, with enough micro-organisms as food source for the young frog (tadpole), the lotus plants also offer hiding places for the tadpoles to swim around as they evade predators.

Featured above are the American Bullfrog and red-eared slider. Both these two are introduced creatures to Singapore’s ecosystem (together with the apple snail mentioned earlier). These three can cause damage to the ecosystem. They are threats to our natural ecosystem of the frog population, and any native species that live within the ecosystem. The American Bullfrog has been sighted in the Ang Mo Kio Town Park (on Ave 6), possibly released there by people as part of their religion. I have observed 5 of these in the waters there, hopefully they will not breed there and take over the habitat. Although BAMKP lotus pond is lucky there are no American Bullfrogs here, people have released sliders and some types of fish in the waters. This can harm the ecosystem ...

In my survey of BAMKP1, i came across five different species of frogs. These include the Asian Toad, the Field/Grass Frog, the Banded Bullfrog, the Green Paddy Frog, and the Dark Sided Chorus Frog. They are often heard and sometimes seen by the side of 25 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I the stream or around the Lotus Pond. If you go out after a storm, you will hear a cacophony of frog sounds.

Keeping healthy ecosystems and habitat

The BAMKP is a healthy ecosystem. The water is clean enough for wildlife to live in. There is evidence of many species of living things. From my survey of the two parks, we see that Park 1 has more evidence of wildlife than Park 2, a hardly surprising fact, as Park 2 is more urbanised. Do not get me wrong – both parks are man-made, unnatural parks. However Park 1 is less urbanised, has more “natural” areas than Park 2. Therefore, the species are more abundant in Park 1 than Park 2.

Maintenance of habitat for species survival is important. We need to provide sufficient undisturbed area for the wildlife to live in, to be able to hide in.

We also need to realise something very important – the point of conservation is habitat for NATIVE species to live in. The public needs to be educated on the dangers of 26 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I releasing unwanted pets especially imported ones into the natural environment. The signs at the reservoir that state no release of unwanted pets is not because we do not like to let them live, rather, it is a case of wanting to avoid the bigger problem – that of adding a threat to the natural ecosystem.

Release of any domesticated animal into an established environment can contaminate the environment. They may visually seem healthy, but they can be carriers of disease. If an infected animal is released into the ecosystem, it can poison the entire system.

Release of a non-native animal into an established ecosystem causes an even bigger environmental issue. Introduction of a new species will create new demand for limited resources. Such unnatural competition usually has negative impact on the ecosystem. An example of this is seen in the Great Lakes (USA) and the Maryland River – where a few Asian Snakehead fish were released. These fish are now called fishzilla as they have rapidly taken over the area, bringing about a reduction of native species. Authorities have offered huge rewards to eradicate this threat from the USA.

Often, it is ignorance of mankind that cause negative things to happen. When i did my surveys of the parks and natural areas, i took special care of how i was dressed. As i would be required to wade in the stream, it was necessary to ensure that i was not bringing any contamination in with me. Therefore, i purchased special boots which were kept clean with special washing (diluted bleach solution, air dried to have no water, carried in Ziploc bags). These boots were only worn when at the park/nature reserve. This was to reduce the possibility of carrying any soil or contamination to the forest reserve. It is very important that when we go to the nature reserves, we are not a source of contamination to the habitat. The statement “leave nothing except footprints” now makes real sense to me.

27 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I

World Scout Environment Badge III

Objectives Be aware of harmful substances in the local environment Identify their source. Demonstrate what personal action can be taken to reduce the risk of harmful substances to people and the broader environment.

Contents

Food Chain and Food Web ...... 28

Harmful substances in the Environment...... 29

Effects of these Harmful Substances...... 30

Actions to Reduce Harmful Substances...... 31 28 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I Food Chains and Food Webs

When discussing food chains and webs, the focus generally revolves around whether we are carnivorous (meat eaters, e.g. lions, wolves), herbivorous (plant eaters, e.g. grasshoppers), or omnivorous (eat both meat and plant, like the human). That is the layman way of considering things. An alternative way we consider this would be how we cater food for camps and events – how many vegetarians. Otherwise, all meals are catered halal and no beef (for religious reasons).

From the scientific discussion point of view, however, we need to consider a little differently, the distinction is drawn between primary and secondary consumers, distinguished by who eats what. Primary consumers eat plants, secondary consumers eat the primary consumers.

Frogs and their young occupy two positions in the food chain – as tadpoles that eat aquatic plants, thus making them primary consumers.

As adults, frogs eat insects, worms, and other primary consumers, as long as they are smaller than the frog itself. Frogs are the most fussy carnivorous around – they will only eat a living and moving animal. 29 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I

Frogs’ position in the food chain

Sun Frogs Food Web

Plants

Frogs are somewhat in the centre of the food chain, part of a complicated web of things.

Harmful Substances in the Environment

Most substances in the environment are not, by themselves, harmful. It is by the practices that man performs that harmful substances are introduced. For example, to 30 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I maintain a pretty manicured garden, the home owner tends to use insecticides to keep pests at bay. To maintain healthy plants, the homeowner will apply a commercially purchased fertilizer. These fertilizers may be chemically enhanced with the nutrients commonly believed to be good for plants – phosphates, nitrates, and so on. To maintain public parks and gardens, the amounts of fertilizers and pesticides is probably more than tripled compared to what the home user uses.

Other human practices such as littering will also introduce harmful substances to the environment.

Effect of Harmful Substances in the Environment

When a frog eats an insect that has been eating plants that have been fertilised or had insecticide sprayed on it, the frog will receive an indirect dose of the fertiliser or insecticide – small doses of fertiliser or insecticide. So if the plants had pesticide on it, the frog will be given a dose of pesticide too. The more “pesticided-insects” the frog consumes, the more pesticide the frog gathers inside itself. This process is called bioaccumulation – the increase in concentration of foreign substances within the organism.

The amount of bioaccumulation in a frog is possibly higher than for other predators of flies and dragonflies, because the frog has semi-permeable skin. The introduction of toxin into the frog is not only by what it eats (indirect contamination) – frogs will also absorb airborne insecticides through its skin. Thus, a frog has double dose of pesticides. The very biology of the frog also affects bioaccumulation, as the toxins the frog ingests or absorbs will be stored in the fats. Thus, the frog multiplies the toxins in its body. This does not lead to the immediate death of the frog (unless the chemical contamination is Very Strong). It makes the frog into a chemical time bomb for its predators.

Keeping in mind that the frog is in the middle of the food chain, its predators, for example the kingfisher, will, on ingesting the frog, be exposed to indirect poisoning effects of chemical substances. 31 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I The pattern keeps multiplying, all the way up to the ultimate consumer, which, by the way, is not man directly. However, indirectly, we will suffer the effects. This is because, the ultimate destiny of the consumers is the ground ... back to Mother Earth. All living things will die. The remains will end up “feeding” the soil for the trees and plants to grow.

Thus, in using pesticides and other chemically enhanced solutions, we are indirectly contributing to the pollution of the environment, thus killing the earth. Realisation of this has given me insight that the phrase “Sick Planet” is no more a joke, it is now a reality. We must make the changes, and do what we can to persuade others to be aware and change our approach of handling things.

Actions to reduce Contamination to the Environment

The easiest way to reduce contamination to the environment is probably to reduce the bad habits that we practice. Singapore has many dustbins, therefore, the best thing we can do with rubbish is to bin it.

With regards to fertilisation and insecticide, perhaps we need to alter our handling practices to using environmentally friendly products. These are either biodegradable or with minimum chemical additives.

32 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I Won’t it, however, be better if we considered even more environmentally friendly ways to fight pests? Rather than introduce these expensive alternatives, why not use natural methods? Mother Nature has her own solution to pests. If man were more aware of the natural alternatives, perhaps we can then reduce the reliance on chemical compounds, thus leading to a healthier lifestyle.

33 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I

World Scout Environment Badge IV

Objectives: Recognise how we are connected with the environment and how we can make informed choices about our actions that can minimise the impact on the environment. Identify potentially better environmental practices for your local area. Demonstrate how local solutions can impact global issues.

Contents

Waste not, Want not...... 34

Singapore’s Garbage Challenge...... 34

The Five Rs...... 36

The Bigger Picture...... 38 34 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I Waste not, want not What is waste? Loosely defined, it is something we do not want, it is something that we throw away. Rubbish/trash/garbage is waste.

What happens to the waste we dispose of? That sounds like a very stupid question because obviously, waste is thrown away. We have something at home that is an eye- sore, get rid of it. Remove the eyesore. But do we stop to consider – is this a good way to get rid of unwanted stuff? The “rubbish journey” (as I like to call it) has only two outcomes, both of which are not the best for the environment. When we throw our rubbish into a rubbish bag, it goes into the rubbish trucks, which will go to one of two places – either the landfill or an incineration plant. Landfills are where the rubbish is thrown in, and left to decompose; at the incineration plant, the rubbish is burned up.

Waste has another meaning. It is when we do not use a resource well. Is our rubbish really rubbish? Or is it usable resources wasted?

Singapore’s Rubbish Challenge Singapore is known around the world to be a clean country. One of the main reasons for this is the daily rubbish removal, unlike some countries where the rubbish is removed from private homes once a week (e.g. , ). Here in Singapore, households pay a small sum (mandatory) for the convenience of daily rubbish removal, thus keeping our homes clean and fresh smelling. Many will say it is necessary, as many live in high-rise apartments, where accumulation of rubbish can lead to increase in pest infestation and ultimately, disease. Therefore, it is very good that Singapore practices daily rubbish removal.

But is it really so? When we make removal of rubbish so easy, we are unconsciously increasing waste – it is not uncommon to throw things away before the real end of their usefulness. 35 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I

Daily removal of rubbish means there must be a place to put this rubbish. There are two basic ways of removing rubbish in Singapore: through landfill or incineration. Lorong Halus was used as a landfill from 1970 – 1999. When it was closed on 31st March 1999, Singapore started a new landfill location, Pulau Semakau. The Lorong Halus landfill was then left alone, and has since been converted to a wetland reserve and recreation area. However, visitors to the Lorong Halus reserve note that it does not smell like other nature reserves, and they attribute this difference in smell to the non- operational landfill. The smell of decomposing rubbish is very evident when one visits this reserve. Pulau Semakau started operations on 1st April 1999. It is a man-made island built by enclosing two existing islands, the landfill taking up sea-space. Annually it receives 200,000 tonnes of waste. Based on estimates, at the rate of how Singaporeans dispose of waste, Semakau will be filled up by 2035. This is especially so if we do not stop to spare a thought for how we are disposing of “rubbish” (or waste). 36 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I

The big question is, are we necessarily disposing of rubbish, things that have no more “life” in them? When we tire of something, it is rubbish to us, and then thrown away. However, is this true?

The Five Rs The Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (FKA Ministry of Environment) has addressed Singapore’s Rubbish Challenge with public awareness of our plight of lack of land. The first step in reducing rubbish is to consider if what we are throwing out is really rubbish in the first place. Previously, it was The 3Rs of “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle”. First consideration is the reduction of rubbish. Affluence is not a reason to waste resources. Using items and re-using items will also reduce the need for more disposal. 37 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I The third R that we have been exposed to is recycle, the concept of sending items to special plants which will convert the item to new life of some sort.

Now, the catch phrase has changed to The 5Rs, adds on Refuse and Repair to the original 3Rs.

Given how long it took to educate the masses on the 3Rs, how long will inculcation of the 5Rs take – will the addition of two extra Rs be easier?

Refuse speaks of saying no to unnecessary packaging such as plastic bags and take away food containers. Why not bring your own? To support the “use less plastic bags” movement, NTUC offers a $0.10 reduction off if you bring your own bag. Other places, in an attempt to aid in the education, will charge for plastic bags. Sadly, however, I have observed people who go to 7-eleven, insist they need a carrier bag when they buy a single 500ml drink, and once they leave the shop, they take out the bottle and throw the bag into the dustbin!

Refusing can also come from buying items in bulk rather than small “handy” packs, as each smaller pack will give rise to extra rubbish which goes into the incinerator or landfill. That is called refusing extra wrapping and unnecessary packaging. 38 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I

If I am a good scout, I will choose to mend the holes in my socks rather than buy a new pair. Sewing buttons on to shirts is easy enough, but mending holes in clothing is a challenge. However, as a personal commitment to the environment, I will learn how to repair the holes in my clothes. Other items that can be repaired but perhaps not by me would be electrical items (computer, television, etc.) as I lack the technical skills.

The Bigger Picture Creation of waste will create more need for disposal services. Already, we have closed the landfill on the mainland (Lor Halus). It was projected that the offshore landfill will be full by 2035. What about waste after that?

Incineration, which is already in practice, is a costly practice, in more ways than financial. Building the plant to meet the needs of waste removal is costly – and we have two in Singapore, to meet the service needs. However, did anyone consider that the 39 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I actual act of waste removal by burning causes pollution of the atmosphere? This has a larger impact on the environment issue. Burning releases dirt and heat that affects the ozone, and indirectly climate change. As more rubbish is burned, more carbon is released. If the rubbish was not sorted properly before being thrown into the incinerators, we may also be burning items that are toxic to the environment.

Often humans purchase items because of wants. Perhaps we should start to consider “do we need it” first. As with the example of the carrier bag from 7-eleven earlier, many people say they “need” the bag. Is it really a need? The bag that could have been used again was deprived its next chance to be useful.

40 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I

World Scout Environment Badge V

Objectives: Be able to recognise different types of environmental hazards and natural disasters and explain why they occur. Demonstrate how to help other people to be prepared to respond to environmental risks, hazards and natural disasters.

Contents

Environmental Hazards and Natural Disasters in Singapore...... 41

Environmental Hazards and The Frog Project...... 42 41 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I Introduction Singapore is a relatively safe country in terms of natural disasters. Our most direct natural disaster would be flood. However, there are environmental disasters that we are threatened by, such as illness (avian flu, dengue) and hazards (e.g. haze) created by others. a) Flood

Usually caused by unnaturally large amounts of rainfall associated with climate change, coupled with the fact that the country is an island that is subject to the influence of the tides, we do experience flooding. We are highly fortunate, however, that we have an excellent drainage management plan devised by the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, in conjunction with the Public Utilities Board, to handle this issue. The recently constructed Marina Barrage and the constant monitoring of the country’s waterways has allowed us to cope with our flooding issue. b) Avian Flu

After H1N1 then H5N1 (2008) first hit us, our response to the new strains of such illnesses have been simple: Cull. The removal of the birds that may be infected (and many innocent ones too) has been largely effective, that we have not had any fatal cases of avian flu. Not to say that people have not caught it. Basically, since SARS in 2003, Singapore has been on a readiness alert to handling illness. SARS was a tough time where we lost people. Since then, we have been vigilant. Our strategy is simple – do not buy from infected places, remove all potential sources of threat. c) Dengue

This year, weather change has wrecked havoc in relation to the dengue situation. Number of dengue cases have exceeded 10,000, five people have died as a result of it. The hot and wet season of (months) has been favourable for the mosquito to breed. But the nation is not sleeping – under the watchful eye of the National Environment Authority, we have responded to this threat well. Recognising that prevention better 42 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I than cure, our residents are vigilantly performing the 5-step mozzie wipe out (failure for individuals and companies to do so will incur fines) while the NEA officials are making visits to construction sites and private residences likewise, to check for stagnant water and signs of mosquito breeding. d) Haze

This year, the Indonesian forest fires started early and made a mess of our country. We had to postpone our June Cuboree and i am sure sales of inhalers would have increased, as did sales of face masks.

Haze, which is a by-product of massive burning, is not uncommon in countries with huge forests. To the individuals who live in such countries (e.g. Australia, Indonesia, etc.), coping with the haze is probably no different on a day to day basis. However, to us in Singapore, the presence of haze spells an increase of respiratory illnesses, and more people staying indoors.

As the haze is not caused by us, the only management plan we have is to monitor the PSI readings and take appropriate evasive action. This year’s haze was exceptionally bad, that we managed to set a new high PSI reading of 401 in the hazardous range. Prior to this, our high was only in the unhealthy range at 160s+.

Environmental Hazards and The Frog Project

Of the hazards named, the only one that directly Flood and its effect on frogs

Heavy prolonged rains can be big trouble for an island nation like Singapore. However, we are lucky, with the excellent coping plan, the people are “saved”. What about the animals? Most animals will be ok. Not so for the frogs living by the drains, because heavy prolonged rains can cause water levels to rise. This section will consider the plight of the frogs in flood 43 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I When water levels are high, undercurrents are natural. This can affect both frog and tadpole. Imagine being in a washing machine, spinning around. To the tadpole or frog, heavy swirling rain water probably has a similar effect.

With heavy rains, the ecosystem of the water body the frogs and tadpoles live in is disrupted. In most cases, the mud in the pond will be churned up. Sometimes, this can cause harmful substances that were previously settled to become active.

With heavy rains, contamination from the environment is more likely to be washed into the water bodies , thus new toxins are introduced to the habitat, thus causing a threat to the habitat.

During the heavy rains, tadpoles may be disoriented and rise to the surface to obtain more oxygen. Often, with flood situations, the water level is higher than the natural limits of the pond. Thus, when the waters subside, some unfortunate tadpoles may be trapped outside the water body, thus leading to their early demise.

Sadly, there is little that we mankind will do to cope with floods that can positively impact on frogs.

44 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I

Take Action

Identify local environmental issues and potential solutions. Plan and execute an environmental project.

Understand the local to global connection of the project.

Contents

Flowchart of a Scout Project……………………………………………...... 45

Step 1: What Project………...……………………………………...... 45

Step 2: Integration ...... …………...... 47

Step 3 & 4: Planning and Preparing……...... 49

Step 5: Execution……………………...... 49

Step 6 & 7: Evaluation & Celebration...... 51

Reflections on The Frog Project: What have i learned…....………………...……52

References ……………………………………………………………………………….....55

45 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I Take Action: Scout Project on Frog Conservation

Figure 1: Flowchart of the steps in a scout project

Step 1: What. [Nov/Dec 2012]

The answer was simple. WE NEED FROGS BECAUSE FROGS ARE COOL!

Ok, to be honest. Mum has been scrap booking for years, and when i flipped through, i came across a few interesting articles. This one, from 2008 (The Year of The Frog, by the way), in The Straits Times, talked about the threats facing frogs. There was also this article about a Pinocchio-nosed frog in the Papua forest in Indonesia (ok, to be fair, the article was about weird animals found in the Indonesian forests). 46 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I

I mean, who wouldn’t be interested in finding out more of these amazingly wonderful creatures? A frog with a long nose (won’t it be really cool if this beauty’s nose grew when it croaked), a frog without lungs, colourful frogs that are potential cures for illnesses, and so on.

Keeping this in mind, i started to consider how to work this idea through. I mean, i have the idea i want to save frogs. But how can i, a young kid, do that?

I discussed with mum, and started with reading. The internet had a lot of wonderful information for me to use. More importantly, from the research, i was encouraged that i was not alone. There were so many projects out there – Australia’s Climate Watch was doing a frog observation and census, there were various American projects. Yes, i could take the easy way out – an armchair conservationist who donates money, read newsletters, and keeps informed. But no, I am a scout, and the scout way is not an armchair way. We learn by doing. We need to get out there, we need to get involved directly and take an active part.

So the challenge now was to find a way of getting involved. I visited the zoo, I searched through websites. I managed to identify that there are some frogs locally that are endangered. Interestingly enough, some of these frogs are not on the IUCN red list. Why is this so? As i read more, i wondered also – how many frog species are there in the world? From some of the figures i managed to uncover, i noted that there were actually more species being identified now, then previously. How can then frogs be 47 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I endangered? Somehow this did not make sense. I needed to talk to someone who could answer these questions. Something somewhere in the reading was not adding up, not making sense. Or was i being myopic?

Step 2: Integrating sources together [Jan 2013]

Amphibian’s Ark, Climate Watch, Save the frogs .. the sources were wide, but far away. I decided to narrow my field of search – look for someone locally who might be able to help me.

The Singapore zoo did a Leap from Extinction exhibition in 2012. Murphy, why are you my best friend? I embarked on this a year late thus missing the leap year. One local programme down.

I read about about NUS student Teo Yea Tian (Tan, 2010), who studied the black- spotted sticky frog and setup artificial breeding areas for them. Her timing was good – she completed her survey in time to have it published as part of the celebration of Singapore’s biodiversity as 2010 was the year dedicated to that.

I was so encouraged from reading the blog about her work, I wanted to rush out there and set up breeding sites too. But would that create problems? Could i just go out there and do that? If i did, NParks and NEA would probably be knocking on the door wanting to give me a fine for littering and possibly breeding mosquitoes.

Then another thought struck me – if i wanted to make an impact, i should not work in random isolation. I should align myself with local projects of similar nature. I needed to find like-minded people here in Singapore, and get myself working with them. 48 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I It was then that mum suggested i write to the herpetologist in the NUS who was Ms Teo’s supervisor, and very much involved in conservation. I gave the idea some thought, and did some background research on this PhD holder David Bickford, head researcher of the Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Laboratory in the National University of Singapore (by the way, he was interviewed for that 2008 article that mum had). He had published many papers on frog census and frequently travels to way out places. He was also the lead scientist who discovered a lungless frog in (Bickford, Iskandar, & Barlian, 2008). But more encouraging to me, as i dug deeper, was the report i uncovered that this man was an Eagle Scout in 1985. Once a scout, always a scout. Maybe he would talk with me. Should i write to him and hope he will write back? I was so sure he would be very busy, and the chances of meeting would be slim, so maybe, if i wrote email, he will answer my queries.

Unknown to me, mum wrote to Dr David Bickford in December and explained that her son was interested to get into frog conservation for a scout badge. He immediately agreed to meet up with me in January. We met and discussed ways i could assist in various projects with his other students, and gave us many papers to read through. He also explained that although i may not be directly involved in conservation efforts, research and census taking would be a starting point, as the information we gathered would indirectly contribute towards conservation. He wanted to link me up with some upper secondary students who were doing research projects for science in school.

I was then attached to a team of Sec3 students from Raffles Institution in February. The boys were doing a Science Mentorship Project (SMP). Although Dr Bickford was a busy man, he made time for us whenever possible, to discuss the work. He explained that my role was supportive, to help the boys, who were graded for their work. The team’s focus was to study the biodiversity of the frogs, and to establish a form of census for the frogs in the Bishan / Ang Mo Kio / Upper Thomson area. The findings of our team would be integrated in his main research which included categorising species, studying biodiversity of frogs, and most importantly, towards the education of healthy 49 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I practices so as to keep the balance in the ecosystem and not harm the local environment.

Steps 3&4: Planning & Preparing (Mar 2013)

We agreed to go “frogging” every Friday or Saturday night, dependent on schedules and weather. But before we went out, we were to prepare certain equipment: torches, notebooks, water survey kit (on loan from DrB) and most importantly, boots. We also were to do a lot of reading up to fully understand the situations we would be facing. We would also need to be familiar with frogs visually.

We went for several reccees where we viewed potential sites and took stock of potential dangers. During the reccees, we also attempted to spot and identify frogs by their outward features. Where possible, we also took sound recordings of their calls which we sent to Dr Bickford to help us identify. Happy to say, with the aid of my trusty copy of Wild Animals of Singapore (Baker & Lim, 2012), I was able to identify the frogs we saw during our reccees visually.

Once the RI boys decided their hypotheses, they drew up their log sheets. Armed with rulers, clip boards, log sheets, torches and headlamps, gloves, we were ready to go.

Step 5: Execution (Apr – July 2013)

The project the RI boys decided on involved sampling four locations. Each location was to be surveyed four times, sometimes on the same day, sometimes different days. The objective was to find any frogs in the area and record information about it. As they hypothesis was that water quality and urbanisation would have an effect on the type and number of frogs living in the area, we needed to take water samples at each location as well.

Method: walking along narrow tracks in single Indian file, flashing our torches around, hoping to catch eye-shine. When we saw a frog, we would first try to identify it from a distance (mum would take photographs where possible). After the photo was taken, we 50 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I three boys would move in (if space permitted) to surround the frog and try to catch it gently. This was the toughest part of the project, in my opinion, as it was not easy deciding if i was exerting too much pressure. Once we caught it, we stretched it out to measure the length of frog from snout to end of body (SVL) as this is the way they are listed in all the nature spotting books. This would aid identification of the frog as often, different species were confused frequently as they looked similar. After measuring the frog (and recording the data on the log sheets) we would return it to its habitat.

The data (individual log sheets of each frogging session) was analysed by the RI boys who were required to write up an academic style paper. My job towards the data gathering was only to spot, catch, and release. After all the frogging sessions (to spot, measure, record data) was done, my job was over. I just had to write my reflections on The Frog Project as a scout project, to tweak my part played to being part of an active conservation project.

51 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I Step 6&7: Evaluation & Celebration (Aug 2013)

Time for celebration, or was it?

When Dr Bickford sent the RI boys’ final paper to me, i read it through. I was surprised at the data they reported. I noted discrepancies with what i remember seeing. Now i was stuck in a pickle – do i report what i know, or keep quiet and report my part in a conservation based on the written report? My conscience pricked madly when i went to meet Dr Bickford to return a book he lent me. When he asked how I enjoyed my experience in conservation, and what I learned from it, I was stuck. I had fun, I learned a lot, that is true. But the data was not accurate. I was not sure how to bring this up. I hesitantly mentioned that the data was a little different from what I remember, and stopped there, not sure how to continue. It was good that mum was with me. She diplomatically communicated to Dr Bickford that the data may not be too reliable, as some of the species reported in the locations were not highly accurate. As a researcher herself, she recommended that Dr Bickford might not want to pool the data with his research, without cross-checking. I immediately offered that if he wanted to use these areas for his census, i would be more than glad to be part of the team, as i knew the terrain well.

Dr Bickford’s response to the knowledge that the data may not be totally reliable was a learning experience for me. He did not show anger or upset with the knowledge. He took the information fairly calmly, and shared about the importance of accuracy in science, while trying to balance the fact that science is tentative. The important thing in science is to tell the truth. Even if the data was not the best, it is best not to inflate it or fabricate any data, as it affects the bigger picture. We all need to realise our place in the whole scheme of things, and be aware of what each of our little actions will do. (This reminds me of how each of us has a part to play in conservation. No matter how old or young, how big or small we are, we all have a part to play in conservation. Like my young cousin, only 4 or 5 years old, she sorts through rubbish with her grand- father, identifying what can be recycled and what cannot. Her contribution may be 52 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I small at present, but if we all did that and encouraged others to do that, we can save a lot of landfill).

However, for the purpose of my WSEP... does this mean i need to re-do the whole “Take Action” section? The data is not reliable, therefore, it does not really contribute towards conservation. Dr Bickford assured me, however, that my verbal report of the types we identified could still count towards conservation, as I still had the knowledge that would aid understanding of the current status of frogs, and threats to them. Most importantly, the voice of a young teen speaking out is sometimes more effective in making a change, than all the scientists with their fancy journal articles.

Reflections (evaluation) of the project

Although this was only a small project to many, it has implications on a bigger scale. DrB had a few teams out there, all doing their own census counts of various locations. 53 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I When all the teams’ data is pulled together, we can get a better picture of what frog population is like in Singapore.

This is the ideal. With the fabrication of data, does this mean that our project was a failure? In terms of contribution towards science, yes, it is a failure.

The Frog Project: What i learned

Frogs are awesome.

They are the policemen of nature, the perfect natural environmentalists as they are clear indicators of the health and balance of the habitat they reside in. Their presence serves as a control of the pests such as mosquitoes, grasshoppers, locusts, and other primary consumers. Not only do they keep the pests at bay, their presence as food source keeps the other animals further up the food chain happy. If the frogs disappear, so will the raptors like owls and eagles, as frogs is one of their food source.

Frogs are adaptable survivors. Frogs have been around for a long time (as long as the dinosaurs roamed the earth, apparently), and although some species have disappeared, their descendants have evolved with new coping strategies. There are so many interesting things about frogs that i would love to be able to do. It would be so cool if we could develop new coping techniques to face climate change, for example. From what i learned about frogs’ survival techniques, some frogs have adapted in such highly evolved ways, that rather than lay their eggs in dirty water, they may lay their eggs in just a small puddle of water that could dry up within a week, and yet the habitat will still have those frogs present – all because of the reduced time in the tadpole stage. The young froglet emerges within two days of the eggs being laid. This adaptation for survival was necessary in habitats where the water is not the most ideal. Frogs’ reproduction process is so highly evolved – they have up to 41 known ways to ensure continued survival of their species. Aside from the rapid development and close to absence of tadpole stage, some frogs give birth to live young, while some other frogs will carry their young around on their back during the larval (tadpole) stage. 54 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I The continued existence of frogs rests on humankind. It is our careless actions that threaten their existence. Actions such as littering, pollution, use of harmful chemical products, indiscriminate clearing of natural forests, introduction of contamination to the natural ecosystem through release of domestic pets or non-native species all threaten the frogs’ ecosystem.

Integrity of a researcher is very important. If we all reported accurately what we saw, we would be giving a real picture of what exists in the environment, and have a clearer indication of the health of the environment.

Each little action has its reactions, and the reactions can be small at first, but like the ripple effect, they become bigger as it moves away from the centre. Failure to report a crack in the wall could result in an entire building collapsing in the future. This works for both good and bad

55 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I References

Baker, N. & K. Lim (2012). Wild Animals of Singapore: A Photographic Guide to Mammals, Reptiles, and Freshwater Fishes. Reprinted with corrections and updates. Draco Publishing and Distribution and Nature Society (Singapore), Singapore. Bickford, D., Iskandar, D, & Barlian, A. (2008). A lungless frog discovered in Borneo. Retrieved from http://darwin.biology.utah.edu/PiqueArticles/Bickford%20et%20al.%202008.pdf Girardeau, L. (nd). Solving the mystery of decline. Retrieved from http://pages.uoregon.edu/titus/herp/documents/girardeau.html Ng, T. H. & Yeo, D. C. J. (2012). Non-indigenous frogs in Singapore. Nature in Singapore, 5, 95-102. Electronic copy retrieved from http://rmbr.nus.edu.sg/nis/bulletin2012/2012nis095-102.pdf Ng, Z. H. (2006). Frogs in Singapore. Retrieved from

http://anura-in-singapore.blogspot.sg/index.html#116641343709877532

Sodhi, N.S., Bickford, D., Diesmos, A.C., Lee, T.M. Koh, L.P., et al. (2008). Measuring

the meltdown: Drivers of Global Amphibian Extinction and Decline. PLoS ONE, 3 (2).

Tan, R. (2010). Breeding boost to Singapore’s native frogs. Retrieved from

http://iyb2010singapore.blogspot.sg/2010/07/breeding-boost-to-- native.html#.UhXGUT-1cxh

Teo, Y. T. (2010). Breeding boost to Singapore’s Native Frogs. Retrieved from

http://iyb2010singapore.blogspot.sg/2010/07/breeding-boost-to-singapores- native.html#.UhWSWT-1cxg

56 ROCY: World Scout Environment Programme I