MSIG Insurance has teamed up with WWF-Singapore and District Race to present the MSIG Biodiversity Trail, a community based initiative to raise awareness about the protection of biodiversity for a sustainable future.

Photo: publichealthnotes

Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the variety of plants, animals and the natural ecosystems on our planet Earth that provide us with food, drinking water, clean air, medicines and shelter. 

The wildlife that we have on Earth has decreased by 60 per cent in the last four decades and is expected to drop further by 67 per cent by next year. And this in turn, affects our ecosystem, causing rising temperatures and increased natural disasters. Therefore it is becoming a pressing issue to preserve the species of wildlife that we have left.

Said Craig Ellis, CEO, MSIG Insurance, “There is rising awareness of climate change and its drastic effects on our ecosystem. We see it as our corporate responsibility to educate the public on the importance of protecting biodiversity.”

Trail will be at the Singapore Botanic Gardens

Photo: blooloop

Taking place at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the new biodiversity trail is designed to highlight the nature of the living world around us and at the same time, leveraging District Race’s experiential technology platform for an enjoyable learning experience.

Said Ellis, “The MSIG Biodiversity Trail is a fun and interactive application and the Botanic Gardens is the perfect setting to engage the public to learn more about our local biodiversity. As an all-time favourite nature sport for children and adults, we believe that the MSIG Biodiversity Trail will enable everyone to enjoy and appreciate the Botanic Gardens more.”

How to access the MSIG Biodiversity Trail

To access the MSIG Biodiversity Trail, participants need to download the District Race app and check-in at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. This is a free and easy-to-explore trail that anyone can do.

Photo: District Race

Said Ben Pember, CEO, District Technologies, “We are excited to partner with MSIG and WWF to introduce a unique and fun exploration experience that motivates the public to lead more active lifestyles while developing a greater appreciation of their city and its rich biodiversity.” 

He continued, “The District Race app is designed for anyone and everyone and we believe that it is a great starting point to get people out and rediscover what Singapore has to offer.”

No fixed route and distance

The trail has no set route or distance, so participants can plan their own routes and experience the trail at their own pace. 

Participants will be guided by the District Race app on the phones and can choose which checkpoints and challenges to attempt in order to maximise the number of points they get within the 60 Minute session.

A greater number of points will be given for completing challenges compared to clearing checkpoints and while attempting the challenges, participants will discover biodiversity facts such as the uses of our native flora and the importance that fauna play in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. 

Challenges comprise of searching out clues within the Botanic Gardens, capturing augmented reality scans or showcasing speed and dexterity.

Photo: District Race

Guided Exploration Events

WWF-Singapore is organising guided events for the MSIG Biodiversity Trail and hopes to reach out to 500 people for these. The trail highlights the variety of plant and animals at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, including critically endangered species such as the Johore Fig Tree and the Tiger Orchid.

These sessions will be taking place on the following dates: 17 Aug, 31 Aug, 21 Sep, 12 Oct and 23 Nov 2019. All of the sessions will be held from 9am – 11:30am.

Explained Maureen De Rooij, WWF-Singapore, CEO, “With MSIG’s support, we want to heighten public awareness and action to protect nature, starting with what we have in Singapore. Businesses can play a bigger role in driving positive environmental change.”

Exploring at your own pace

But those who wish to explore the trail at their own leisure though, can also do so, with the eco-educational experience being free for six months – till January 2020. 

As well, the contents in the trail will also be refreshed three times during this period for visitors to experience different aspects of the Gardens.