Resorts World Sentosa and NUS create research laboratory on biodiversity conservation and decarbonation

SINGAPORE: Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) and the National University of Singapore (NUS) announced the establishment of a research laboratory on biodiversity conservation and decarbonization.

RWS and NUS on Wednesday (Jan.5) launched a 5-year applied research partnership to set up an RWS-NUS collaborative living lab, they said in a joint press release.

RWS has committed S $ 10 million in funding to support the Living Laboratory and its research.

The lab seeks to contribute to Singapore’s 2030 Green Plan, as well as Sentosa Development Corporation’s plans to turn the island into a carbon-neutral destination by 2030, RWS and NUS said.

The lab launch puts RWS and NUS “at the forefront” in achieving Singapore’s goals of achieving long-term success and sustainable tourism, said RWS and NUS.

RWS CEO Tan Hee Teck said the Living Lab “underscores” its commitment to making RWS a sustainable destination for Singaporeans and travelers.

“We look forward to working alongside NUS to expand research and develop innovative solutions that bring us closer to our sustainable development goals and strengthen Singapore’s position as a sustainable tourism destination,” Tan said.

NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye said he is confident that RWS and NUS “will co-create many innovative and transformative research results” that will improve biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability as well as decarbonization. .

LIVING LABORATORY PROJECTS

The RWS-NUS Living Lab will focus on two areas of research – biodiversity conversation and education, and decarbonization and nature-based solutions.

The Marine Biodiversity Conversation Project will bring together the university’s marine science research capabilities and public awareness and outreach expertise at the Singapore Oceanarium.

It aims to improve the conversation about biodiversity in and around the southern islands of Singapore.

RWS and NUS said the lab will be developed into a “powerful knowledge platform” for marine awareness and education.

“It aims to position Singapore and (the Singapore Oceanarium) as a thriving hub for the conservation and restoration of vulnerable marine organisms and habitats,” they said.

The RWS-NUS Living Lab will focus on the following key initiatives:

1. Develop a holistic biodiversity program for the Coral Triangle

The lab aims to play an active role in the conversation of the Coral Triangle, a marine area located in the western Pacific Ocean with the greatest diversity of corals in the world.

2. Implement rewilding programs to restore marine biodiversity in Singapore

The lab will identify the main endangered marine species in and around Singapore, and implement programs to restore the health of these populations in the country’s waters.

3. Explore the role of Dolphin Island in supporting research and education

The program will explore how Dolphin Island activities can support marine conservation research and education in Singapore.

4. Interdisciplinary research on the role of nature in health and well-being

The lab aims to leverage the Singapore Oceanarium to explore “cutting edge” research into the potential benefits of nature experiences on human health and well-being, which may be beneficial for mental well-being and physiological.