On Wednesday, 22 May at 10.00am, the International Day for Biological Diversity, we were delighted to join children and young people around the world in planting a tree (a Gelam Tikus) as part of the Green Wave campaign.

A group of five Year 12 CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) students organised the project as part of their regular volunteering with NParks at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. On alternate weeks, the students have supported the Botanic Gardens in repotting trees, collecting saplings and protecting endangered species. In addition to this work, the Green Wave campaign has also offered the students an opportunity to raise awareness about biodiversity, and the need to conserve it.

Trees provide a range of goods and ecosystem services, including producing oxygen, improving air quality, providing habitats for wildlife, reducing soil erosion and absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

The Gelam Tikus tree planted, is one of three locally important trees recently planted at Tanglin Trust School – also including a Nutmeg and a Hopea. Nathalie, Year 12 said: "In the urban landscape that is Singapore, we feel it's vital to increase biodiversity. The Gelam Tikus tree we planted today is a typical rainforest tree, native to the region. It produces small berries which we hope will attract many birds and butterflies to our campus."

Head of Senior School, Allan Forbes added: "This is a great initiative. One step at a time, through projects like this, we are becoming more proactive in mitigating the effects of climate change."

At the planting, Martin Foakes, Head of Outdoor Education reminded us how small actions can have a big impact: "The students have made a difference. They have helped towards sustainability at Tanglin and made a positive contribution to the environment today. I've been really inspired by the team effort of our operations, management, teachers and students to make this happen. Thank you."