The Singapore Island Country Club (SICC) has embarked on an ambitious SG60 Tree Planting Initiative to celebrate Singapore’s 60th year of independence. This initiative, which involves planting 60 native trees across the club’s grounds, aims to honour the nation’s heritage and promote sustainability. Among the trees planted is the historically significant Hopea sangal, also known as the Changi Tree.
During the third of several planned planting sessions, 40 participants gathered to plant 15 trees. This effort aligns with Singapore’s Green Plan 2030, reflecting SICC’s commitment to environmental goals and the preservation of biodiversity. Ian Geoffrey Roberts, General Manager of SICC, emphasised the initiative’s significance, stating, “It is a symbol of our collective responsibility to protect the environment, preserve our natural heritage, and contribute meaningfully to a sustainable future.”
Central to the initiative is the Hopea sangal, a tree species once thought extinct in Singapore. Rediscovered in 2002 and designated as a National Heritage Tree, its planting at SICC underscores the club’s dedication to conservation. The club is also supporting a biodiversity recovery programme, which includes the propagation of 300 Hopea sangal saplings.
The initiative also holds personal significance for club members and staff celebrating their 60th birthdays in 2025, connecting their personal milestones with the nation’s history. SICC’s commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated by repurposing timber from necessary tree removals into eco-friendly course fixtures.
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