Young author and illustrator Ellena Gabrielle continues to raise environmental awareness through birding and cross-cultural engagement

Singapore, 10 July 2025 — Indonesian environmental advocate and illustrator Ellena Gabrielle led a birdwatching activity at the Singapore Botanic Gardens in June 2025, as a follow-up to the launch of her debut book “Get to Know Them: Introduction to Singapore’s Common Bird Folk” in 2023. The event reflected her continued commitment to promoting awareness of birds as a vital part of the ecosystem and encouraging environmental appreciation through education and experience.

The session attracted 22 participants ranging in age from 7 to 65, including citizens of Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Indonesia. Attendees were introduced to two widely used birding apps: eBird by Cornell University for checklist logging, and Merlin Bird ID for species identification by sight and sound. Over the course of the event, 14 bird species were recorded in their natural habitat.

Participants praised the educational and collaborative nature of the event. Mira Sianipar, a Singapore-based attendee, expressed her appreciation for the enthusiasm of younger generations toward nature. Another participant, Alastair, described the session as enriching and noted his enjoyment in learning to use the apps and identifying bird species.

Ellena, who is currently completing her final year at the University of Sydney with a double major in Environmental Studies and Visual Arts, shared her joy at being able to connect people to nature. She hopes the activity will inspire more people to care for the environment and develop a deeper appreciation for birds. Her book, which documents 20 bird species she encountered during her secondary school years in Singapore, serves as both a field guide and a personal reflection.

By combining science, art, and environmental advocacy, Ellena continues to engage international audiences and foster greater appreciation for biodiversity in urban settings.

Source: Indonesian Embassy in Singapore