A major remit of NBRC is to manage all available information and data on biodiversity in Singapore.  Diverse biodiversity-related information and data are at present generated, stored and updated by different organizations and individuals.  NBRC will maximize the usefulness of such information and data by linking them in a single meta-database.  Having relevant, complete, and up-to-date information is crucial for many decision-making processes that take biodiversity into consideration. Having such a hub of biodiversity information and data at NBRC will also allow knowledge gaps to be better identified and addressed.

The National Biodiversity Reference Centre also subsumes the present roles and responsibilities of the Biodiversity Centre of the National Parks Board.  NBRC will continue to take responsibility for the conservation of both terrestrial and marine flora and fauna in Singapore and represent NParks in its role as the government’s Scientific Authority on Nature Conservation.  NBRC will also represent Singapore in various biodiversity-related international/regional conventions and fora, including the Convention on Biological Diversity and the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity.

The date for the establishment of NBRC is planned to coincide with the International Day for Biological Diversity on 22 May 2006, and a roving exhibition showcasing Singapore’s rich biological diversity will commence on that day, from 10.00 am at the Visitor Centre of Singapore’s first Nature Reserve - Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.  It will subsequently move to various venues throughout Singapore in order to allow the community to appreciate and be proud of Singapore’s own natural heritage.