How can the ways we value and experience nature strengthen wellbeing and resilience in our urban lives? This session introduces the concept of Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES) — the non-material benefits people gain from nature, such as identity, belonging, and connection. It explores how these often-overlooked cultural and emotional dimensions of nature can guide us toward building more resilient communities.

These ideas come into focus through the work of Terrapy SG, a community-focused and socially driven enterprise dedicated to harnessing horticultural therapy and other nature-based interventions to support diverse populations. Participants will take part in hapa zome (leaf pounding), a therapeutic horticulture activity that exemplifies how CES — including aesthetic appreciation, cultural expression, and social connection — can be activated through creative interaction with plants to promote holistic health and wellbeing.

(4 Mar) Launch of the Centre for Computational Social Science and Humanities

(6 Mar) EMPOWER’s Spotlight on Transformative Research in Early Development