The Embassy of El Salvador in Singapore has officially delivered a selection of seeds from the Maquilishuat, El Salvador’s national tree, along with the Cortés Negro species, to the world-renowned Gardens by the Bay. This initiative, supported by Salvadoran environmental and agricultural institutions like CENTA and ENA, ensures that these native specimens meet the rigorous technical standards required for integration into Singapore’s elite botanical collections.

Gardens by the Bay is a global icon of sustainability and innovation, attracting millions of visitors to its record-breaking structures like the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest. By placing Salvadoran flora within this high-tech “living laboratory,” El Salvador is positioning its natural heritage on a premier international stage, highlighting the country’s commitment to biodiversity and environmental diplomacy.

During the official handover, the Salvadoran delegation met with CEO Félix Loh to discuss future collaborations in botanical research and institutional capacity building. This high-level exchange included a tour of the Flower Dome’s controlled environments, where the Maquilishuat will eventually stand alongside some of the rarest and most beautiful plant species from around the globe.

In a significant tribute to the growing friendship between the two nations, it was confirmed that the Maquilishuat will be featured in the Founders’ Memorial. This landmark site, dedicated to the legacy of Lee Kuan Yew, is scheduled to open in 2028. Its inclusion serves as a lasting symbol of the strengthening ties between Latin America and Southeast Asia through shared ecological values.

The partnership is expected to expand further, as Gardens by the Bay has expressed interest in a technical visit to El Salvador to explore joint conservation initiatives. This move reinforces El Salvador’s strategy of using environmental cooperation as a pillar of its foreign policy, promoting a modern image of the country rooted in sustainability and global innovation.