The Park stirred to life even before the day broke. The staff went
about their duties making sure that everything was in order for
this big day. Even the birds and animals seemed to sense the festive
occasion and greeted our guests with their candid appearances. The
whole year of celebration culminated on this day as the Park celebrated
its 5th Anniversary.
Mr Koo Tsai Kee, (Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of National
Development), graced the birthday celebration as our Guest-of-Honour
along with Professor Leo Tan, (Chairman, National Parks Board),
Mr Connal Rankin, (General Manager and Chief Executive Officer,
HongKong and Shanghai Banking Corporation), Dr Tan Wee Kiat, (CEO,
National Parks Board) and Mrs Lee Wai Chin, (Deputy CEO, National
Parks Board).
Some 300 invited guests were also present to witness the presentation
of prizes to the Grand Finalists of the yearlong Spot Art Competition.
Another highlight of the day was the launch of "Hardy Driftwood
in A Wetlands Adventure", an animation programme produced by HSBC
to promote wetland education for school children.
The high point, however, was reserved for the unveiling of a commemorative
mural entitled "Visions", made up of terracotta tiles each depicting
the eye of a species of fauna in the Park. Collectively, they formed
a larger human eye.
After the launch, the VIPs and invited guests were whizzed around
the Park for a tour.
Many activities were planned throughout the year in the countdown
to the Sungei Buloh Nature Park's 5th anniversary. All in the hope
of augmenting nature awareness at the Park. The event was a resounding
success as many left the Park knowing that we did and will continue
to protect this ecological jewel that we were entrusted with.
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"Singaporeans
live in a highly urbanised environment. Nature areas, such as Sungei
Buloh Nature Park, play a useful role in according us the opportunity
of being close to nature, be it for recreation or simply for solace
from the bustle and bustle of city-life. As Prime Minister Goh Chok
Tong said when he opened this nature park 5 years ago, "Whenever possible,
nature areas should be put to complementary use so that Singaporeans
can enjoy our natural heritage and learn to appreciate nature."
Singapore's small size, however, posed a challenge for nature conservation.
There are many competing demands for land use—for housing, business,
industries, transportation and other infrastructure developments.
Despite our physical constraints, the Government has set aside land
for nature conservation because it recognises the importance of preserving
our natural heritage.
But we must be practical and realistic. It is not possible to conserve
every nature area in Singapore or any area that is inhabited by wildlife.
It is the Government's responsibility to maximise the use of land
in the best interest of Singaporeans, while at the same time to strive
to conserve important nature areas for both our present and future
generations.
The National Parks Board plays an important role in nature conservation.
NParks advises the Government on development proposals and on management
polices for the designated nature areas. It monitors and co-ordinates
measures to protect these areas. One key thrust of NParks is to promote
responsible conservation of our natural heritage. This is done by
monitoring and enhancing the biodiversity of nature areas and by generating
interest in nature through the provision of educational packages and
the sharing of experience and expertise with the public.
Sungei Buloh Nature Park is a testament to NParks' effort at promoting
nature conservation and increasing nature awareness. This 87-hectare
park is not just the only wetland nature park in Singapore; it is
also one of our largest conservation projects. It has been argued
that our parks, being man-made, do not exemplify nature conservation.
Sungei Buloh Nature Park, however, is a fine example of man working
in harmony with nature. This park was previously a prawn farming area
that was zoned to become an agrotechnology park. The Government decided
to turn it over to the birds. Today, the park is home to some 500
species of flora and fauna. It is an important stopover point for
migratory birds from as far as north of Siberia during the northern
wintry months. More than half of the bird species in Singapore can
be found here. The heronry on the park's "Heron Island" is the breeding
ground for over 100 pairs of the Purple and Grey Herons.
I understand that as part of the 5th anniversary celebrations for
Sungei Buloh Nature Park, NParks and Hongkong and Shanghai Banking
Corporation had put together a series of activities. Indeed, the countdown
began on 30 November last year, kicking off with the "Care-for- Nature"
Spot Art competition and the setting up of Sungei Buloh Education
Fund. Other highlights include the launch of a new guidebook and new
thematic trails and guided walks to make visits to Sungei Buloh more
memorable and meaningful. This morning's celebration therefore represents
the climax of a full year of activities at Sungei Buich Nature Park.
Ladies and Gentlemen, NParks' efforts in developing Sungei Buloh Nature
Park have paid dividends. The park's biological diversity has been
enhanced over the past 5 years. Though still a relatively young park,
Sungei Buloh is carving a niche as a centre for wetland park management
in areas of conservation, education, research and compatible recreation.
I understand that the park is used extensively by schools and the
community for education, by researchers for their research and by
the general public for recreation. Of the 80 000 people who visit
the park each year, some 40% are students who come on specially tailored
programmes to study the mangrove and freshwater habitat, for birdwatching
and for nature trekking. I commend NParks for these successful outreach
programmes, both for schools and general public. To conclude, I would
like to reiterate that the Government remains committed to nature
conservation. At times, decisions made in the overriding national
interest may not please all nature- lovers. But this does not detract
from the Government's appreciation of the need to safeguard Singapore's
national heritage wherever feasible for our future generations. Thank
you."
Mr Khoo Tsai Kee
Parliamentary Secretary
Ministry of National Development
5th Dec 1998 |
WETlands