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Business Aspects of a Nature Reserve
What is Nature Conservation
• Nature Conservation: the protection, preservation, management or restoration of wildlife and natural resources.
• Nature Reservation: A tract of land, of especial ecological value, set aside for the purpose of preservation and study.
• Examples of nature reserves in Singapore include Chek Jawa, Sungei Buloh and Bukit Timah.
Why the need for nature reserves &
conservation
• Merciless consumption of natural resources
• Causes destruction of environment and natural habitats
• Careless disposal of waste and by-products
In Singapore?
• As an island nation, we are ever in need of land
• We tend to disregard the value of any area of the island
• As long as there is a possibility of usable land, nothing else matters
•This has led to – the inconsiderate reclaiming of
coral rich off shore waters –Destruction of fauna rich wetlands–And obliteration of verdant forests
When did it become important to conserve?
• The world’s population at large have never realised a need to protect nature
• Only field researchers started to realize the declining state of nature and environment
• They then publicised their findings in nature journals like National Geographic Magazine
• Occasionally, they would make the news headlines
• Only then did we begin to realize that our world was dying
• Even then it took much effort to obtain permission and support from governments and communities
In Singapore?
• Our 1st reserve: Bukit Timah Hill Reserve later renamed Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
• In 1847, a geologist, Lieutenant Colonel Low, discovered the hill’s poor soil condition
• Because of the quartz and silica rich content of the granite
• To guard against soil erosion and climactic changes, the government decided to protect it
Who has been involved
• UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)– World Heritage Convention
• National Geographic Society
• BBC (British Broadcasting Channel)
• Singapore: Nature Society of Singapore
Setup and Management of a Reserve
• Visitors’ Center– Gift shop– Cafeteria– Showcases– Basic amenities
• Paths through reserve are plotted with regard to the sensitivities of the area
• They are made of materials indigenous to the ground composition of the park
• In hill parks, higher regions are accessible by car
• Park rangers stationed at the center, patrolling or surveying
• Starting capital obtained from government through grants
• Revenue is generated from sale of gift shop items and from the cafeteria
In Singapore?
• Our paths are mainly marked out by boardwalks or gravel or just terra firma
• Hides and lookouts are in abundance for the quiet observation of wildlife
• Information about various fauna and flora are provided
• Tower hides enable one to experience higher flying birds such as herons
• Also a good place to take a break or plot your next course of action
Problems faced
• Corruption• Government ignorance resulting in
public ignorance• Poaching• Illegal ignorant removal of wildlife• Vandalism• Litter• Ignorant destruction
Solutions
• Generate money through– Gift shops– Rental– Sale of books and other sources of
information– Grants from the government
• Educating the public through television programs, news reports, books, newsletters, planned activities
• Contributions from concerned members of the public
• Cooperation from nature societies
• Gaining international fame to attract attention and sponsorship
THE END
Q & A