Beware the wildlife tradeoff
If not properly done, plans to turn Mandai into nature retreat could backfire
Letter from Marianne Maes, Today Online 22 Nov 07
I refer to your article, "Northern Exposure" (Nov 21), on the development of a 30-hectare site in Mandai into a nature retreat.
While I understand Singapore's continual pursuit of tourists and investors to boost economic development and the quality of life, this drive has often been achieved at the expense of our natural resources.
The wildlife here has diminished in great numbers, with many species of animals struggling to adapt to human beings' constant invasion into their natural habitats.
Mandai is one of few wildlife treasures we have in Singapore. Any development in that area, be it on a large or small scale, will upset the balance of the ecosystem.
If the area is improperly developed and subsequently ill-managed, any effort to sustain the retreat in the long run would fail. The concepts of sustainable tourism and development must be carefully considered and implemented if the Government hopes to succeed.
Singapore lacks robust laws to enforce an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for development projects that affect wildlife. What we need is a legislative framework to mobilise EIAs and for the public and wildlife experts to conduct checks before any development is allowed on wildlife habitats. The finalised EIA report should also be made public.
If we do not start protecting our wildlife species now, it will be very difficult for the public to appreciate the environment without the natural ecosystem here in a healthy state.
I hope the relevant authorities and consultants involved in the development of Mandai will take ecologically-ethical approaches. I also urge environmental non-governmental organisations to push for the protection of the wildlife in Mandai.
Related articles
Do we need another nature-themed attraction?
NO: Nature Society thinks it will cause greater damage to nature reserve
Lim Wei Chean, Straits Times 22 Nov 07
YES: A nature escape will add to Singapore's attraction as a tourist destination, say travel agents
30ha of greenery in Mandai has been set aside for a new attraction near the Zoo and Night Safari, and the idea is already drawing varied reactions
Lim Wei Chean, Straits Times 22 Nov 07;
Mandai: a repeat of the losses at Bukit Timah Nature Reseve
due to over-development? and more thoughts on the nature scouter blog
Nature Society expresses concerns about plans for Mandai
Lim Wei Chean, Straits Times 21 Nov 07;
Mandai to be turned into Asia's top nature spot
Channel NewsAsia 20 Nov 07
