STB-NParks' wildlife studies to feature in plans
Today Online 5 Dec 07;
Letter from MUHAMAD ROSTAM UMAR
Director, Communications
Singapore Tourism Board
I refer to the letter, "Beware the wildlife trade-off" (Nov 22). I thank Ms Marianne Maes for her comments.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) shares her concerns about the eco-balance of the Mandai area. In formulating the plans for the area, the STB had consulted various interest groups such as the Nature Society, the Singapore Environment Council and the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, and relevant government agencies such as the National Parks Board (NParks) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority.
The STB held two consultations in January and September with the interest groups and government agencies. Their feedback was taken into account in plans to launch the site. For instance, the STB had commissioned wildlife studies to log various fauna species found at the proposed development site. This was in addition to the baseline environmental studies and tree surveys already undertaken.
The STB, in consultation with NParks, had also incorporated a buffer zone to step down the level of development towards the nature reserve. The environmental studies will be provided to potential tender bidders when we call for a request for proposals next year.
Interested investors and developers will have to factor in mitigating measures from the outset to minimise any impact on the eco-balance and demonstrate that care is taken to ensure that the development is in line with our aim to preserve the environment.
We are also keenly aware of the need to maintain the tranquillity and unique character of the Mandai area. Our aim is to create a nature-based cluster, which will be a celebration of environmental sustainability, allowing Singaporeans and visitors to enjoy nature in an immersive tropical rainforest setting.
The Mandai nature cluster will add a new facet to visitors' experience that complements the urban attractions in Singapore and strengthen our overall appeal as a unique tourist destination.
The STB will continue to engage and consult with the interest groups together with NParks and other relevant agencies to ensure that any environmental impact is managed with care.
In the meantime, we look forward to receiving further feedback on this project at feedback@stb.com.sg.
Sensitive approach to Mandai development
Straits Times 5 Dec 07;
I REFER to the article, 'Nature Society expresses concerns about plans' (ST, Nov 21), and the letter, 'Leave the beautiful Mandai rainforest alone' (ST, Nov 27). I thank Dr Ho Hua Chew and Mr George Pasqual for their comments.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) shares their concerns on the eco-balance of the Mandai area. In formulating the plans for the area, STB had consulted various interest groups, such as the Nature Society, the Singapore Environment Council and the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, as well as government agencies such as the National Parks Board (NParks) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority.
STB held two consultations in January and September with the interest groups and government agencies. Their feedback was taken into account in the plans for the launch of the site. For instance, STB commissioned wildlife studies to log the various fauna species found in the proposed development site. This was in addition to baseline environmental studies and tree surveys already undertaken.
STB, in consultation with NParks, had also incorporated a buffer zone to step down the level of development towards the nature reserve.
The environmental studies will be provided to potential tender bidders when we call for a Request for Proposals next year. Interested investors and developers will have to factor in mitigating measures from the outset to minimise any impact on the eco-balance and demonstrate that care will be taken to ensure that the development is in line with our aim to preserve the environment.
We are also keenly aware of the need to maintain the tranquillity and unique character of the Mandai area. Our aim is to create a nature-based cluster which will be a celebration of environmental sustainability, allowing Singaporeans and visitors to enjoy nature in an immersive tropical-rainforest setting.
The Mandai nature cluster will add a new facet to visitors' experience that complements the urban attractions in Singapore and strengthens our overall appeal as a unique tourist destination.
STB will continue to engage and consult the interest groups, together with NParks and other agencies, to ensure that any environmental impact is managed with care.
We look forward to receiving further feedback on this project at feedback@stbcom.sg..
Muhamad Rostam Umar
Director, Communications
Singapore Tourism Board
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