Channel NewsAsia 4 Feb 14;
SINGAPORE: Singapore's first bid for a UNESCO World Heritage Site moves ahead with the submission of the official nomination dossier for Singapore Botanic Gardens.
The dossier details the gardens' historical, economic and socio-cultural importance.
It also includes a proposed site management plan, which outlines the nation's long-term commitment towards the site's protection, if it is successfully awarded World Heritage status.
The submission to UNESCO follows four months of public consultation led by the National Heritage Board (NHB) and the National Parks Board (NParks).
In a statement on Tuesday, NHB said over 200 feedback submissions were received for both the nomination document and the site management plan.
Most participants contributed memories or pledged their support for the bid.
Many fondly recalled their visits to the gardens, band performances, feeding of the swans, as well as romantic walks.
The statement said the rich heritage of Singapore Botanic Gardens will continue to be shared through various activities organised by NHB and NParks, including learning journeys for students, musical performances, and an exhibition focusing on the use of plants in the Malay culture.
In March 2014, NHB will present an exhibition at the National Museum of Singapore that traces the progress of Singapore from a colony to a garden city through the historical development of Singapore Botanic Gardens.
- CNA/gn
