| Section: | Forum |
| Publication: | The Straits Times 17/01/2014 |
| Page: | A37 |
MORE than 60 per cent of Singaporeans prefer green spaces over infrastructural development ("Majority want slower pace of life"; Aug 26, 2013) – but what do they (and the planners) mean by "green space"?
Is it a green lawn, a playground with some trees, a nature park with a pond, a dense forest with walking paths, or an inaccessible mangrove area?
A green lawn provides space for recreational activities, but it will not support much local biodiversity and certainly will not teach anybody about rainforests or provide research opportunities.
Each type of green space has its own value, with very different objectives, and it is important to have a good balance of all types.
Perhaps we need to clearly define the categories of green spaces and ask what Singaporeans want.
The value of nature reserves or national parks is only as valid as the law that protects them. A nature area is afforded only temporal protection if it is "retained for as long as development is not needed" ("Parks, nature reserves important: URA"; last Saturday).
But growth and development will always be needed – they are crucial for our country.
In a developing, technologically advanced city, there are many ways to enhance urban greenery for local biodiversity, for example, by using local plant species for park connectors and high-rise greenery.
Our original forests and other nature areas can never be replaced – and perhaps it is prudent to protect in perpetuity some areas of extreme biological importance.
It is not uncommon in other countries to classify nature areas according to purpose, with varying levels of protection and access permission.
For example, nature areas are set aside for recreational purposes, scientific research or biodiversity conservation (with declining levels of human disturbance), with some areas refused development.
High human activity is incompatible with biodiversity conservation. However, it is important to have nature areas that are accessible to visitors, so that the public can learn and appreciate the value of nature. And sometimes, there are offsets – areas given protected status in return for developing another area.
No doubt, there is agreement that nature areas provide important value to people and must be carefully considered. They offer mental and physical benefits, keep our air clean and provide shade for climate control, and are part of Singapore's and the world's natural heritage.
As a unique city in a high biodiversity area, Singapore has the opportunity to move towards becoming a country and city that is emulated for its innovative and responsible land use.
Is it a green lawn, a playground with some trees, a nature park with a pond, a dense forest with walking paths, or an inaccessible mangrove area?
A green lawn provides space for recreational activities, but it will not support much local biodiversity and certainly will not teach anybody about rainforests or provide research opportunities.
Each type of green space has its own value, with very different objectives, and it is important to have a good balance of all types.
Perhaps we need to clearly define the categories of green spaces and ask what Singaporeans want.
The value of nature reserves or national parks is only as valid as the law that protects them. A nature area is afforded only temporal protection if it is "retained for as long as development is not needed" ("Parks, nature reserves important: URA"; last Saturday).
But growth and development will always be needed – they are crucial for our country.
In a developing, technologically advanced city, there are many ways to enhance urban greenery for local biodiversity, for example, by using local plant species for park connectors and high-rise greenery.
Our original forests and other nature areas can never be replaced – and perhaps it is prudent to protect in perpetuity some areas of extreme biological importance.
It is not uncommon in other countries to classify nature areas according to purpose, with varying levels of protection and access permission.
For example, nature areas are set aside for recreational purposes, scientific research or biodiversity conservation (with declining levels of human disturbance), with some areas refused development.
High human activity is incompatible with biodiversity conservation. However, it is important to have nature areas that are accessible to visitors, so that the public can learn and appreciate the value of nature. And sometimes, there are offsets – areas given protected status in return for developing another area.
No doubt, there is agreement that nature areas provide important value to people and must be carefully considered. They offer mental and physical benefits, keep our air clean and provide shade for climate control, and are part of Singapore's and the world's natural heritage.
As a unique city in a high biodiversity area, Singapore has the opportunity to move towards becoming a country and city that is emulated for its innovative and responsible land use.
