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 1 st 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
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