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to the Straits Times Forum, 26 Apr 05 Preserve and treasure our nature reserves I am driven to the brink of frustration at the lack of respect shown by some members of the public visiting Singapore's nature reserves. The National Parks Board (NParks) is a champion of wildlife protection in this country, and I salute its efforts to provide the public with access to the rainforests at Bukit Timah, MacRitchie and Peirce Reservoir, and the wetlands reserve at Sungei Buloh. However, despite NPark's dedication and efforts, a minority of people are still intent on destroying the reserves. Despite all the signs and warning, people still walk their dogs along the footpaths in MacRithcie, people still discard their rubbish and smoke their cigarettes. Even if dog poo is picked, a residue remains and affecting the local ecology. This disrupts the balance of life, and the tranquility that the reserves offer. Last Saturday, large groups of school children were shouting and singing as they walked through the Bukit Timah reserve. This is worrying as the teachers present seeminly had no control over the noise made by the students. Silence is golden -- this rule is well advertised. Not for some, though, it would appear. Are they not aware that there is etiquette to be observed when in such places of nature? For my wife and I, who are frequent visitors to the NParks reserves, the day was ruined by one man. Right in front of the Bukit Timah Reserve Visitor's Centre he threw a plastic bag containing a medication box to a Long Tailed Macaque. When I asked him he did it, the reply was simply "the monkey asked for it". We gave up at that point and returned home. If we are to protect both the animals and flora of Singapore's reserves, then three things need to be done. The fines indicated on the signs, for feeding monkeys, should be enforced. Additional rangers should be employed to monitor activities and control both the noise levels and behaviour of the people visiting the reserves. Right now, the rangers appear to serve no purpose other than answer questions and provide directions. Education is the key to helping people understand the role that nature parks play in the cycle of life. We live in an urban jungle. We have, on our doorsteps, the remains of a real jungle. Let us preserve and treasure what natural space and widlife we have left. Without such areas of nature to escape to, what are we left with? George Hicthins. links Related articles on Re-creation in our wild places |
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