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Pulau Ubin conservation & management plans launched
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Source:
www.nparks.gov.sg |
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Launch of Pulau Ubin Conservation
and Management Plans - Ubin-HSBC Volunteer Hub, Chek Jawa, Jelutong
Campsite & Bike Park |
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The Pulau Ubin Conservation and Management Plans
were officially launched by Mr Mah Bow Tan, Minister for National Development
on 29 Apr 2005. |
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To enhance the Ubin Experience for the public
while making more areas accessible for green recreation, these plans include
upcoming amenities such as the Ubin-HSBC Volunteer Hub, visitor facilities at
Chek Jawa Wetland, a new campsite at Jalan Jelutong and a bike park at Ketam
Quarry for mountain biking. |
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Mr Mah Bow Tan, Minister for National Development,
graced the launch ceremony as the Guest-of-Honour. Also present were Prof. Leo
Tan, Chairman of National Parks Board (NParks) and Mr Paul Lawrence, Chief
Executive Officer of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC)
in Singapore. |
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In line with its long-standing support for nature
conservation, HSBC made a donation of S$800,000 to the Pulau Ubin Conservation
Fund, which would be used to enhance nature conservation, outreach and
research initiatives on Pulau Ubin. This will include the setting up of the
Ubin-HSBC Volunteer Hub to promote and facilitate volunteerism, community
involvement and nature outreach. |
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When ready by the later part of this year, the
Ubin-HSBC Volunteer Hub will house a resource centre, a seminar room, activity
rooms and a management office. A one-stop centre for information on Pulau Ubin,
the resource centre will be stocked with reference and multimedia materials,
as well as plant and animal samples to facilitate project work and
conservation research by schools and other organisations. The seminar and
activity rooms will host talks, slide shows and workshops for the public, and
would be used for volunteer training as well. |
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NParks will also relocate its management office to
the Volunteer Hub for better co-ordination and management of outreach
activities. |
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When the boardwalks with lookout platforms and
shelters, and viewing tower at Chek Jawa Wetland are completed by 2006, the
public can enjoy the natural heritage with minimal impact to the surrounding
habitats. |
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House Number 1, an abandoned English cottage, will
be restored and adapted for use as a Visitor Centre with interpretative
displays, a seminar room and field research facilities. This building was
constructed in the 1930s by the then Chief Municipal Engineer for a British
Medical Officer. Now a Conservation Building, it is the only one of its kind
left in Singapore, with architecture typical of the Tudor period. |
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Covering 7.5 ha, the Jelutong campsite is an
addition to existing camping areas at Noordin Beach and Mamam Beach. When
completed by end of this year, it will offer the public an alternative
campsite that is nearer to the village hub. The 14.4 ha bike park at Ketam
Quarry would be ready for mountain biking activities in September 2006. |
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Prof. Leo Tan, Chairman of NParks said, “Working
with a community of partners such as HSBC, volunteers, nature groups and
school adopters, Pulau Ubin would continue to provide distinctive experiences
to meet the public’s recreational and educational needs.” |
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Elaborating on HSBC’s support, Paul Lawrence, CEO
of HSBC Singapore said, “As the world’s local bank, we are committed to making
a positive and sustained difference to the communities in which we operate. It
is in this spirit that we have a long standing partnership with NParks in
conserving and protecting our natural heritage. Our successful collaboration
at the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve over the last decade is a good example of
this and now, Pulau Ubin and Chek Jawa offer the opportunity for us to extend
our contribution to nature conservation. We are hopeful that collectively, we
can make a real and lasting difference to the conservation of Pulau Ubin and
to enhance its value for the enjoyment of our community. I’m also pleased that
so many of my colleagues have come forward to volunteer their time toward this
effort to care for nature.” |
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Mr Gurmit Singh Kullar, a regular volunteer at
Pulau Ubin, commented, “I am heartened by NParks’ efforts in promoting
community involvement and nature outreach on Pulau Ubin. It’s also good to
know that partners from the private sector are taking a proactive approach in
raising awareness about a very special historical, geographical and ecological
part of Singapore. The volunteers are especially excited about the upcoming
facilities at the Ubin-HSBC Volunteer Hub. We will continue to work closely
with NParks and all the green partners to sustain our natural heritage.” |
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Source:
National Parks Board Media Statement 29
Apr 2005 |
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