Singapore is developing a vast eco-tourism hub which includes a bird park, a rainforest park and a 400-room resort, in order to woo more visitors to its ground. But the proposal however is not welcomed by the environmentalists, since they fear the improvement will harm the natural habitats and already being blamed for some animal deaths.
Singapore is beautiful country with scores of high rise buildings that is almost entirely defined by its urban core.It has few natural resources to either exploit or defend. The country’s wildlife tourist attraction, the Singapore Zoo and two sister attractions,a night safari and river safari have been drawing foreign and local tourists since long…
With an intention of promoting biodiversity,adding some new twist to its wildlife tourism, the government is introducing such vast eco tourism zone, with the hope that this will eventually attract millions of visitors each year.The project is taking its shape at the Mandai district, in the northern region of Singapore.
However, the idea has agitated the ecologist of the country who are now blaming the project for a series of wild life loss. They believe that in the name of promoting biodiversity, such activities will destroy forest habitation. There is absolutely no need of this project rather it is too imposing for the area as it will destroy the environment, as they consider.
However the work is already under progress in an area that is next to a protected nature reserve and is home to animals like flying lemurs and deer, monkeys, leopards and pangolins (scaly anteaters). As per the need of the project, clearing up forests is resulting in these animal deaths which raises a major concern for the government now.
Since tourism plays a major role in any country’s financial growth, to promote it in all possible manner is legitimate, but only for the sake of it, replacing the wilder and greener part of the country with that of something artificial, may not be appreciated by all.
A veteran wildlife consultant, Subaraj Rajathurai has voiced his opinion regarding this as, “The new development appears to be ‘money making’ is more of a priority than finding the balance and protecting biodiversity.To me, you are getting your priorities wrong when you are replacing natural heritage with captive breeding.”
However Mandai Park Holdings, which is monitoring the project through its development arm, is emphasizing on smooth proceedings of the work and safeguarding the wild animals of the area with more care now.
Apart from that Singapore do have a strong wildlife protection act as well, Which may ensure the mega project to come up as a successful venture with proper symbiosis.
The project started in 2017. Its 126-hectare (311-acre) development is supposed to be completed by 2023.
