Balancing Needs of Conservationists and Recreational Visitors at Nature Reserves

Dr Benedict Tan asked the Minister for National Development what are the guidelines used in balancing the needs of conservationists and recreational users with respect to nature reserves such as the Butterfly Trail.

NParks provides for recreational activities in the Nature Reserves, so long as they do not cause serious damage to the environment. NParks has developed hiking trails, boardwalks, a tree top walk, a viewing tower and other visitor amenities in the Reserves. We have about 1.2 million visitors per year.

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NParks also allows higher impact activities like mountain biking, in the Nature Parks, which act as green buffers for the Nature Reserves. For example, NParks developed the Bukit Timah Mountain Bike Trail that runs through Hindhede Nature Park and Dairy Farm Nature Park, so that bikers can enjoy the forested ambience. This minimises the impact on the adjacent Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.

The Butterfly Trail in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve is currently closed due to the ongoing construction of Chestnut Nature Park, which is next to the Trail. NParks is studying the use of the Trail further. In the meantime, there will be trails for mountain biking and other activities at the new Chestnut Nature Park. With these, we will have a total of 30 kilometres of biking trails in our parks and nature areas.

Our Nature Reserves are for all Singaporeans. They must be managed sustainably, as their ecosystems are fragile. The Reserves are home to more than 1,000 plant species and 500 animal species. Many are endangered and found only in the Reserves. With careful planning of the activities within and around them, our natural heritage can be enjoyed by all, both now and in the future.