Sports Event in Nature Reserve

Ms Faizah Jamal asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the rationale for allowing a commercial enterprise to organise a high impact sports event in the nature reserve since 2009; (b) whether the Ministry has taken into account the destruction and disturbance to flora and fauna in our nature reserve due to these high impact sports events and the rubbish generated from such events; and (c) whether all future events at nature reserves can be in keeping with the Parks and Trees Act and Parks and Trees Regulations.

NParks carefully considers the nature and impact of any event to the flora and fauna before allowing it to be held at the Nature Reserves. The North Face 100 annual international cross-country run, which Ms Faizah is referring to, is no exception.

NParks imposes strict conditions within the ambit of the Trees and Parks Act on all event organisers to ensure minimal impact on the Nature Reserves. NParks will not hesitate to take enforcement action should there be any breach of the rules and regulations.

The organisers of the North Face 100 will have to comply with NParks' conditions. Actually, the 50-km route will largely take place outside of the Nature Reserves. Only a small segment, about 13 km, will be within the Central

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Catchment Nature Reserve. The organisers of North Face 100 will also have to take steps such as staggering and spacing out runners to moderate the number of runners on the trails, and setting up dedicated rubbish disposal areas. Runners who litter will be disqualified.