Singaporeans live in a highly urbanised environment. Nature areas, such as Sungei Buloh Nature Park, play a useful role in according us the opportunity of being close to nature, be it for recreation or simply for solace from the hustle and bustle of city-life. As Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong said when he opened this nature park 5 years ago, "Wherever possible, nature areas should be put to complementary use so that Singaporeans can enjoy our natural heritage and learn to appreciate nature."

Singapore’s small size, however, poses a challenge for nature conservation. There are many competing demands for land use -- for housing, business, industries, transportation and other infrastructure developments. Despite our physical constraints, the Government has set aside land for nature conservation because it recognises the importance of preserving our natural heritage.

But we must be practical and realistic. It is not possible to conserve every nature area in Singapore or any area that is inhabited by wildlife. It is the Government’s responsibility to maximise the use of land in the best interest of Singaporeans, while at the same time to strive to conserve important nature areas for both our present and future generations.

The National Parks Board plays an important role in nature conservation. As the Scientific Authority on Nature Conservation, NParks advises the Government on development proposals and on management policies for the designated nature areas. It monitors and co-ordinates measures to protect these areas. One of the key thrusts of NParks is to promote responsible conservation of our natural heritage. This is done by monitoring and enhancing the bio-diversity of the nature areas and by generating interest in nature through the provision of educational packages and the sharing of experience and expertise with the public.

Sungei Buloh Nature Park is a testament to NParks’ efforts at promoting nature conservation and increasing nature awareness. This 87-hectare park is not just the only wetland nature park in Singapore; it is also one of our largest conservation projects. It has been argued that our parks, being man-made, do not exemplify nature conservation. Sungei Buloh Nature Park, however, is a fine example of man working in harmony with nature.

This park was previously a prawn farming area that was zoned to become an agrotechnology park. The Government decided to turn it over to the birds. Today, the park is home to some 500 species of flora and fauna. It is an important stopover point for migratory birds from as far north as Siberia during the northern wintry months. More than half of the bird species in Singapore can be found here. The heronry on the park’s "Heron Island" is the breeding ground for over 100 pairs of the Purple and Grey Herons.

I understand that as part of the 5^th anniversary celebrations for Sungei Buloh Nature Park, NParks and Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation had put together a series of activities. Indeed, the countdown began on 30 November last year, kicking off with the "Care-for-Nature" Spot Art competition and the setting up of the Sungei Buloh Education Fund. Other highlights include the launch of a new guidebook and new thematic trails and guided walks to make visits to Sungei Buloh more memorable and meaningful. This morning’s celebration therefore represents the climax of a full year of activities at Sungei Buloh Nature Park.

Ladies and gentlemen, NParks’ efforts in developing Sungei Buloh Nature Park have paid dividends. The park’s biological diversity has been enhanced over the past 5 years. Though still a relatively young park, Sungei Buloh is carving a niche as a centre for wetland park management in areas of conservation, education, research and compatible recreation.

I understand that the park is used extensively by schools and the community for education, by researchers for their research, and by the general public for recreation. Of the 80,000 people who visit the park each year, some 40% are students who come on specially-tailored programmes to study the mangrove and freshwater habitat, for birdwatching and for nature trekking. I commend NParks for these successful outreach programmes, both for schools and the general public.

To conclude, I would like to reiterate that the Government remains committed to nature conservation. At times, decisions made in the overriding national interest may not please all nature-lovers. But this does not detract from the Government’s appreciation of the need to safeguard Singapore’s national heritage wherever feasible for our future generations. Thank you.