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The Straits Times: NParks needs to be more transparent on Ubin

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SINGAPORE (Mar 4, 2019): I have mixed feelings regarding the dilemma facing Pulau Ubin (Trouble in Paradise, Feb 24).

The free spirited adventurer in me recoils at the thought of even more rules being enforced.

But the sustainability advocate in me also realises that the National Parks Board (NParks) has a statutory obligation to conserve the flora and fauna within our borders, which includes preventing over-fishing and the mistreatment of wildlife. And this is a responsibility we all share.

NParks should educate and guide visitors on how to live harmoniously with the natural environment.

When incidents occur, NParks should step in to maintain the balance.

NParks also needs to be more proactive and transparent.

Despite overwhelming testimony from people on the ground, NParks said that it has "not observed any discernible drop in visitorship since" it stopped tracking visitor numbers in 2010.

This is difficult for the public to accept, and I would like to know how it came to this conclusion.

As as for the issue of compensation for Pulau Ubin villagers, they have been stalwarts of the kampung community here, familair to Singaporeans while provided novel encounters to foreign visitors.

Having invested in their homes - even if they are built on state land - the villager should be adequately compensated.

- Adam Reutens-Tan

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