Vital to have balanced approach to land use
Straits Times: Mon, Jul 30 WE THANK Dr Ho Hua Chew for his commentary ('Preserving Singapore's green heartland'; July 14) and subsequent writers on the issue ('City of gardens doesn't make a garden city' by Dr Isaac Seow En' and 'Preserve the natural connection' by Mrs Katrina Dub'e', July 19; and 'Wildlife affected by excessive development' by Mr Steven Chong, Forum Online, last Monday). Greenery has always had an important place in the planning for Singapore. Despite being land-scarce, we have set aside close to 10 per cent of Singapore's total land area for parks and nature reserves. In addition to the nature reserves, another 18 nature areas have been retained in the current Master Plan 2008. Where possible, nature areas with rich bio-diversity are integrated into parks and other recreational spaces, so that they are accessible and available for public enjoyment. We will be increasing our pa