Green group, builder join hands to preserve Pulau Ubin

By Eunice Lau

A GREEN group and a resort developer have joined hands to make a plea for Pulau Ubin to be preserved in its natural state.

They are doing this by working to raise the level of nature appreciation among holiday-makers.

Ubin Lagoon Resort donated a chalet to the Nature Society of Singapore so its members can carry out conservation work on the island with some degree of comfort.

Its members are also offered special rates when staying at the resort.

In return, the green group will hold nature workshops, conduct fortnightly nature walks and camps for visitors to the resort. Exhibitions on nature conservation will also be held at the chalet.

Said the chairman of the Punggol Marina, Mr Willam Lai: 'Children spending their weekends here will not only enjoy the games, but will also be able to appreciate nature.'

He said the plan of this $25-million development is to blend into the natural environment and contribute to the preservation of the indigenous flora and fauna on the island.

The collaboration, he was quick to point out, was not a business gimmick, but a commitment not to turn Pulau Ubin into another Sentosa. According to him, the resort enjoys an average 60-per-cent occupancy rate and is fully-booked during school holidays.

Mr Lai said that the collaboration will allow the resort to harness the expertise of Nature Society in its conservation efforts.

For instance, the resort has sighted a number of fireflies, which used to be a common sight in Singapore, on its compound.

To increase the firefly population and attract them to the island, the nature group will advise Ubin Lagoon on the kind of vegetation to plant, said Mr Lai.

The Nature Society's president, Dr Geh Min, who is also a member of the Concept Plan focus groups, said the members of the focus groups had agreed unanimously that Pulau Ubin, Pulau Tekong and the Southern Islands should be left in their natural state for as long as possible.

'Of the three large off-shore islands, Ubin has managed to retain its authenticity and accessibility. It should be kept as it is for Singaporeans because I see it as an icon of our collective nostalgia - a microcosm of our natural, social and cultural heritage.'

She added that the conservation of the island should not be left just to the Government, but that the people and the private sector should also lend a hand.

Although the society has organised activities with other organisations, this is the first time it is collaborating on a long-term basis.

Dr Geh Min said this is part of the society's effort to reach out to more people.

'We cannot exist as a society for ardent nature lovers only.'