We are heartened by the extensive feedback from the public as this reflects a growing sense of ownership of the green assets of Singapore.

The National Parks Board (NParks) has safeguard measures in place with regard to the felling of trees within the Tree Conservation Area (TCA).

Approval has to be sought from NParks before any tree of more than 1 m girth within the TCA can be felled.

Developers and members of the public can approach NParks for help via our helpline (1800-64717300) or our website.

NParks officers are available for consultation, advice, site assessment and inspection of mature trees in the TCA. This system has been in place since the TCA was set up in 1991.

Many individuals, land-owners, property managers, developers and developing agencies have made use of these services to consider alternative plans, so as to minimise the felling of mature trees in the TCA.

NParks appreciates the suggestion to tag trees and will examine its practicality.

More importantly, we believe that it is only through the combined efforts of both NParks and members of the public that the work of conserving our green heritage can be effective.

In the case of the Hopea sangal, NParks notes that DTZ had, in its letter to the Forum ('Sorry, we felled a rare tree'; ST, Nov 28), accepted full responsibility for felling the tree without NParks' approval.

Together with efforts to promote greater public awareness and commitment towards greenery conser-vation, laws and penalties continue to remain necessary and relevant in deterring such offences.

NParks is reviewing existing legislation and penalties to ensure that these Continue to remain effective.

It has 58 officers in its Arboriculture Division managing 1.3 million trees under its care. This works out to over 22,400 trees per officer. The responsibility for conserving Singapore's green assets clearly cannot be these officers' alone.

NParks requires the cooperation of members of the public who are willing to act responsibly, be our eyes and ears, provide timely feedback, and contribute to outreach and educational efforts.

The Hopea sangal incident is a case in point. The efforts of Dr Shawn Lum in rescuing seeds for germination in our nursery, and the Nature Society of Singapore members who helped our officers secure the trunk of the felled tree, are examples of constructive action.

NParks looks forward to working with more proactive members of the public.

LEE PIN PIN
Assistant Director,
Public Affairs,
National Parks Board