FOREST
Balancing Urban Life and Wildlife in Singapore's City in Nature
The recent reappearance of saltwater crocodiles in Singapore, once absent for decades, challenges our vision of a "City in Nature." The euthanisation of a large crocodile found on a Marina East beach has sparked debate, highlighting the complex balance between wildlife conservation and public safety in our urban landscape.
The recent reappearance of saltwater crocodiles in Singapore, once absent for decades, challenges our vision of a "City in Nature." The euthanisation of a large crocodile found on a Marina East beach has sparked debate, highlighting the complex balance between wildlife conservation and public safety in our urban landscape.
Cherry Goh, courtesy of
Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum
As written by Shawn Lum in The Straits Times (27 October 2023), this incident has divided opinions among experts and the public. It forces us to confront a key question: Are we truly prepared to coexist with nature in all its forms? Lum draws a parallel between wildlife management and road safety, suggesting we need both systems and a culture of coexistence. Unlike our established road safety norms, Singapore lacks a culture of safely living alongside large predators like crocodiles. Transitioning to a true City in Nature requires time, education, and a collective shift in mindset. We need to develop a shared vision where humans and wildlife can coexist harmoniously, involving not just physical spaces for wildlife but also fostering a culture of respect and responsible behaviour. These will shape the future of Singapore's urban landscape and our relationship with the natural world. The Marina East incident serves as a catalyst for a broader conversation about our urban development philosophy. It challenges us to reconsider our approach to wildlife management and conservation, striving for a balanced approach that honours our commitment to nature.
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As written by Shawn Lum in The Straits Times (27 October 2023), this incident has divided opinions among experts and the public. It forces us to confront a key question: Are we truly prepared to coexist with nature in all its forms? Lum draws a parallel between wildlife management and road safety, suggesting we need both systems and a culture of coexistence. Unlike our established road safety norms, Singapore lacks a culture of safely living alongside large predators like crocodiles. Transitioning to a true City in Nature requires time, education, and a collective shift in mindset. We need to develop a shared vision where humans and wildlife can coexist harmoniously, involving not just physical spaces for wildlife but also fostering a culture of respect and responsible behaviour. These will shape the future of Singapore's urban landscape and our relationship with the natural world. The Marina East incident serves as a catalyst for a broader conversation about our urban development philosophy. It challenges us to reconsider our approach to wildlife management and conservation, striving for a balanced approach that honours our commitment to nature.
As written by Shawn Lum in The Straits Times (27 October 2023), this incident has divided opinions among experts and the public. It forces us to confront a key question: Are we truly prepared to coexist with nature in all its forms? Lum draws a parallel between wildlife management and road safety, suggesting we need both systems and a culture of coexistence. Unlike our established road safety norms, Singapore lacks a culture of safely living alongside large predators like crocodiles. Transitioning to a true City in Nature requires time, education, and a collective shift in mindset. We need to develop a shared vision where humans and wildlife can coexist harmoniously, involving not just physical spaces for wildlife but also fostering a culture of respect and responsible behaviour. These will shape the future of Singapore's urban landscape and our relationship with the natural world. The Marina East incident serves as a catalyst for a broader conversation about our urban development philosophy. It challenges us to reconsider our approach to wildlife management and conservation, striving for a balanced approach that honours our commitment to nature.
Read More
As written by Shawn Lum in The Straits Times (27 October 2023), this incident has divided opinions among experts and the public. It forces us to confront a key question: Are we truly prepared to coexist with nature in all its forms? Lum draws a parallel between wildlife management and road safety, suggesting we need both systems and a culture of coexistence. Unlike our established road safety norms, Singapore lacks a culture of safely living alongside large predators like crocodiles. Transitioning to a true City in Nature requires time, education, and a collective shift in mindset. We need to develop a shared vision where humans and wildlife can coexist harmoniously, involving not just physical spaces for wildlife but also fostering a culture of respect and responsible behaviour. These will shape the future of Singapore's urban landscape and our relationship with the natural world. The Marina East incident serves as a catalyst for a broader conversation about our urban development philosophy. It challenges us to reconsider our approach to wildlife management and conservation, striving for a balanced approach that honours our commitment to nature.
REFERENCE
Lum, S. (2023, October 27). Crocodiles test the limits of a city in nature. The Straits Times, B2.