Singapore
(AsiaNews / Agencies) - The city-state of Singapore, with one of the world's
highest population densities, intends to enter its centuries old Botanical
Gardens among the World Heritage Sites. The
campaign to get the coveted recognition by the United Nations agency dedicated
to science and culture started in recent days. If
successful, the lush and peaceful garden of 74 acres, located near the city
center, will join the Royal Botanic Gardens in London and the Botanical Garden
of Padua (Italy) on the prestigious list.
The
gardens of Singapore were founded in 1859 by the Agri-Horticultural Society
when the territory was still under British colonial rule. The
gardens are renowned for cutting-edge techniques in breeding orchids. Over
time it has evolved to become one of the most famous and popular attractions of
Singapore, to the extent that at least four million visitors - local and
foreign tourists from in a city-state of 5.3 million people - cross the
threshold the gardens every year.
The
Director Nigel Taylor points out that "the Singapore Botanic Gardens
perfectly match the criteria for a UNESCO World Heritage Site" and has
always been a corner "loved by all citizens from all social and cultural
backgrounds." They
are home to between 30 thousand different species of plants and trees, as well
as a lake with swans and an amphitheater where concerts are held and classical
music concerts are offered.
Local
authorities have planned a series of public initiatives for 2013, to promote
the attraction and increase chances of being accepted by the heads of the UN. Currently
the gardens are classified in the "Indicative list" in which each
country moves their nominations forward. Singapore
has been at the forefront of promoting green policies to try to improve the
quality of life in a world characterized by massive urbanization and external
dependence - particularly on Malaysia - for essential commodities including
water resources. In
fact in terms of water and the environment, last year the government promoted
a project for full self-sufficiency by 2061 and based on three components:
collection of rain water, desalination of water and wastewater recycling.