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Main Feature

  1. Main Feature

    The Singapore Botanic Gardens Is Now A UNESCO World Heritage Site!

    What was it like waiting for the results of our bid to inscribe the Gardens as a World Heritage Site? Read on for a peek behind the scenes to experience the anticipation and excitement as our Singapore delegation in Bonn witnessed this historic moment unfold.

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Editor's Note

Fourth July 2015 – a significant date for all of us at NParks. At the 39th meeting of the UNESCO World Heritage committee, the Singapore Botanic Gardens was unanimously endorsed as a World Heritage Site. Not only is the Gardens the first in Singapore to receive this recognition, but it is also the first in Asia and the third botanic gardens inscribed in the world following Orto botanico di Padova and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. It is the first and only tropical botanical gardens on the list.

The Gardens is a place where many of us have fond memories of – we picnicked on its lush lawns with friends and family, some of us received marriage proposals under the boughs of its ancient trees, on occasions we enjoyed a performance under the stars at the symphony stage, or we simply had a stroll, jog or walk the dog within its extensive grounds.

Beyond its cultural relevance to us, the Gardens was also a place of research and learning. It was here where experiments on rubber resulted in the rubber boom of the early 20th century. Orchid hybridisation and breeding programmes were pioneered within its grounds, leading to the growth of the cut orchid industry. The Gardens also played a role in our founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew’s vision of a Garden City, by providing trees and expertise. And the list goes on.

You can catch a glimpse of the heritage of the Gardens through this video

The Gardens’ success and relevance through the years is due in no small part to your contributions. Thank you to all of you for supporting the Gardens either by pledging your support for its World Heritage Site recognition, or simply by spending time within its grounds. At the same time, we ask that you keep up your support, for it is through the community’s contributions that the Gardens has remained and will continue to be a part of Singapore’s heritage. So do come by whenever you need a break from the hustle and bustle of urban life, and relax within a very Singaporean icon.

Ng Li-San

Editorial Team

Editor

  • Ng Li-San

Conservation Consultant

  • Shin Koh

Gardening Consultant

  • Dr Wilson Wong

Contributors

  • Cheong Li Min
  • Herrick Ong
  • Jasper Ku Wei
  • Lau Kai Ying
  • Lynn Tan
  • Natalie Cheong
  • Nicky Ng
  • Dr Nigel Taylor
  • Reuben Rajenthiran
  • Serene Goh
  • Shee Zhi Qiang
  • Dr Wilson Wong
  • Wong Yeang Cherng
  • Zhou Boyi