Update on Singapore Botanic Gardens Bid as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Singapore, 7 March 2015 - Singapore is now in the final phase of its bid for the Singapore Botanic Gardens to be inscribed as the nation’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The process started in 2010 following a feasibility study commissioned by the then-Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts, in consultation with experts, academics and other stakeholders, like the Singapore Heritage Society. The study then showed that there was a case for the Botanic Gardens to be put up as cultural site based on the UNESCO criteria, and there was broad consensus to proceed with the bid.

In January last year, Singapore formally submitted the Nomination Dossier for the bid, following an extensive public consultation process spanning over four months.

Subsequently in September 2014, a technical assessor from the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS*) visited the Gardens as part of the bid evaluation process.  The evaluation process is now in its final stages.   

By May 2015, the ICOMOS will make a recommendation on whether the site should be inscribed. This update will also be available via the ICOMOS’ website.

The ICOMOS’ recommendation will be taken into consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, a group of 21 State Parties. They will convene in Bonn, Germany in end June/early July to discuss and decide on the outcome of all World Heritage Site nominations. The outcome of our bid will likely be known at the Bonn Meeting.  However, the Committee could also defer its decision and request more information from Singapore, in which case, our bid will be discussed at future World Heritage Committee Sessions.  

Background information on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Inscription Process is at Annex A.

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Mr Lawrence Wong, said: “The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a gem of a place for Singaporeans. But long before it was a space for concerts, family picnics and other wonderful memories, it was a place which changed the course of Southeast Asian history. Rubber cultivation started from here and spread to the rest of the region, leading to new industries and growth for the region and beyond.  So the bid to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site is an effort to recognise the Gardens and its immense influence, not just in Singapore but throughout the region. I am encouraged that many Singaporeans are supportive of this bid and we look forward to the World Heritage Committee’s decision in July.”

The public is invited to express support for Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site Nomination by penning their wishes and thoughts in the pledge books located at the following locations in the Gardens:

• Visitor Centre at Nassim Gate;
• Visitor Services Counter at Green Pavilion, Botany Centre;
• National Orchid Garden entrance; and
• Information Counter at Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden.