Potential UNESCO world heritage site

Group D: Gregory Loh, Scott Lim, Eldon Kin, Irving De Boer, Zhuo Qi

Our Choice for the UNESCO siteMacRitchie(Tree Top Walk)

Definition of a UNESCO site● A UNESCO world heritage site is a place (forest, mountain, lake, desert, monument, building,

complex,or city) that is listed as of special cultural or has physical significance

● Therefore considering that MacRitchie Treetop is full of primary and secondary forests, it should be considered as a World Heritage Site as it contains a huge variety of biodiversity.

MacRitchie TTWThe TreeTop Walk (TTW) is the highlight of several long hiking routes in MacRitchie that goes

through different stages of mature secondary forest. The first of its kind in Singapore and in the region, this free-standing suspension bridge connects the two highest points (Bukit Peirce and Bukit Kalang) in MacRitchie and offers a bird's eye view of the community of plants and animals that live in the forest canopy.

Besides providing another avenue for nature recreation for Singaporeans, the TTW also plays an important role in forest canopy research, an area many researchers were not able to get into because of lack of access. This bridge will help to facilitate surveys and plant identification work and further our understanding of how forest ecosystems work.

Description of MacRitchie Tree top walk• The treetop walk is 25m high & 250 m long

• Plays an important role in canopy research which help to facilitate surveys and plant identification work.

• Nature recreation for people in Singapore.

• Promote an interest and appreciation of the natural sciences for students

More descriptionGood form of exercise for the people visiting.

Rich variety of wildlife (monkeys, squirrels etc.)

Protected trees are found here(Tongkat Ali)

Justification of outstanding valueEnvironmental aspect:Sheer diversity of biodiversity: Freshwater streams, Wetland forests Secondary forests, Primary

forests

-Different animals living in each of these layers.

-Stream:Forest walking catfish

-Wetland forests: Blue-eared kingfisher

-Secondary forests: Twin-barred trees snake

-Primary forests: Bonded leaf monkey

Forest fragmentation: Extensive openings in the canopy change the physical conditions in the forest preventing animals from moving around freely

Justification of outstanding value

Social aspect: When tourists go to the TTW, they can have a chance to interact with other people, forming social bonds with each other.

The forests provides people with a common topic: the forest (WOW)

Justification of outstanding value

Economical aspect: When tourist go to the TTW, they would hire a guide to show them around, this would increase the revenue earned.(Create jobs)

This leads to Myrdal’s cumulative model of causation to occur. More jobs provided, leads to a wealthier population. The people can then undertake training to improve on their value. WIith a higher value population, the people will have a better salary. This leads to increased demand for shopping centres and cinemas etc. The standard of living increases. People from other country come to Singapore to work. With a larger population, the government can tax more people. With a larger amount of tax money, the government can provide better social services etc. A growth pole is formed.

As such, it can bring about great economical impact.

Statements of authenticity- The MacRitchie treetop walk,built in 2004, lets visitors see thousands of plant variety like the

Durio Zibethinus and Eurycoma Longifolia, among others, which is native to this part of the world.

- There are over 100 different species of butterflies like the Euploea midamus Singapura.

- In addition, there are wild boars, lemurs and long tailed macaques that support this vibrant biosystem.

Comparison with other sites In comparison to Sungei Buloh, MacRitchie TTW has a greater range of biodiversity, and also

provides a more fun and fruitful experience for everyone. It also provides a good chance for students to observe the natural habitat of one of the few remaining rainforests in Singapore.

Bibliography

• jlordalmighty.blogspot.com• http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/index.php?o

ption=com_visitorsguide&task=attractions&id=64&Itemid=73

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacRitchie_Reservoir

Thank you for your time