PICTURES

Botanic Gardens submits bid to become first Singapore Unesco World Heritage Site

The Singapore Botanic Gardens has submitted its bid to become the country's first Unesco World Heritage Site. -- ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG
The Singapore Botanic Gardens has submitted its bid to become the country's first Unesco World Heritage Site. -- ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG
The Singapore Botanic Gardens has submitted its bid to become the country's first Unesco World Heritage Site. -- ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG
The Singapore Botanic Gardens has submitted its bid to become the country's first Unesco World Heritage Site. -- ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG
The Singapore Botanic Gardens has submitted its bid to become the country's first Unesco World Heritage Site. -- ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG
The Singapore Botanic Gardens has submitted its bid to become the country's first Unesco World Heritage Site. -- ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG
The Singapore Botanic Gardens has submitted its bid to become the country's first Unesco World Heritage Site. -- ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG

The Singapore Botanic Gardens has submitted its bid to become the country's first Unesco World Heritage Site.

The nomination dossier sent to the United Nations body included a document detailing the Gardens' historical, economic and socio-cultural importance, as well as a proposed site management plan that outlines how it will be protected in future.

Unesco's decision on the nomination could be announced as early as June 2015, said the Gardens, National Heritage Board (NHB) and National Parks Board in a joint statement on Tuesday.

They added that more than 200 pieces of feedback were received during the four-month public consultation period on the nomination documents. Most of these were from people pledging their support for the bid or contributing their memories of the Gardens.

"Most fondly recalled their visits to the Gardens, the band performances, feeding of the swans as well as the romantic walks," the statement said.

The Gardens' director Nigel Taylor said much thought and effort had gone into the bid. "We are grateful to the many volunteers and community groups who have voiced their support. Together with these groups, we are committed to conserving the living heritage of the Gardens for our future generations to enjoy," he said.

NHB chief executive Rosa Daniel said the submission marked a "significant milestone" in Singapore's attempt to have its first Unesco World Heritage Site. She added: "We greatly appreciate the feedback... and they are testament to how Singaporeans are passionate enough about our heritage."

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