Decision on Botanic Gardens' Unesco bid to be made this week

Decision on Botanic Gardens' Unesco bid to be made this week

The outcome of the Singapore Botanic Gardens' bid to be listed as Singapore's first World Heritage Site will soon be known.

In a statement on Thursday, the Ministry for Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) said that the bid will be discussed and decided over the next few days by a 21-member committee at the 39th session of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) World Heritage Committee meeting.

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Mr Lawrence Wong will attend the session, which will be held in Bonn, Germany, from Jul 3-5.

The meeting is held annually to discuss issues relating to the protection of the world's cultural and natural heritage, and to decide on the inscription of new World Heritage Sites.

The decision on the Botanic Gardens' bid will be made following a recommendation by the International Council of Monuments and Sites for it to be inscribed as a World Heritage Site.

The 155-year-old Botanic Gardens, which spans 74ha and showcases over 10,000 types of plants, was nominated for Unesco status in 2012.

MCCY added that: "The bid signals Singapore's commitment to the conservation of a Gardens that Singaporeans and visitors have a fondness for, and can continue to enjoy in years to come."

In Germany, Mr Wong will be accompanied by officials from MCCY, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Heritage Board and the National Parks Board.

seanyap@sph.com.sg

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