A perfect gift for our 50th birthday.
But what is the fuss and underlying sense of honour of being accorded a place in UNESCO's many world heritage sites?
Beyond the obvious national pride and economic rewards that are attached to this award, what else can we learn from the values that humanity accords to natural and cultural sites in our region / world?
In a country known more for its economic pragmatism, concrete jungles, struggles with land scarcity and natural resources, would this rare accolade signify our maturity as a nation? What role do abstract and intangible aspects like botanical values, social memory and landscape design contribute to our unique place in the international community?
Overview:
https://www.heartmap.sg/a-garden-heritage/
A Balanced Critique of the awards:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/the-big-question-what-is-a-world-heritage-site-and-does-the-accolade-make-a-difference-997955.html
Perhaps, a good sign of a healthy society and as always, there's good natured ribbing in the making :P
http://sghardtruth.com/8-types-of-singaporeans-that-could-not-celebrate-singapore-botanic-gardens-becoming-unesco-world-heritage-site/
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