Fort Canning Park: Introduction

Viable Framework-DPSIR

Acronyms:

DPSIR- Driver, Pressure, State, Impact, Response (DPSIR)

SESF- Socio Ecological Systems Framework (SESF)

SES-Socio Ecological System

I mentioned earlier on in Post 2 that I discounted DPSIR from the choice of frameworks due to there being no clear delineation of society and government unlike SESF. What I realised after the previous post on governance was that it is entirely possible for a SES to be self- governed without the need for intervention from the government. Thus, DPSIR is entirely viable as a framework.

At the same time, SESF is rather conceptual in nature whilst DPSIR put into practise by the European Environment Agency (EEA). Thus DPSIR may be seen as more comprehensive in practise than SESF. Thus, I cannot just outright discount DPSIR.

Anyways, on to the main topic for the day, COMPLEX SOCIO-ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS!

Fort Canning Park (FCP)

Souce: YourSingapore

Palaces? Army Barracks? Wartime Command Centre? Fort Canning has a rather varied history as one of Singapores iconic hilltops. Located right behind the National Museum of Singapore, Fort Canning today is a hot favourite for events and celebrations. It hosts various concerts and festivals and is a hot favourite for the after-work yoga crowd. I used to run there weekly with the Aquathalon team and there were plenty of runners pounding the running paths at night making FCP quite a hot spot for exercise.

NParks

Why Fort Canning Park?

Well for starters, FCP is unique as it is one of the more centrally located parks in Singapore that is not just a park but has numerous other facilities located in it.

First off, Fort Canning was used as the headquarters of the army that defended Singapore in WW2. The structures used during that period still exist as an attraction today which adds another socio-dimension to the ecosystem. Tourists or history buffs may be attracted to visit FCP for the history attached to the park. Furthermore, maintaining the historical value of the structures has to be included in any governance plan covering FCP. Thus increasing the complexity of governance.

Source: NParks

Secondly, the park often hosts large scale events such as Films at the Fort, Ballet under the Stars and Shakespeare in the Park which bring a large amount of foot traffic. This question then is whether the infrastructure of the park; both natural and manmade can withstand the crowds these events bring. For example, most of the events require visitors to sit on the greens of the park. Thus the governing body has to be aware of how resilient the greens are to use to determine how often events can be held.

Things to look out for

Basically, the goal is to discern how the park is being governed and the direction this governance is going in. For example, the condition of the historical structures in the park, whether they have any damage besides the normal wear and tear that comes from time. Especially since most of the park is connected by running paths which implies that visitors have easy access to these historical sites.

By direction of governance I meet to what objective park managers are working towards. Is the park going to focus on maintaining its current position as a historical site with festivals and events or perhaps moving to increase its presence as an exercise spot for the office crowd?

That said, ill be heading to FCP to find out! 

Sources: 

NParks

https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/fort-canning-park

YourSingapore

http://www.yoursingapore.com/see-do-singapore/nature-wildlife/parks-gardens/fort-canning-park.html

LonelyPlanet

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/singapore/sights/parks-gardens/fort-canning-park