Social Capital and Networks in Nature Conservation A case study of Chek Jawa, Singapore A presentation by November TAN Peng Ting National University of Singapore Department of Geography Research Scholar

Overview Introduction Background Strategies Social Capital & Trust Networks Implications

Introduction

Background

Strategies

Social Capital & Trust

Networks

Implications

Introduction

Introduction

A landmark event happened in 2001 when reclamation was deferred in favor of nature conservation.

A landmark event happened in 2001 when reclamation was deferred in favor of nature conservation.

First time more than 2000 people visiting a nature area over weekend

First time more than 2000 people visiting a nature area over weekend

Cited as the poster child of effective public consultation by the state.

Cited as the poster child of effective public consultation by the state.

Watershed moment in the transition of environmental civil society structure and strategies

Watershed moment in the transition of environmental civil society structure and strategies

Where is Chek Jawa?

What is Chek Jawa? “ A natural haven comprising of 6 distinct habitats - coastal forest, mangrove, [rocky shore], sand flats, coral rubble, [seagrass meadow], and a tiny island named Pulau Sekudu”

“ A natural haven comprising of 6 distinct habitats - coastal forest, mangrove, [rocky shore], sand flats, coral rubble, [seagrass meadow], and a tiny island named Pulau Sekudu”

Scheduled Development 1991 Concept Plan, gazetted in the 1998 Master Plan Together with Pulau Tekong, Pulau Ubin was due to be expanded by almost 80% through reclamation.

1991 Concept Plan, gazetted in the 1998 Master Plan

Together with Pulau Tekong, Pulau Ubin was due to be expanded by almost 80% through reclamation.

Scheduled Development

Scheduled Development

Civil Society Response “ Come see it before it’s gone”

“ Come see it before it’s gone”

Civil Society Response Guided Public Walks Scientific Survey Non-Confrontational Engagement Public Awareness & Outreach Online and Mainstream Media Petition & Compiled Feedbacks

Guided Public Walks

Scientific Survey

Non-Confrontational Engagement

Public Awareness & Outreach

Online and Mainstream Media

Petition & Compiled Feedbacks

Social Capital “ An instantiated set of informal values or norms shared among members of a group that permits them to cooperate with one another.” - Francis Fukuyama (2000:98) “… connections among individuals – social networks and the norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness that arise from them” - Robert Putnam (2000:19)

“ An instantiated set of informal values or norms shared among members of a group that permits them to cooperate with one another.” - Francis Fukuyama (2000:98)

“… connections among individuals – social networks and the norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness that arise from them”

- Robert Putnam (2000:19)

Strategies Social Capital Accumulation through: Networks and Cyber-advocacy Credibility and Trust Engagement

Social Capital Accumulation through:

Networks and Cyber-advocacy

Credibility and Trust

Engagement

Strategies Components of State-civil society engagement Networks Political Environment Trust Valuable Content Credibility Undemanding Constructive Non-aggressive Proven Track Record Consistency Public awareness Technology Media Communications Multiplier effect Public outreach Tapping on Expertise

Strategies (Source: Anheier and Katz, 2005)

Participation Barometer Analysis Framework of Tripartite Engagement in Nature Conservation

Implications Stepping stone or stumbling block? Considering post-crisis strategies Maintaining social capital Importance of network versus “asymmetrical warfare” Reproducing “Saving Chek Jawa ”

Stepping stone or stumbling block?

Considering post-crisis strategies

Maintaining social capital

Importance of network versus “asymmetrical warfare”

Reproducing “Saving Chek Jawa ”

Questions?