'FRIENDS OF THE PARKS' AS A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT APPROACH IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Friends of the Parks (FotP) is a community development approach initiated by the National Parks Board (NParks). This dissertation aims to provide insights into the diversity within, and different aspirations of each FotP community, as well as the working mechanisms adopted to achieve the intended outcomes. Fifteen semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with volunteer Chairpersons, government officers, and academic experts on community development. An established ‘framework technique’ was used to ensure a systematic approach to qualitative data analysis. FotP presents a different mechanism from other government-led participatory efforts; an experienced community leader works with diverse stakeholders, and is facilitated by a NParks secretariat. While their approaches vary, activities initiated by the FotP communities shared a focus on community participation and environmental stewardship. Suggestions to enhance capacity building for the development of sustained programmes were also identified. This will lead to the evolution of the FotP model and the strengthening of a pluralistic civil society.