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Written Answer by Ministry of National Development to PQ on nature reserves, coastal and marine biodiversity

24 MARCH 2009

Question No. 928
Question by: Er Edwin Khew Teck Fook

        Er Edwin Khew Teck Fook asked the Minister for National Development what plans his Ministry has (a) to preserve and restore the edges around the seven fragmented patches in our nature reserves; and (b) to conserve the remaining unmodified 10% of our coastline to protect our reefs and their rich biodiversity.

Answer
      We have taken several measures to address the problem of fragmentation at our nature reserves.  Let me highlight three key measures.  First , we have improved the general condition of the forests through a reforestation programme.  Over the years, forest edges and gaps in forest canopy have been rehabilitated with the planting of more than 17,000 native trees.  Volunteers, schools, interest groups and corporate sponsors have contributed to this effort.

      Second, we have created buffer zones in the form of parks around the edges of our nature reserves to offer greater protection for the flora and fauna within the reserves.  For example, the Diary Farm Nature Park currently under development would serve as a buffer at the edge of the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Under NParks’ draft Master Plan for Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, buffer zones would be introduced to protect the rich biodiversity cores within the wetland.

      Third, NParks is linking up our parks with nature reserves via tree-lined roads and park connectors so that together, they act as larger ecological entities which can better support bird and other wildlife habitats.  The cluster around Bukit Batok Nature Park, Bukit Batok Town Park and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is one such example.  NParks is also studying the feasibility of building a link-way across the Bukit Timah Expressway to re-establish wildlife connectivity between the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Central Catchment Nature Reserve.

      To protect our coastal and marine biodiversity, coastal areas with rich biodiversity such as those at Labrador and Sungei Buloh have been gazetted as nature reserves.  Other sites of marine biodiversity significance such as Sisters’ Islands have been identified as Nature Areas within URA’s Special and Detailed Controls Plans.  Marine conservation projects, such as the coral nursery established by NParks, NUS, NEA and Keppel Corporation , are also important components of our conservation efforts.

      To better manage our coastal and marine environment, including the protection of biodiversity, a Technical Committee on Coastal and Marine Environment (TCCME) comprising NParks and relevant government agencies was set up in 2008.  We have in place stringent rules and regulations to guide our maritime activities.  One key measure is the requirement for an Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) to be put in place to ensure that development projects do not adversely affect our biodiversity.

      Singapore remains rich in terrestrial and marine biodiversity today, despite being small and highly urbanised.  This has been achieved through deliberate efforts made at balancing development with nature conservation.  We will continue to adopt a pragmatic approach and conserve our natural heritage as much as possible.

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Last updated on 13 April, 2009