In the last 55 years, Singapore moved from being a Garden City to a City in a Garden. From simply ensuring we remain clean and green during rapid development, we went on to ensure the flora and fauna is well taken care of and that we develop around it[1], instead of having the greenery make way for us. (Has it been the case though? See this post!)
In the recent Committee of Supply Debate (Read the speech here!), our new aim was announced – to be a City in Nature. This new direction aims to enhance the greenery in our already urbanised city through 4 main approaches – extending our nature park network, intensifying nature and the greenery in gardens and parks, restoring nature into our urban areas, and strengthening the connectivity between green spaces[2]. I agree with the importance of this direction. We have lost a huge chunk of valuable natural areas during our development. Now that we have developed (quite well, I would say), it’s time to recover what we have lost along the way.
Nature Ways in Singapore (Credit: NParks)[3]
In a previous comment, I mentioned how we need to identify the natural areas to be preserved and develop around them. While the network of nature ways[3] connects different forest patches together, I would think that their narrowness and location will make the walkways a highly disturbed area, which compromises its effectiveness. I acknowledge the efforts taken to reduce the fragmentation effect caused by urbanisation, but can more be done to ensure better connectivity and preserve larger pieces of land?
Sungei Buloh Nature Park Network (Credit: NParks)[4]
It is great to hear that steps are taken to preserve and increase the connectivity between our natural habitats. However, I cannot help but think about whether opening up some areas to the public, such as the Lim Chu Kang Nature Park, is a good idea. This undisturbed area consists of numerous types of habitats and is home to its own biodiversity[5]. Will the temporary construction work to make it accessible harm the habitat? Will an increase in human activity increase disturbances to the wildlife? Thankfully, at least some areas like the Kranji Marshes will be protected and remain closed to the public.
Opening up certain areas to the public can serve educational purposes. However, we must be careful to ensure that we do more good than harm. Despite so, the new direction of a City in Nature makes me hopeful that our future in Singapore might be a tad more promising after all.
SDG15: Life on Land
References:
[1] UNEP. (2018, July 30). ‘A city in a garden’: Singapore’s journey to becoming a biodiversity model. UN Environment Programme. https://www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/story/city-garden-singapores-journey-becoming-biodiversity-model
[2] Speech by 2M Desmond Lee at the Committee of Supply Debate 2020 – Transforming Singapore into a City of Nature. Ministry of National Development. (2020, March 4). MND. https://www.mnd.gov.sg/newsroom/speeches/view/speech-by-2m-desmond-lee-at-the-committee-of-supply-debate-2020—transforming-singapore-into-a-city-of-nature
[3] NParks. (2020a, August 21). Nature Ways. National Parks Board. https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/nature-ways
[4] NParks. (2020b, August 19). Nature Park Network. National Parks Board. https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/nature-park-network
[5] NParks. (2020c, August 19). New Sungei Buloh Nature Park Network to expand Singapore’s natural capital along our northern coasts as part of efforts to make Singapore a City in Nature. National Parks Board. https://www.nparks.gov.sg/news/2020/8/new-sungei-buloh-nature-park-network-to-expand-singapore’s-natural-capital-along-our-northern-coasts-as-part-of-efforts-to-make-singapore-a-city-in-nature
Hi everyone! Just a small update to spur some thoughts.
When I went to Thailand and stayed in the suburban area, rooster calls were common. As a tourist, it is definitely interesting as it is not something we experience often in Singapore. For the residents, it has became a part of their lives and they have learnt to accommodate to the routine calls. By the way, the roosters crow the WHOLE day, not just when the sun rises, in case you did not know. Point is, they have learnt how to live with the roosters.
Take a look at this article I just read: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/some-sin-ming-hdb-estate-chickens-to-be-relocated-to-seletar-farm-after-concerns-raised
It saddens me to see a part of nature being forced to relocate, especially with 90% of residents wanting them to stay. Should this be a case where as long as there is a group of discontent residents, an action should be taken to solve this issue? What are the reasons behind this move? What are the potential effects of this move? There are many but I will not be discussing them in this comment.
Think back to my post on sustainable cities and the Tengah Town. With a eco-corridor running through the town, I will not be surprised if some wildlife strays away from the corridor and goes near populated areas. With this case of the roosters as a precedence, what might we see in future if similar complaints arise? Now think back to this post, we want Singapore to be a City in Nature. With this move of roosters, are we really making Singapore a City in Nature?
What are your thoughts? Let me know below!
Hi Ernest,
When you speak of the Nature Park Networks which in turn leads to greater access to Lim Chu Kang Nature Park, I am reminded how the building of road for forestry in the Amazon leads to greater accessibility of previously untouched forest by hunters. Personally, I think as with all issues there is a delicate balance involved. The opening of the park may lead to greater accessibility and greater human disturbances, yet I think with proper planning this can be counteracted yet allowing for more green spaces for us to enjoy. I think if the planning committee takes into account additional buffers accommodating for an area of impact from increase human footfall, this may be prove to be useful. What do you think?
-Li Zhe
Hi Li Zhe, thanks for your comment, this and the one in my previous post that made it to this post 🙂
With proper planning, I am sure that we can reduce some effects that will come with the opening of such areas. As long as there is the introduction of human activity to the area, there will definitely be an impact. However, if the planners come up with cushioning measures, such as mapping the footpaths to ensure we leave the largest area possible untouched, then that would be ideal.
I am supportive of this proposed network as I see it as a guarantee that these areas will be protected and left “untouched”. By opening these areas up to the public, it can serve not only as green spaces for recreation but also for education, which will hopefully encourage and motivate young kids to be future BES students like us 😀 well at least, I think that was how my journey started.