Tan Weizhen Today Online 1 Feb 13;
SINGAPORE — While policymakers seek to optimise land use, they have also identified more nature areas that will be conserved under the land use plan unveiled yesterday.
These areas are Jalan Gemala at Lim Chu Kang, as well as Beting Bronok and Pulau Unum, which are off Pulau Tekong.
According to the Ministry of National Development (MND), Jalan Gemala has varied habitats such as wet grassland, freshwater marshes, as well as tall secondary woodland and freshwater reservoir.
Beting Bronok and Pulau Unum contain a wide array of marine and coastal flora and fauna — including two locally-endangered mangrove plant species. Examples of the wildlife species found there are the Knobbly Sea Star and Thorny Sea Urchin.
This will bring the total number of nature areas that are conserved to 20, excluding the four nature reserves.
The MND said it will continue to allocate 10 per cent of total land in Singapore to greenery, which it considers to be a large proportion, as the island is highly urbanised.
Mr Yong Ding Li, a conservationist and member of the Nature Society, said that Jalan Gemala, which lies on the western fringe of Kranji Reservoir, is well-known for the existence of fireflies, while Pulau Unum is a “very pristine piece of mangrove”.
He said: “These areas are good to have, but to me, there are more important areas to be conserved.” He cited a patch of woodland in Ulu Pandan, which has been zoned for other development plans in the Urban Redevelopment Authority masterplan.
Tan Weizhen
Two new sites declared nature areas
David Ee Straits Times 2 Feb 13;
SOME species of rare plants and animals will get more protection in Singapore, with two new sites designated as nature areas in the Government's latest Land Use Plan.
In one, marshes, woodland, and a river system near Jalan Gemala in Lim Chu Kang will be conserved, though the exact boundaries are still unknown.
The other, off the northern shore of Pulau Tekong, comprises a submerged reef at Beting Bronok and coastal mangroves on the tiny island of Pulau Unum.
The move, which brings the number of nature areas in Singapore to 20, has been lauded by conservationists.
Nature areas, as defined under the Urban Redevelopment Authority's Master Plan 2008, are identified for their biodiversity and "will be kept for as long as possible until required for development". Natural flora and fauna in these areas "will be protected from human activity" and ecological studies may be required before any future development.
Rare plants such as the Fox grape have been sighted in Jalan Gemala, while locally endangered mangrove and mollusc species are found at Beting Bronok and Pulau Unum. Sea stars and sea urchins can also be seen there.
Wildlife consultant Subaraj Rajathurai called the northern coast of Pulau Tekong "a very important site" with birds such as the Blue Flycatcher, which are nearly extinct on the mainland.
Beting Bronok, said marine biologist Karenne Tun, 42, is a rocky intertidal area that is small but ecologically rich, with species similar to those found at Chek Jawa on Pulau Ubin.
Access to the area is currently restricted due to its proximity to military areas on Pulau Tekong. It is not immediately clear if the public will be granted access.
Jalan Gemala, said Mr Subaraj, is less known among conservationists, but supports an important colony of fireflies.
"It's good that they're conserving these areas. It's a step in the right direction."
But nature lovers are concerned by other aspects of the new Land Use Plan. For instance, the sea around southern island Pulau Hantu has been earmarked for possible reclamation.
"That would be devastating to the marine ecosystem," said Mr Subaraj, referring to the coral reefs in the island's surrounds.
The island's nearby subtidal reefs account for over 10 per cent of those remaining here, said Dr Tun. Over 60 per cent of coral reefs here have been lost to development, leaving 5 to 10 sq km left.
In a statement, the Ministry of National Development said that there were "no immediate development plans" for Pulau Hantu, and that environmental impact assessments would be done before any reclamation work.
Conservationists are also calling for more clarity regarding the Government's plans for land use beyond 2030.
Said environmental blogger Ria Tan: "There's not enough detail on ecology in the report, so I'm not sure how much it's been factored in. I would like to know about the thinking that went on behind it."
Professor Victor Savage, who researches sustainable urban development at the National University of Singapore, added: "There could have been better clarification from the authorities... especially where (the plans) impinge on areas of natural value."
