Best of our wild blogs: 1-2 Mar 14

Pulau Semakau (28 February 2014)
from teamseagrass

Why avoid Kopi Luwak?
from Project LUWAK SG

Singapore Biodiversity Records: A Curious Incident of a Snake in Hostel Shoe Cupboard from Raffles Museum News

A Quiet Afternoon @ Mandai Track 15
from Beauty of Fauna and Flora in Nature

Morning Walk At Venus Drive (01 March 2014)
from Beetles@SG BLOG and Night Walk At Punggol Road (28 Feb 2014)

Nesting of the Grey-rumped Treeswift
from Bird Ecology Study Group

Book Review - Butterflies Up Close
from Butterflies of Singapore

Palm oil plantations allegedly poison seven Critically Endangered elephants in Sumatra from Mongabay.com news

Read more!

Singapore: Regional dry spell raises haze threat

As the dry spell here continues, Minister for Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan has reassured that Singapore will be 'all right' no matter how long the dry weather lasts, be it weeks or months.
Woo Sian Boon Today Online 1 Mar 14;

SINGAPORE — The regionwide dry spell will not affect Singapore’s water supply yet, but a threat may be looming in the form of the haze.

Yesterday, Indonesia’s meteorological agency warned that Singapore may soon be choking on the same haze that has cloaked Riau province for nearly a month as wind directions change.

However, the prediction was at odds with the forecast of the Republic’s National Environment Agency (NEA). In an advisory, NEA said the prevailing north-easterly winds will keep the haze from Sumatra away from Singapore over the next few days.

It added that Singapore may experience occasional slight haze due to the accumulation of particulate matter under stable atmospheric conditions, particularly in the morning.

The NEA said the total number of hot spots detected in Sumatra yesterday increased to 138 from 62 on Thursday, with more than half of the new hot spots detected in Riau province.

Earlier this month, forest fires began to burn in Riau, growing to cover nearly 6,000ha at their peak, prompting Riau Governor Annas Maamun to declare a State of Emergency on Wednesday. The situation worsened yesterday, with visibility dropping to about 500m, local reports said.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has ordered the National Disaster Management Agency to tackle the haze in Riau province.

Mr Sugarin, Head of the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) in Pekanbaru, the capital of Riau, told the Indonesian news portal Republika Online: “The wind, which was previously blowing from the north and the east to the south, is starting to turn to the opposite direction, so there’s a possibility that the haze will blow to Singapore.”

Despite prolonged dry spell, S’pore will be all right: Balakrishnan

Meanwhile, as the dry spell here continues, Minister for Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan has reassured that Singapore will be “all right” no matter how long the dry weather lasts, be it weeks or months. Yet, everyone must do his or her part to conserve water, he said.

He stressed that while the Republic can count its blessings, with its technological investments in water sustainability paying off, water is not a limitless resource.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of National Junior College’s annual road run, Dr Balakrishnan said he has received some feedback to conduct a water rationing exercise. But he said: “I told them I would consider it. But at this point in time, fortunately, we don’t need to do it. Our backs are not against the wall and we are not going to rush into a thing like that.”

He added: “Let’s focus on education, on passing the message (on conservation) and all of us doing our own part. That would be sufficient for now.”

Dr Balakrishnan, who noted that the dry weather is expected to continue for at least two or three weeks or possibly even longer, said there are no plans to raise water tariffs at the moment, as Singapore has an additional buffer in the form of desalination and NEWater — sources that are not dependent on the weather.

Still, with no end to the dry spell in sight, national water agency PUB has sent out advisories on reducing water usage to 25,000 non-domestic users, including town councils, schools and commercial building owners. With Singapore registering a record dry spell of 27 days over the past two months, PUB has embarked on a water conservation campaign even as it regularly spreads the message on the importance of saving water.

PUB has visited and issued circulars to 385 households as of the middle of last month to help residents adopt good water-saving habits and prevent water wastage during the dry weather under its Water Efficient Home programme.

Average water consumption has increased slightly by about 15 million gallons per day (mgd) for the past two months, an amount equivalent to 27 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Since the start of the dry spell in January, the PUB has been running the desalination and NEWater plants at maximum capacity, producing 100mgd and 117mgd, respectively. Combined, these two sources make up 55 per cent of the Republic’s water needs.

To keep the reservoirs’ water levels healthy, the agency has increased the amount of NEWater it is pumping into them to 35mgd from 30mgd since last week.

On the impact of the dry spell on the greenery, Dr Balakrishnan noted that the National Parks Board is focusing its attention only on heritage trees. He added: “As far as the grass is concerned, we’ll have to let it go brown, we can’t afford to pour potable water just to keep our lawns looking green.”

Meanwhile, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) said it has contacted vegetable farmers who had earlier voiced worries over the effect of the dry weather on their crops. AVA said it understands that the farmers are coping with the weather conditions.

PUB to send advisories on water conservation methods
Steven Chia Channel NewsAsia 28 Feb 14;

SINGAPORE: National water agency PUB will send advisories on water conservation methods to 25,000 non-domestic users including town councils.

But Environment and Water Resources Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, who was asked to comment on the prolonged dry spell, said Singapore will not have to start water rationing at this point of time.

He also said he wanted to assure Singaporeans that no matter how long the dry spell goes on, Singapore "will be alright".

At the flag-off for an annual road run by National Junior College, Dr Balakrishnan reminded students that Singapore is very fortunate to be where it is today.

This is because there were plans put in place to cater to the water needs of the country.

He said the reason why Singapore still has water in its reservoirs today is because of forward planning by previous generations for a desalination plant and to recycle water.

Dr Balakrishnan said that each day, 100 million gallons of water is desalinated and over 110 million gallons of water is recycled.

This is about 55 percent of Singapore’s water needs and is being used to help buffer water levels.

But conservation is still essential and in further efforts to reduce water usage, the minister highlighted that water usage will be cut in many areas.

For instance, in parks, only heritage trees will be watered using non-potable water.

Town councils may also reduce the frequency of their cleaning using water.

Companies are being encouraged to consider switching off their water features.

These efforts are more essential now as water usage over the last two months has gone up significantly.

Dr Balakrishnan said: "We are using an additional 15 million gallons per day. My short-term target is to bring that down. Let's try to reduce the water consumption back to a more normal level and then see if we can bring it further.”

When asked about the possibility of water rationing, Dr Balakrishnan said: "Some people have approached me to say, ‘maybe you should just do an exercise to remind people about the importance of water’. I've told them I will consider it.

“But at this point in time, fortunately, we don't need to do it. Our backs are not against the wall and we are not going to rush into things like that. Let's focus on education, let's focus on passing the message and all of us doing our own part.

“Let's all do our part in saving this precious resource so that we can all continue to enjoy it.”

Dr Balakrishnan also said that water tariffs will not be increased at this point in time.

- CNA/nd

No water rationing for now: Vivian Balakrishnan
Woo Sian Boon Today Online 28 Feb 14;

SINGAPORE — Singapore will not have to start water rationing “at this point of time”, said Minister for Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan today (Feb 28).

Nevertheless, he highlighted the importance of conserving water, with Singapore still in the midst of its longest-ever dry spell, where rain has not fallen for 27 days between Jan 13 and Feb 8.

The dry weather will probably persist into the first half of next month, according to the National Environment Agency.

To maintain healthy water levels in the reservoirs, national water agency PUB last week increased the amount of NEWater it injects into the reservoirs to 30 million gallons per day. The desalination and NEWater plants are also running at close to full capacity. NEWater and desalination can meet up to 30 per cent and 25 per cent of Singapore’s water needs, respectively.

On average, water consumption last week increased slightly by about 15 mgd, said the PUB, an amount equivalent to about 27 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Speaking on the sidelines of the National Junior College’s annual road run, Dr Balakrishnan said that PUB will be starting a campaign today to urge all domestic and non-domestic consumers to cut down on water usage. For example, town councils will be asked to cut down on the frequencies of cleaning using water jets, while companies should consider switching off their water features to conserve water.

Dr Balakrishnan also said that water tariffs will not be increased “at this moment”.

Making the reassurance, he added that he received some feedback to conduct a water rationing exercise as a “dry run”.

He said: “I told them that I would consider it, but at this point of time, fortunately, we don’t need to do it. Our backs are not against the wall and we are not going to rush into a thing like that. Let’s focus on education, on passing the message (on conservation) and all of us doing our own part. That would be sufficient for now. I can give an assurance to Singaporeans that no matter how long this goes on, whether in the next few weeks or next few months, we’ll be all right.”

Dry weather may continue but 'we will be all right for water'
The New Paper AsiaOne 3 Mar 14;

SINGAPORE - Despite the prolonged spell of dry weather, Singapore has no plans to introduce water rationing, thanks to Newater and desalination.

The dry weather may continue for two or three more weeks, or even longer, but "no matter how long this goes on..., we will be all right", Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan said on Friday.

Singapore's investments in desalination and Newater plants are paying off. Together, the two water sources can meet 55 per cent of the demand regardless of the amount of rainfall.

This gives Singapore "a safety margin which we are tapping," the minister said, adding that we did not have such a margin just 10 years ago.

And because of this, he does not see a need for water rationing now. He also ruled out cloud-seeding for now as it is ineffective.

Intake from Singapore's reservoirs and imported water from Malaysia make up the remaining 45 per cent of water demand.

Singapore has had very little rain in the past month and a half.

And the need to conserve water remains important, the minister said, with consumption having gone up by 15 million gallons a day.

The immediate plan is to reduce this. Town councils, residents and landscaping companies are being told to save water.

PUB, the national water agency, is issuing water saving advisories to 25,000 businesses and heavy water users, The Straits Times reported.

"We do need to conserve water and to understand that the good fortune that we have now has not come cheaply, has not come easily," Dr Balakrishnan said.

"You only need to look at the region to understand that people (there) are suffering and are having to confront this brutal reality (of water shortage). It is a good reminder for us that we need to prepare well in advance."

He added: "If we all do our part, there will be no disruption to our lives."

Dry spell: Singapore has 'margin' of water safety
David Ee The Straits Times 3 Mar 14;

SINGAPORE - The prolonged dry weather is expected to continue for "at least another two or three weeks", Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan said yesterday.

But while "we cannot be sure how prolonged this dry spell will be", he reassured Singaporeans that the country's water technology means it will be fine "no matter how long this goes on, whether the next few weeks or the next few months".

Singapore's investments in desalination and Newater - high- grade reclaimed water - are paying off, he said at a school event at Marina Barrage, "giving us a safety margin which today we are tapping".

These two sources together are able to meet 55 per cent of the Republic's water demand - about 400 million gallons a day (mgd) on average - regardless of how much rain falls.

Because of this, he does not currently foresee a need for water rationing, which was last seen here during a drought in the 1960s. He also ruled out cloud-seeding, saying it would have little effect on an island as small as Singapore.

Reservoirs and water imported from Malaysia are Singapore's two other sources of water.

The Republic has seen barely any rain over the past 11/2 months, in one of its longest-ever dry spells. National water agency PUB is now pumping 35 million gallons of Newater a day into reservoirs to maintain water levels.

Even so, Singapore's water technology "is not limitless", said Dr Balakrishnan. He stressed the importance of conserving water, noting that daily consumption has gone up by about 4 per cent during this period.

The immediate plan is to reduce consumption.

PUB is issuing 25,000 advisories to heavy water users, while households will be given water-saving tips. Town councils will also be told to use less water for cleaning.

"We do need to conserve water and to understand that the good fortune that we have now has not come cheaply, has not come easily," said Dr Balakrishnan.

Singapore's demand for water is expected to double to nearly 800 mgd by around 2060. The second agreement to import water from Malaysia expires in 2061.

The minister added: "You only need to look at the region to understand that people are suffering and are having to confront this brutal reality (of water shortage). It is a good reminder for us that we need to prepare well in advance."

Across the border, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor have already begun rationing water, and Johor could soon follow as Malaysia endures one of its longest dry spells in years. A draft United Nations report yesterday also warned that the droughts hitting the region could reduce crop harvests and cause food prices to spike.

Already, the price of palm oil, the world's most-used edible oil and one of the most important crops in South-east Asia, is surging as the weather hampers production.

PUB calls for water to be conserved amid dry spell
David Ee The Straits Times AsiaOne 3 Mar 14;

SINGAPORE - National water agency PUB has been urging businesses and home owners to use less water, as Singapore goes through one of its longest periods of dry weather.

In the past two weeks, PUB has begun to issue 25,000 advisories to heavy water users such as shopping malls, hotels, wafer fabrication plants and landscaping firms.

The advisories urge them, for example, to clean areas using water only when necessary, reuse water for non-drinking uses whenever possible, and to switch off water features like fountains.

It has also sent advice to nearly 400 home owners with high water consumption, offering tips such as taking showers within five minutes, putting thimbles on taps, and washing vegetables in a filled sink rather than under a running tap.

In the coming weeks, it will organise a series of roadshows in schools and malls to press home the message of water conservation.

PUB 3P Network director George Madhavan noted that Singapore now has 17 reservoirs compared to just three in the 1960s, and "a more diversified" water supply with Newater and desalinated water.

But, he said, "We do not know how long this dry spell will last. All of us have to play our part to conserve water and make every drop count."

Singapore has seen barely any rainfall since the middle of January, apart from isolated and brief showers earlier last month.

Town councils are also being asked not to use water unnecessarily for cleaning, by cutting down on the use of water jets.

Cut back on water use right away, says SEC
Jalelah Abu Baker MyPaper AsiaOne 3 Mar 14;

SINGAPORE - The dry spell has not blown up into a crisis yet, but we should behave as if we are already in one, Singapore Environment Council (SEC) executive director Jose Raymond said yesterday.

He said that reacting only after crisis hits might be "too late", and we may not have enough water left to drink by then.

"Water is a strategic resource, and we need to realise that we cannot take it for granted and we must do our part," he told MyPaper.

The current dry spell, the longest in recent history, has stretched from mid-January, save for brief and isolated showers last month.

He named town councils, hotels and eating establishments as three big-ticket water users, but noted that steps are already being taken.

Mr Raymond lauded the Pasir Ris-Punggol town council for taking the lead in suspending its monthly block washing, and took heart that other town councils are also taking steps to minimise water usage.

Mr Zainal Sapari, MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, who was responsible for the move, wrote on his Facebook page on Friday: "(A) dirty block is an irritation but using precious water for this purpose is not wise, given the dry spell we are experiencing."

Other town councils, including Holland-Bukit Panjang and Marine Parade, have also taken steps, by being flexible about the washing of carparks.

Mr Raymond also noted that the National Parks Board will be using non-potable water to help young saplings and significant trees cope with the dry spell.

"In this respect, golf clubs must ask themselves if there are alternatives instead of using potable water to keep their fairways green," he said.

Hotels should also step up the education of their guests by reminding them about the need to save water, he added.

Read more!

Riau Haze May Hit Singapore as Wind Direction Changes - Indonesia’s meteorological agency

Jakarta Globe 28 Feb 14;

Jakarta. Singapore may soon be choking on the same haze that has cloaked Riau province for nearly a month as wind directions change, Indonesia’s meteorological agency warned on Friday.

“The wind, which was previously blowing from the north and the east to the south, is starting to turn to the opposite direction, so there’s a possibility that the haze will blow to Singapore,” Sugarin, the head of the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) in Pekanbaru, told the Indonesian news portal Republika Online.

Forest fires began to burn in Riau earlier this month growing to cover nearly 6,000 hectares of land at their peak and prompting Riau Governor Annas Maamun to declare a state of emergency on Wednesday. The province has struggled to curb illegal land clearing in spite of international condemnation stemming from last year’s wide-reaching haze issues. The practice, which is locally accepted as a “traditional” method to prepare palm oil plantations for cultivation, has been the focus of repeated education and outreach programs, but local farmers continue to employ its use.

Police in Riau have charged 40 people with setting forest fires in the past month in a crackdown on the destructive slash-and-burn clearing responsible for the region’s annual haze.

“All have been arrested and directly named as suspects in land burnings over the past few weeks,” Sr. Comr. Estuning, a commander with the Riau Police Forest Burning Task Force, told the state-run Antara News Agency on Friday.

All of those arrested were small-scale farmers, not employees of the multinational palm oil and pulp companies operating in the province, Estuning said. The suspects were arrested in the districts of Bengkalis, Meranti, Rokan Hilir, Siak and the cities of Pekanbaru and Dumai. The total number of people detained in the sweeps will likely increase as police investigate the cause of hundreds of fires, the officer said.

“We will keep on reporting the results of the investigation from the task force,” Estuning said.

The number of reported hotspots in Sumatra dropped to 388 on Friday, down from the 747 reported yesterday, according to the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) in Pekanbaru. Most of the hotspots were in Bengkalis — a district where firefighters and locals are coping with the frightening emergence of Sumatran tigers after the endangered animal’s habitat began to burn earlier this week.

The thick haze blanketing much of the province worsened on Friday, with visibility dropping to some 500 meters, according to the local news portal RiauKini.com. If the haze did indeed reach Singapore or Malaysia, it would likely be less serious than last year’s haze woes, local BMKG officials said.

Read more!

Indonesia: Satellite detects 1,046 hotspots from forest fires in Sumatra

Antara 1 Mar 14;

Pekanbaru, Riau (ANTARA News) - The Terra and Aqua satellite has detected 1,046 hotspots from forest, plantation and peatland fires across Sumatra Island, it was reported Saturday morning.

"Of the total number, 963 were found in Riau Province. The number is significantly up from those on the previous day," Sugarin, the head of the Pekanbaru meteorological, climatology and geophysics agency, said here on Saturday.

The NOAA 18 satellite, however, detected only 138 hotspots across Sumatra on Friday, including 70 in Riau province, according to the Riau disaster mitigation office (BPBD).

During February 2014, the NOAA 8 satellite revealed 2,208 hotspots on Sumatra Island, including 1,272 in Riau Province.

In Riau, hotspots were found in Bengkalis (312), Pelalawan (198 titik), Dumai (174), Siak (147), Indragiri Hilir (130), Rokan Hilir (110), Meranti (91), Kampar (49), Indragiri Hulu (29), and Kuantan Singingi (16).

Chief of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) Syamsul Maarif stated that some 99 percent of forest and plantation fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan were deliberately set.

"There should be sanctions to stop recurrences. Slash-and-burn farming methods exist in Sumatra and Kalimantan, but the most important thing is that they should be controlled," Maarif noted in a statement on Feb. 28.

According to Maarif, the Indonesian police have named 23 suspects in Riau and 16 in Central Kalimantan, who allegedly set the fires.

"There are several factors behind their decision to set fires in plantation and forest areas, such as economic, social and cultural factors," he explained.

The hotspots were also detected in other districts of Riau, including Indragiri Hulu (29), and Rokan Hulu (14), as well as Riaus capital of Pekanbaru (two).

On February 28, the Riau provincial police announced that 40 individuals have been named as suspects in forest and plantations fires in several districts and cities.

"All of them have been detained, after being identified as suspects, for allegedly setting fires during the past several weeks," said Senior Commissioner Estuning of the Riau police plantation fire task force.

The suspects were all individuals, she added. "The cases allegedly involving companies are still under investigation," she pointed out.
(Uu.F001/INE/KR-BSR)

Editor: Priyambodo RH

Fires scorch 6,000 hectares of land, forests in Riau
Antara 1 Mar 14;

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Six thousand hectares of land and forests were destroyed by fire in Riau province, according to a disaster mitigation agency official.

"Based on data taken through aerial and land surveys, the land and forests that have been set on fire reached 6,000 hectares," Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, the head of the data information center of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), said here on Saturday.

The locations set on fire included the world nature preserves Biospher Giam Siak Kecil, Bukit Batu in Bengkalis District and the National Tesso Nello Park.

Several fires also broke out at plantations. The fire at the Biosphere Siak Kecil Preserve caused a thick cloud to blanket Pekanbaru City, Riau. The air pollution standard index reached 375 in Bengkalis and 500 in Duri.

"This has reached a dangerous level," Sutopo stressed.

He added that the Ministry of Forestry had also reported 70 hotspots detected by the NOAA18 satellites in Riau.

Meanwhile, Chief of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) Syamsur Maarif stated on Friday that some 99 percent of forest and plantation fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan were deliberately set.

"There should be sanctions to stop recurrences. Slash-and-burn farming methods exist in Sumatra and Kalimantan, but the most important is that this should be controlled," Syamsul Maarif noted in a statement.

As part of law enforcement actions, the Indonesian police have named 23 suspects in Riau and 16 in Central Kalimantan for allegedly setting fires.

"There are several factors behind their decision to set fires in plantation and forest areas, such as economic, social and cultural factors," he explained.

The dry season in Sumatra and Kalimantan has triggered forest and plantation fires that produced haze.

The NOAA 18 satellite on Thursday detected 17 hotspots in Aceh, 12 in East Kalimantan, 10 in West Kalimantan, four in North Sumatra and four in North Kalimantan.

(T.A014/A/KR-BSR/F001)

Editor: Aditia Maruli

Indonesia: Haze affects health of 28,000 residents in Riau
Antara 1 Mar 14;

Pekanbaru (ANTARA News) - More than 28,000 people are suffering from various smoke-related diseases, due to forest and land fires occurring over the past five weeks in Riau Province.

Riau Provinces Health Service released figures on the latest number of people affected by haze here on Saturday.

According to the health service, 27,000 people are now suffering from upper respiratory track infections, 1,365 from skin diseases, 1,031 from asthma, 724 from eye irritations and 516 from chronic pneumonia.

"They are residents of Pekanbaru City where 6,543 are suffering from upper respiratory track infections, 118 from pneumonia, 370 from asthma, 70 have eye irritations and 353 are being treated for eye diseases," Riau Provinces Health Service Head Zainal Arifin said here on Saturday.

In Rokan Hilir District, 6,892 are suffering from upper respiratory track infections, 27 from pneumonia, 54 from eye diseases, and 83 have skin problems.

Others are residents of Siak District, where 2,283 have upper respiratory track problems, 62 are suffering from pneumonia, 86 from asthma, 92 have eye irritations and 158 from skin irritations.

In Bengkalis District, the haze has cause upper respiratory track infections in 2,194, pneumonia in 52 residents, 46 suffer from asthma, 54 have eye irritations and 86 with skin diseases.

"This number can still continue to increase," Zainal Arifin noted.

It was reported on Monday (Feb 24) that the number of upper respiratory tract infection cases due to haze pollution in the Riau Province has increased from 15 thousand to 20 thousand.

"The data on the number of upper respiratory tract infection sufferers has been collected from various districts in the province since January this year," Zainal Arifin stated.

He noted that in January, the number of people ailing from respiratory infections was five thousand. However, the number spiraled to 15.2 thousand sufferers last week and further rose to the current figure of 20 thousand.

Arifin claimed that this number excluded those suffering from other haze-related ailments, such as skin irritations and eye irritations, among others.

In the meantime, a Riau climatology official emphasized that the haze in the province will not disperse to Singapore and Malaysia, although a total of 1,234 hotspots have been detected.

On Monday, Ardhitama, an analyst from the local Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) Pekanbaru, explained here that the smoke produced by the hotspots in the region will only pollute the air around the province.

He noted that winds blowing during the current dry season in Riau originated from the north and the east directions and were drifting towards the south, which is in the opposite direction of Singapore and Malaysia.

This morning, the Terra and Aqua satellites detected 1,234 hotspots in Riau. This number is fewer than the 1,526 hotspots reported on June 23, 2013. During that time, the smoke rising from forest fires was dispersed by winds towards Singapore and Malaysia.

Riau province has suffered a loss of Rp10 trillion due to haze from forest and plantation fires, stated Viator Butar, the deputy chairman of the Riau Chamber of Commerce and Industrys Economic and International Cooperation Section.

"The Rp10 trillion loss was calculated, among other things, from the slowdown of business productivity and goods, the public's mobility, as well as the cancellation or postponement of flights and shipping due to haze," he explained.

The Riau provincial administration has declared a state of emergency following the expanding forest and plantation fires, mostly set deliberately to clear land for new plantations.
(Uu.A014/INE/KR-BSR)

Editor: Priyambodo RH

Haze disrupts 24 flights in Pekanbaru
Antara 1 Mar 14;

Pekanbaru (ANTARA News) - At least 24 flights were delayed for hours at Bakanbarus Sultan Syarif Kasim II (SSK II) Airport due to thick haze blanketing the Riau Provincial city of Pekanbaru on Saturday, an airport official said.

"The longest delay, reaching nine hours, happened with a Lion Air plane from Kuala Namu airport, North Sumatra, to Pekanbarus SSK II airport," Hasnan, the airport duty manager, said here on Saturday.

The Lion Air plane was scheduled to arrive at SSK II airport at 7 am, but due to thick smoke the plane did not land until 4 pm.

He said other flights had an average delay of about three hours.

"Visibility happened to drop to 800 meters because of the smog that covered the airport," he added.

Baiquni, who took over as airport duty manager on Saturday night said, on average, there were 10 scheduled flights that were disrupted every day.

Thus, over the past three weeks about 210 flights were delayed at the SSK II airport in Pekanbaru.

Those flights included domestic and international flights.

The Terra and Aqua satellite has detected 1,046 hotspots from forests, plantations and peatland fires across Sumatra Island, it was reported Saturday morning.

"Of the total number, 963 were found in Riau Province. The number is significantly up from those on the previous day," Sugarin, the head of the Pekanbaru meteorological, climatology and geophysics agency, said here on Saturday.

The NOAA 18 satellite, however, detected only 138 hotspots across Sumatra on Friday, including 70 in Riau province, according to the Riau disaster mitigation office (BPBD).

So far this month, the NOAA 8 satellite revealed 2,208 hotspots on Sumatra Island, including 1,272 in Riau Province.

In Riau, hotspots were found in Bengkalis (312), Pelalawan (198 titik), Dumai (174), Siak (147), Indragiri Hilir (130), Rokan Hilir (110), Meranti (91), Kampar (49), Indragiri Hulu (29), and Kuantan Singingi (16).

Also, Chief of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) Syamsul Maarif stated that some 99 percent of forest and plantation fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan were deliberately set.

"There should be sanctions to stop recurrences. Slash-and-burn farming methods exist in Sumatra and Kalimantan, but the most important thing is that they should be controlled," Maarif noted in a statement on Feb. 28.

According to Maarif, the Indonesian police have named 23 suspects in Riau and 16 in Central Kalimantan, who allegedly set the fires.

"There are several factors behind their decision to set fires in plantation and forest areas, such as economic, social and cultural factors," he explained.

The hotspots were also detected in other districts of Riau, including Indragiri Hulu (29), and Rokan Hulu (14), as well as Riaus capital of Pekanbaru (two).

On February 28, the Riau provincial police announced that 40 individuals have been named as suspects in forest and plantations fires in several districts and cities.

"All of them have been detained, after being identified as suspects, for allegedly setting fires during the past several weeks," said Senior Commissioner Estuning of the Riau police plantation fire task force.

The suspects were all individuals, she added. "The cases allegedly involving companies are still under investigation," she pointed out.

(A014/INE)
(A014/KR-BSR/A014)

Editor: Jafar M Sidik

Riau haze mitigation post reopened
Rizal Harahap The Jakarta Post 1 Mar 14;

After a hiatus of nearly six months, the haze mitigation command post at Roesmin Nurjadin Airbase in Pekanbaru, Riau, will be reactivated to speed up forest and peatland fire fighting operations in Riau.

Haze Emergency Response Task Force commander and chief of the Wirabima Military Command Brig. Gen. Prihadi Agus Irianto said initially a helicopter would observe the condition and spread of hotspots across the regencies and cities in Riau.

Three hundred Indonesian Army (TNI) soldiers have been deployed to a number of regencies, including Bengkalis, Meranti Islands, Siak and Pelalawan, to help the respective regional administrations’ land fire-fighting operations.

“We have mapped out the priority areas, focusing on those with a lot of hotspots,” Prihadi said.

“Land fire fighting is underway until the National Disaster Mitigation Agency’s [BNPB] fleet are set for the aerial operation. Currently, the task force is using borrowed helicopters, but it is not possible for us to depend on them all the time,” added Agus.

During aerial observations, nine hotspots were detected in a biosphere reserve inside the concession area of PT Arara Abadi, a subsidiary of Sinar Mas Forestry.

“The company will be asked for verification as the fire has affected a vast area in its concession and caused dense haze. As a concession holder, it should be accountable,” said Prihadi.

In response, Sinas Mas Forestry spokesman Nurul Huda did not deny the fire had taken place in its concession area in Bukit Batu district, Bengkalis. He claimed the fire occurred in the concession area of PT Bukit Batu Hutani Alam (BBHA) and PT Sakato Pratama Makmur (SPM), but not PT Arara Abadi.

“BBHA and SPM are not subsidiaries of Sinar Mas, but partners, or suppliers,” Nurul said, adding that the fires originated outside the concession areas. “Those who started the fire remain unidentified, but they must have been forest clearers because the neighboring areas are dominated by squatters.”

“The fire only spread to our area in the past three days. Firefighters have been on standby for a long time but wind made the task of putting out the fires difficult,” said Nurul, adding that an additional 200 firefighters had been deployed.

Separately, Riau Police chief and deputy head of the task force’s law enforcement affairs Brig. Gen. Condro Kirono said there was no indication that the fires were intentional.

“But, we will dig deeper,” Condro said. “So far, the teams have received 31 reports from various regions. As many as 26 people have been named suspects. All of them acted alone and none were connected to corporations,” said Condro.

Separately, BNPB spokesman Agus Wibowo said BNPB had drawn up an aerial fire fighting plan, which would involve two BE 200 amphibious planes, two Kamov helicopters, two Sikorsky helicopters and four Bolco helicopters.

“Locations that are difficult to reach by land and lack water sources will be the target of the aerial operation,” Agus said.

“Mitigation efforts are currently focused in Riau and West Kalimantan. The condition in West Kalimantan has improved thanks to rain, but Riau still needs attention because it is still dry. Neighboring provinces, such as Bengkulu and West Sumatra, have complained about the haze from Riau,” he added.

Officials in the dark over haze in Kerinci
Jon Afrizal, The Jakarta Post 1 Mar 14;

A thick haze has blanketed the Kerinci regency, in Jambi, despite the fact that there are no hotspots near the area, an official has said. He claimed the haze was coming from the neighboring province of Riau.

"Reports from Kerinci and Jambi state that there are no hotspots or wildfires there," Head of the Forestry and Plantation Agency Abu Hasan said on Saturday.

Head of the Kerinci regency Environment Agency Anizar corroborated the statement, saying that the haze was coming from the Tebo and Riau directions. Anizar said he had consulted with the Jambi administration but got no response.(tjs/dic)

Haze-affected people in Padang to get free masks: Official
Antara 28 Feb 14;

Padang, West Sumatra (ANTARA News) - The Padang city health department in West Sumatra will soon distribute free masks to the local people if haze covering the city continues to thicken, a local government official said.

Health Department Chief Eka Lusti said here Friday that the free masks would be distributed if the haze continued to blanket the city.

"The haze blanketing the city of Padang is still at a normal level but we will keep monitoring its latest development and if it continues to thicken, then we will distribute free masks," she said.

The local health department officials have encouraged the local people to reduce their outdoor activities because of the haze from the neighboring province, Eka said.

"Now masks are available at community clinics for haze-affected people who would like to have them," she said.
(Uu.O001/INE/KR-BSR/R013)

Editor: Priyambodo RH

Indonesian province declares emergency due to haze
Kanupriya Kapoor and Yayat Supriatna PlanetArk 28 Feb 14;

Indonesia's Riau province declared a state of emergency on Thursday as haze from raging forest fires, often deliberately set, disrupted flights and marine navigation and authorities reported a sharp rise in respiratory problems.

The national disaster mitigation agency said the province of 5 million, a major palm oil growing region, had been experiencing haze for several weeks due to illegal land clearing and prolonged dry weather.

"According to the data we have, the fires have gotten worse and need to be extinguished with water-bombing planes and we are ready to do that," Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman for the disaster mitigation agency, said in a text message.

Reuters TV images showed smoke rising from swathes of burning land as firefighters struggled to contain the blazes, complaining of limited equipment and water supplies.

Provincial authorities handed out masks and urged residents to stay indoors.

"The situation is worrying...because we have seen an increase in cases of respiratory problems from 5,000 in January to 22,000," Zainal Arifin, head of the provincial health department, told reporters.

Several flights were cancelled or diverted from airports in Riau as visibility dropped to less than 1 km (half a mile), the disaster mitigation agency said.

The Indonesian Palm Oil Association told Reuters that haze had caused delays to shipments from airports and ports in neighboring North Sumatra province, but give no details.

Haze is a recurring problem for Indonesia and its neighbors, often caused by farmers and companies burning forests to make way for palm oil plantations.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono had to apologize to neighbors Singapore and Malaysia in mid-2013, when those countries were blanketed with thick smog from forest fires in Indonesia.

Analysts estimated last year that Singapore faced nearly $1 billion in financial losses in what was Southeast Asia's worst air pollution crisis in 16 years.

The Indonesian meteorology agency said winds were moving in a southwesterly direction, away from Singapore. But a shift in wind direction, which usually occurs near the end of the Indonesian monsoon season in April or May, could affect the city-state again.

Police arrested 26 people last week in connection with fires and illegal land clearing, which have affected about 2,000 hectares (5,000 acres) of land.

(Reporting by Kanupriya Kapoor and Yayat Supriatna, Editing by Ron Popeski)

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NSRCC to get replacement land after govt takes back current site

Channel NewsAsia 28 Feb 14;

SINGAPORE: The National Service Resort & Country Club (NSRCC) has been given 12 hectares of replacement land in return for the 26 hectares of its current temporary occupation lease (TOL) site, which the government is claiming back for Changi Airport’s development.

In a media statement from the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), Director National Service Affairs Brigadier-General (NS) Tung Yui Fai said: "To mitigate this loss, and to ensure that the Changi club continues to have an 18-hole golf course for NSmen, a 12-ha plot of replacement land contiguous to NSRCC has been identified.

"The land lease for NSRCC's Changi club will also be extended from 2023 to 2040."

MINDEF added that with this extended land lease, NSRCC will undertake a "comprehensive review" of both its Changi and Kranji clubs, to develop better amenities that continue to provide NSmen and their families with high standards of recreational, sports and social facilities.

NSRCC was informed on 16 February by the government that its current TOL site, which has nine holes of the club's golf course, will not be renewed after it expires this year.

Some land will also be needed for drainage and road works.

The total land returned from the existing Changi club is about 40 per cent.

NSRCC was set up to recognise the contributions of all NSmen in the Home Team and the Singapore Armed Forces.

More information on NSRCC's redevelopment plans can be found on the NSRCC website.

- CNA/xq

New 12ha plot of land for NSRCC
Area to replace land lost; club exploring future developments such as more chalets
Today Online 1 Mar 14;

SINGAPORE — A 12ha plot of land bordering the National Service Resort and Country Club (NSRCC) in Changi has been identified as a replacement for future developments which members can enjoy.

It is aimed at mitigating the impact arising from the loss of about 40 per cent of land at the existing location. The future developments being explored include more chalets and other facilities where members can socialise and hold functions.

The land lease for the NSRCC’s Changi club will also be extended from 2023 to 2040, said Brigadier-General (NS) Tung Yui Fai, Director of National Service Affairs.

The Government had informed the NSRCC two weeks ago that its current temporary occupation lease site of 26ha, which includes a nine-hole golf course, will not be renewed after it expires this year. The land will be required for Changi Airport’s expansion and work is scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of this year.

In addition, part of the land will also be needed for drainage and road work. In all, the total land returned from the existing Changi club to the State is about 40 per cent of its current size.

Besides the NSRCC, the land leases of Singapore Island Country Club, Keppel Club and Tanah Merah Country Club are also in line for significant changes, aimed at freeing up land to meet Singapore’s infrastructure and housing needs.

Opened in 1994 to cater to National Servicemen, the NSRCC has two locations now — a 27-hole course with full clubhouse facilities at Changi and an 18-hole golf course at Kranji.

On Monday, the NSRCC invited its members to a town hall session, where it shared the latest information and gathered feedback on the future development plan of the club.

The club told members it is reviewing possible green fees reduction at both its Changi and Kranji golf courses, as well as a complimentary extension of membership term.

It added that it will continue to provide affordable and quality golfing and resort facilities to NSmen and will maintain 18 holes at each of its Changi and Kranji courses.

To meet the high demand for chalets, the club is looking to increase the number. In addition, the NSRCC said it is looking to expand its suite of facilities for socialising, such as affordable banquet facilities to cater to NSmen’s needs.

The club is also considering constructing a multi-storey car park to optimise its land utilisation.

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Beach on St John's Island to reopen to public on Mar 2 after oil spills

Channel NewsAsia 1 Mar 14;

SINGAPORE: The beach on St John's Island will reopen to the public on March 2.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) said the clean-up operation has been completed following two marine collisions in January that resulted in bunker fuel being spilled.

NEA said the water at the beach at St John's Island is free from oil pollution and has "returned to normal".

The beach on Kusu Island which was also affected by the oil spill was reopened to the public on February 22.

- CNA/fa

Beaches On Kusu And St John's Islands Reopen To Public
NEA release 1 Mar 14;

Singapore, 1 March 2014 – The latest checks by the National Environment Agency (NEA) show that water at both beaches on Kusu Island and St John’s Island is free from oil pollution and has returned to normal.

2 The waters and beaches of the two islands had been affected by the oil spills following the collision between chemical tanker, "Lime Galaxy" and containership, "Feihe", on 29 January and collision between containership, "NYK Themis" and barge "AZ Fuzhou", on 30 January 2014. The two beaches were subsequently closed and NEA had been working with agencies such as the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) to contain and clean up the bunker fuel oil spilled.

3 With the completion of the clean-up efforts, SDC will be re-opening the beaches on St John’s Island tomorrow, while Kusu Island’s beaches were re-opened on 22 February 2014.

4 For more information and updates on the clean-up operation, visit the NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), NEA Facebook (www.facebook.com/NEASingapore) or follow us on Twitter (@NEAsg).
- See more at: http://app2.nea.gov.sg/corporate-functions/newsroom/news-releases/beaches-on-kusu-and-st-johns-islands-reopen-to-public#sthash.kJn0qTdI.dpuf

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Haze: Singapore urges Indonesia to share evidence on errant firms

Channel NewsAsia 1 Mar 14;

SINGAPORE: Singapore has reiterated its call to the Indonesian government to share evidence relating to any involvement by Singapore-linked companies or Singaporeans in illegal land clearing practices in Indonesia.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said this on Saturday in response to media queries on comments by Indonesian Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Agung Laksono.

Mr Agung had said publicly that since 2013, the Indonesian police have launched 41 investigations against errant companies and individuals that may be involved in illegal land clearing practices in Indonesia.

Mr Agung said some of these cases involved Singapore-linked companies or Singaporeans.

MFA said that the Singapore government takes a serious view of these allegations.

It added that if there is credible evidence that Singapore-linked companies or Singaporeans were involved, the Singapore government intends to take further steps against these errant companies and individuals.

The ministry also urged the Indonesian government to take the necessary legal and enforcement action against errant companies or individuals, regardless of their nationality.

It said the primary responsibility for legal and enforcement action lies with Indonesia, where these companies and individuals were allegedly conducting such illegal activities.

MFA noted that a state of emergency has been declared in Riau province due to the severe haze arising from the ongoing forest and peatland fires there as well as fires elsewhere in Sumatra.

Singapore hopes that the fires will be quickly dealt with to prevent a recurrence of transboundary haze.

- CNA/al

Singapore asks Indonesia for details of haze culprits
Zakir Hussain, The Straits Times AsiaOne 4 Mar 14;

JAKARTA - Singapore has asked Indonesia to share evidence of any involvement by Singapore-linked companies or Singaporeans in illegal land-clearing practices in reply to comments by Indonesian Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Agung Laksono alleging their role in the ongoing haze over Sumatra.

"The Government of Singapore takes a serious view of these allegations," a spokesman for Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said last Saturday in response to media queries on Mr Agung's remarks.

"If there is credible evidence that Singapore-linked companies or Singaporeans were involved, the Government of Singapore intends to take further steps against these errant companies and individuals."

Ongoing forest and peatland fires in Riau have razed at least 6,000ha of land, including significant portions of two nature conservation areas, Indonesian disaster officials said on Saturday as 1,046 hot spots were detected across Sumatra, 963 of them in Riau alone.

The province has declared an emergency till March 12 and reactivated a disaster command post at Pekanbaru's airbase. But the severe haze and poor visibility saw helicopters unable to carry out water-bombing operations on Saturday, leaving residents to cope with hazardous air quality.

Indonesian authorities have also stepped up enforcement action, but have yet to name suspects.

Mr Agung said last Thursday Indonesian police had launched 41 investigations since last year against companies and individuals that may be involved in open burning. "Many are from Malaysia and Singapore," he said, in a report posted on his ministry's website.

The MFA spokesman said: "We would like to reiterate our call to the Government of Indonesia to share the evidence relating to any involvement by Singapore-linked companies or Singaporeans."

Mr Agung and other officials had, during last June's severe haze that saw pollutant levels over Singapore reach record highs, also implied Singapore companies were behind the haze. But subsequent investigations did not see any Singapore-linked companies or Singaporeans named as suspects.

Last Saturday, MFA said it hoped the ongoing fires in Riau and other parts of Sumatra would be "quickly dealt with to prevent a recurrence of transboundary haze". "We also urge the Government of Indonesia to take the necessary legal and enforcement action against errant companies or individuals, regardless of their nationality," it added.

"As we have said previously, the primary responsibility for legal and enforcement action lies with Indonesia, where these companies and individuals were allegedly conducting such illegal activities."

Last Saturday, National Disaster Management Agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said some 1,500 soldiers, police officers, firemen and disaster officials have been deployed to put out fires at hot spots. "But the vast areas on fire, difficult access and a shortage of water makes extinguishing them difficult," he added.

Dr Sutopo said parts of the Giam Siak Kecil-Bukit Batu biosphere reserve and the Tesso Nilo National Park had been deliberately set on fire by who had built temporary huts in these areas. The pollutants standard index in Duri Field, near Dumai, reached 500 on Saturday and in Bengkalis, 375.

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A strong signal to tackle haze menace

Grace Chua The Straits Times AsiaOne 1 Mar 14;

LAST week, Singapore put up a proposed Transboundary Haze Pollution Bill for public consultation.

The proposed legislation was immediately cheered by legal experts and environment groups. But the devil will be in the details.

The new law, which will be administered by the National Environment Agency, provides for both criminal and civil liability.

Companies and other entities that have fires on their land that produce transboundary haze in Singapore will be deemed to have committed an offence.

They can be fined up to $300,000 for having fires on land they own or manage. Ignoring requests to take action involves an additional fine of up to $150,000.

The law will also allow those affected by haze to bring civil suits against such companies. So for instance, a construction firm that has to stop work could theoretically sue for damages.

The new Bill comes with conditions. Haze here would have to linger for 24 hours or more, with air quality poorer than "as may be prescribed". No range is stipulated in the draft legislation, but it is likely to involve a Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reading above 100, a level the National Environment Agency regards as signalling unhealthy air.

The Bill comes after Singapore experienced its worst-ever bout of haze last June, when the 24-hour PSI hit a record 246.

Green activists and legal experts agree the proposed Bill looks promising, at least as a strong signal to errant firms overseas that they will be held responsible for causing transboundary haze pollution here.

Singapore Environment Council executive director Jose Raymond said the legislation "should serve as a strong deterrent to companies which continue to not just damage the environment with their slash-and-burn tactics, but whose actions are a threat to human health and lives".

Unusual legislation

THE Bill is unusual for several reasons.

•First, it deals purely with transboundary transgressions, that is, offences in other countries that have an impact on Singapore.

•Second, while there are other transboundary conventions like a United States-Canada transboundary air quality agreement, those tend to govern countries rather than commercial entities.

•Third, the Bill applies to non-Singaporeans. Other extraterritorial laws apply only to the conduct of Singapore citizens overseas. Those who pay bribes or engage in child sex tourism overseas can be prosecuted under Singapore corruption or child-sex laws.

Under the proposed haze law, however, it is the representatives of firms outside Singapore - who may be foreigners - who are liable. The law allows them to be served notice when they step into Singapore.

Two firms based here, palm oil firm Golden Agri-Resources and pulp and paper giant Asia Pacific International (April), were among companies implicated by Indonesian officials in last year's haze. Both companies have denied the allegations.

Golden Agri-Resources and paper giant April, like most large firms, have zero-burning policies.

Although they are a potential target of the new law, in fact companies welcome it. Public pressure has pushed many companies to increase their sustainability commitments.

Palm oil trader Wilmar has pledged to stop buying crude palm oil from suppliers who clear land by illegal burning. Pulp and paper firm APP is developing and implementing its forest conservation policy with help from independent non-governmental organisations (NGOs) Greenpeace and The Forest Trust.

Enforcement issues

WHILE theoretically promising, analysts say the law will be difficult to enforce.

Even when countries sign agreements, these can be of limited impact. There is an ASEAN agreement on haze, but Indonesia, the site of so many fires, has not yet ratified it and so is not bound by it. Yesterday, the PSI in Dumai, in the Riau province north-west of Singapore, hit a hazardous 776 due to open burning and dry weather.

Having a transboundary haze pollution law can nevertheless act as an additional spur to Singapore's neighbours to step up enforcement.

Indonesian authorities face strong domestic pressures too to take steps to prevent the haze which hits its own citizens hardest. To be fair to Indonesia, open slash-and-burn land clearing is illegal. But the laws have not been well enforced until recently.

In January, the Kallista Alam palm oil firm was ordered by an Indonesian court to pay 366 billion rupiah (S$40 million) for illegally clearing and burning part of the protected Tripa peat swamp forest in Aceh. Indonesia's Environment Ministry is pursuing three other companies for environmental destruction.

With the Singapore law in place, one practical question that arises is: How much manpower and resources is Singapore willing to devote to investigate and prosecute firms under the new law? Companies cited may well say they do not use fires to clear land.

Here, technology aids can help. Free public tools like the World Resources Institute's new Global Forest Watch website, which combines real-time fire alerts with forest concession maps and other data, can provide evidence of burning - not just to governments but also to the firms themselves, to better monitor suppliers and subcontractors.

But ground-level investigations will still have to be carried out. Indonesia's government and local NGOs could help provide information, but may be hampered by a lack of resources.

This highlights the need for Singapore to work with the Indonesian authorities on haze enforcement cooperation. As environmental law professor Laode Syarif at South Sulawesi's Hasanuddin University suggested, Singaporean officials may have to be given permission to go to Indonesia to collect evidence.

Other measures

WHILE the proposed law sends a strong signal to firms of Singapore's intent to tackle the haze menace, it can only be one pillar of the anti-haze strategy.

There are other steps to consider that go beyond the courts. After all, the root cause of burning, as Environment and Water Resources Minister Vivian Balakrishnan noted in a Facebook post last week, is commercial. "Errant companies have been clearing land by illegal burning because it is the cheapest way to do so," he wrote.

So, why not hit billion-dollar firms where it hurts?

Singapore can consider adopting a haze-free or deforestation-free public procurement policy. It would not be the first government to adopt a sustainable procurement policy. The Hong Kong government last year dropped shark's fin and bluefin tuna - both endangered top predators - from official menus as a statement on sustainable consumption habits.

And the private sector is already laying the groundwork to make such policies easier to implement: Nestle committed to a zerodeforestation policy in 2010, while Unilever pledged to buy all its palm oil from traceable sources by 2020.

It would be a short step from there to cut haze out of the gallons of hand soap and reams of paper, say, that go through government offices each year. Currently, there is no explicit set of sustainability guidelines in public procurement, aside from the fundamental principles of transparency, open competition and value for money.

Beyond public procurement, there is also the lever of public investment and divestment, insofar as sovereign wealth funds here investing in commodities and agriculture. CTP Holdings, which has oil palm plantations in South Sumatra for example, is a joint venture between Cargill, which has a 70 per cent stake, and Temasek, which has 30 per cent.

As a joint venture partner, Temasek can keep partner firms on their toes about preventing burning and deforestation.

Apart from managing risks, Singapore's sovereign wealth funds do not appear to have ethical or sustainable investment guidelines, at least going by a look at their websites. In this, Norway's government pension funds lead: its global pension fund has divested from tobacco producers and nuclear-arms firms, for instance.

Ultimately, the Transboundary Haze Pollution Bill would be just one pillar of Singapore's haze prevention efforts.

It should complement other measures, such as international cooperation in fire prevention and training for enforcement officials, or showcasing positive examples of companies that have switched to other land-clearing methods.

Whether in the courtroom, in the Riau province on the ground, or in the corporate boardroom, Singapore can be savvy in using different tools to tackle the haze.

In the end, all the measures will be judged by just one thing: Do the skies remain clear and haze-free throughout the year?

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Experts say draft haze Bill won’t solve issue in long term

Monica Kotwani Channel NewsAsia 28 Feb 14;

SINGAPORE: Singapore's draft Transboundary Haze Pollution Bill is a strong signal of the country's determination to tackle the haze problem.

But it will not solve the issue in a long-term, sustainable manner, and what is needed is constant engagement of Indonesian authorities at various levels of government, experts said on Friday on the sidelines of an international law conference on transboundary pollution.

The draft Bill is currently undergoing a month-long public consultation process, and when passed, will give the government power to take legal action against companies whose actions caused fires that resulted in transboundary haze.

This includes a fine of up to S$450,000 if companies repeatedly ignore requests from authorities to take action to prevent or reduce haze pollution.

It will target companies based in Singapore as well as overseas.

The Bill is challenging to enforce, but one of the things that cropped up during the conference was that it also contains powerful presumptions, and that civil actions can be taken against errant companies by industries -- such as aviation, tourism and construction -- if they can prove they have suffered serious economic consequences.

Experts said this is not something companies should take lightly, and told Channel NewsAsia the presumptions put the burden of proof on companies to provide a rebuttal through their own land maps, for example.

While the Bill may also prompt Indonesia to take more urgent action, some experts like Professor Alan Tan who spoke at the two-day conference in Singapore said transboundary haze is a complex issue.

Apart from geopolitical sensitivities between countries, the burning typically takes place on large plantations -- some of them 33 times the size of Singapore.

Prof Tan, head of air law & policy programme at the Centre for International Law, said: "It's not a problem that can be easily resolved by taking action against a company or two.

“What is needed at the same time, and they have to be complementary efforts, is the constant engagement of the Indonesian authorities; and I emphasise, not just the central government in Indonesia, but the local governments on the ground to have better enforcement."

Indonesia is the only ASEAN member state which has yet to sign the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, and according to one expert, Indonesia is unlikely to sign this under the current administration, before the upcoming general election.

Senior adviser on justice and environmental governance at the Partnership for Governance Reform in Indonesia, Dr Laode M Syarif, said it is critical to engage Indonesia's Parliament, which will ultimately approve the ratification.

But he added that it is also time for a broader approach.

Dr Syarif said: "We have things like Parliament Caucus between ASEAN countries, where they can do special sessions on the environment in general, not just on the haze so that the Indonesian government is not put on the spot.

"Just talk about, for example, forest management, local people empowerment, protection of our flora and fauna, because it will result in the mitigation of forest fires."

Observers said the eventual ratification of the Agreement will be useful, as it could facilitate the financing of projects to tackle the haze problem through a seed fund of US$500,000 pledged by ASEAN countries.

- CNA/gn

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Singapore is at frontier of skyrise greenery movement: Khaw Boon Wan

Channel NewsAsia 1 Mar 14;

SINGAPORE: National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan is hoping to see more skyrise greenery in Singapore, especially within the public housing estates in Singapore.

In a blog post on Saturday, Mr Khaw shared that a project in Milan, which is due for completion next year, aims to create a vertical forest within a residential concrete tower.

This, he said, is history in the making.

Mr Khaw added that Singapore is also a pioneer in the skyrise greenery movement.

He said the super trees in Gardens by the Bay broke new ground and created something endearing.

Mr Khaw noted that there are 61 hectares (ha) of rooftop gardens in Singapore.

He said this is no mean feat considering that the country only actively embarked on greening roofs in the last five years.

Comparing Singapore's track record to Chicago's, Mr Khaw noted that the American city has 50 ha of rooftop gardens even though it has a longer history in greening roofs.

Singapore's achievements in this field have been documented in a book by National University of Singapore's Professor Dr Tan Puay Yok titled "Vertical Garden City, Singapore".

Mr Khaw said Singapore will continue to contribute to this emerging global effort to green upwards.

Singapore is getting more buildings with bolder skyrise greenery designs -- for example, the recently completed Park Royal@Pickering and the upcoming CapitaGreen building.

In the public housing sector, Mr Khaw shared that the new integrated development project located next to the Admiralty MRT Station will soon "ground-break and show what can be achieved within HDB estates".

- CNA/fa

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Students share ideas for a greener Singapore

Vanessa Chng The Straits Times AsiaOne 2 Feb 14;

SINGAPORE - More than 50 students and teachers from primary and secondary schools got together on Thursday to suggest how they can play a bigger part in conserving the environment.

They raised issues ranging from the excessive use of plastic bags and the tropical city's heavy reliance on air-conditioning, to the lack of environmental awareness among Singaporeans.

The two-hour ENVision dialogue was a new element introduced to this year's School Green Awards, prompting young people to share their environmental vision for Singapore and encouraging them to become more environmentally conscious.

"People should be more aware of the amount of their water and electricity usage," said Atmaza Chathopadhyay, 13, from the Global Indian International School.

"To make us more conscious of that, we could have monitors in our homes reflecting our usage statistics."

Ms Latha Pradeep, 40, a teacher at the school, suggested incorporating environmental studies in school curricula. "How many students actually say they want to be an environmentalist when they grow up? Not many, because we don't expose them to the importance of the subject when they are young."

Gideon Loh, 14, from Queenstown Secondary, said: "It is wrong to think individual efforts do not make a difference. It is through all our little initiatives that the world becomes more environmentally friendly."

At the awards' launch on Thursday, it was also announced that the environmental programme will now include students from institutes of higher learning, such as universities, polytechnics and Institutes of Technical Education.

Organised by the Singapore Environment Council (SEC), the awards - which are handed out on Nov 4 - reward schools for their environmental efforts such as waste management and the limiting of energy usage.

Some 327 schools participated last year and the council hopes to pass the 400 mark this year.

"The inclusion of institutes of higher learning will allow us to reach out to students from all levels," said Mr Jose Raymond, executive director of the SEC.

"This makes it more effective in educating our youth, the future leaders of our society."
- See more at: http://www.edvantage.com.sg/content/students-share-ideas-greener-singapore#sthash.fhkDFQoa.dpuf

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Malaysia: Forest fires can affect wildlife, says dept

The Star 1 Mar 14;

IPOH: Some species of wildlife, including elephants, mouse-deer and barking deer (kijang), could have been affected by the fires in four different locations in Grik, including the Royal Belum Forest in Pulau Banding.

Perak Wildlife Protection and National Parks Department director Fakhrul Hatta Musa said several wildlife species had been known to venture into the affected areas.

“They do not usually go there in herds, but one or two of them had been spotted in some of the affected areas,” he said.

However, he explained that in the case of fire, wildlife would usually escape deeper into the forest.

“They might be affected, but they are seldom harmed because they will quickly move away when sensing a fire,” he said when commenting on the fires in four locations, including Gunung Tujuh, Air Ganda and a stretch of the East-West Highway from Grik to Jeli in Kelan­tan.

Perak Fire and Rescue Department director Yahaya Madis said yesterday that the fires at the forest reserve in Royal Belum, Gunung Tujuh and along the highway had been put out.

However, fire-fighting efforts were ongoing at Bukit Puteri in Air Ganda.

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Malaysia: FRIM comes under threat

The Star 2 Mar 14;

KUALA LUMPUR: The Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), the largest and oldest man-made tropical forest in the world, is under threat by a proposal to build an elevated highway across it.

Its director-general Datuk Dr Abd Latif Mohmod said he “would fight to the end” against such a move, which would be detrimental for the many endangered plant species within its grounds.

“If this buffer zone for endangered plant species is damaged, where else can we keep them?

“FRIM is a national and natural heritage and any threat to it must be fought,” he told reporters after a media appreciation ceremony here yesterday.

Dr Abd Latif said the issue first arose when he was approached by a group, whom he declined to name, in February last year, suggesting that FRIM be “split in half” for the highway’s construction.

He said that this could be because FRIM, which spans 544.3ha, was under a single ownership after receiving its freehold land title from the Selangor Government in 2007, making it easier for negotiations.

“But they forget that FRIM is now under Selangor and not Kuala Lumpur. Selangor is a state that does not allow logging because it depends on business and commercial activities (for income),” he said.

Dr Abd Latif said they had assumed the proposal was set aside after FRIM handed the group a petition which showed that 99% of its personnel were against the plan.

However, he said he was informed earlier this week that the proposal had now been brought to the “higher authorities”.

Dr Abd Latif also thanked the media for constantly providing public awareness on environmental issues as well as highlighting FRIM’s work.

“Many of the awards we have received are mainly due to the media exposure given to us.

“The value and impact of your reports have helped FRIM maintain our position as a tropical forest research institute that is known worldwide,” he said.

Among the media recognised by FRIM were The Star journalists Tan Cheng Li and Isabelle Lai for their respective reports last year on Merapoh, Pahang, and Gunung Kanthan, Perak, as well as the StarMetro section for its support for FRIM’s activities.

FRIM’s Kepong campus, which is renowned as a model of successful reforestation, was established in the 1920s and recognised as a natural heritage in 2009 as well as a national heritage in 2011.

It is working to attain Unesco World Heritage status by 2017.

FRIM under highway threat
isabelle lai The Star 1 Mar 14;

KUALA LUMPUR: The largest and oldest man-made tropical forest in the world is under threat by a proposal to build an elevated highway across it, said Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) director-general, Datuk Dr Abd Latif Mohmod on Saturday.

“We will fight to the end against such a move, which is detrimental for the many endangered plant species within the grounds.

“If this buffer zone for endangered plant species is damaged, where else can we keep them? FRIM is a national and natural heritage and any threat to it must be fought,” he told reporters after a media appreciation ceremony on Saturday.

Dr Abd Latif said the issue first arose when he was approached by a group, whom he declined to name, in February last year, suggesting that FRIM be “split in half” for the highway construction.

He said that this could be because FRIM, which spans 544.3ha, was under single ownership after receiving its freehold land title from the Selangor government in 2007, making it easier for negotiations.

“But they forget that FRIM is now under Selangor and not Kuala Lumpur. Selangor is a state that does not allow logging because it depends on business and commercial activities (for income),” he said.

Dr Abd Latif said they had assumed the proposal was set aside after FRIM handed the group a petition which showed 99% of its personnel were against the plan.

However, he said he was informed earlier this week that the proposal had now been taken to “higher authorities”.

Dr Abd Latif also thanked the media for constantly providing public awareness on environmental issues as well as highlighting FRIM’s work.

“Many of the awards we have received is mainly due to the media exposure given to us. The value and impact of your reports have helped FRIM maintain our position as a tropical forest research institute that is known worldwide,” he said.

Among the media recognised by FRIM were The Star journalists Tan Cheng Li and Isabelle Lai for their respective reports last year on Merapoh, Pahang and Gunung Kanthan, Perak, as well as StarMetro section for its support for FRIM activities.

FRIM’s Kepong campus, renowned for being a model of successful reforestation, was established in the 1920s and recognised as a natural heritage in 2009 and national heritage in 2011.

It is working to attain Unesco World Heritage Status by 2017.

MNS fully behind FRIM against plan
isabelle lai The Star 6 mar 14;


PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s image will suffer internationally if a proposal to build an ele­vated highway within the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) area materialises, Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) president Prof Dr Maketab Mohamad said.

He strongly condemned the proposed highway across FRIM, which is the largest and oldest­ man-made tropical forest in the world. He called on the developers to find an alternative route that would not threaten FRIM’s grounds.

“We will fight the developers because we cannot allow such a thing to happen to a national treasure. We are fully behind FRIM’s staff and we can quickly mobilise over 1,000 supporters via social media,” he said in an interview yesterday.

Last week, FRIM director-general Datuk Dr Abd Latif Mohmod said its Kepong campus was under threat by the proposed highway. He said he would “fight to the end” against the move, as it would be detrimental to the many endangered plant species within its grounds.

FRIM, which spans 544.3ha, received its freehold land title from the Selangor government in 2007.

Founded in 1929, it is surrounded by the Bukit Lagong forest reserve and has become a highly popular public spot for outdoor recreation and nature education activities.

Once a degraded area with abandoned mining pools and barren vegetable farms, FRIM has been globally lauded as a model of successful reforestation and was recognised as a natural heritage in 2009 and declared a national heritage in 2011.

Known for its research excellence, among the facilities there are a 106-year-old herba­rium housing over 200,000 specimens and a xylarium with over 10,000 wood samples from over 1,500 species.

Over the years, the numerous awards picked up by FRIM include the International Socrates Award for Best Enterprise (Applied Research and Scientific Achievements) 2011 from the Europe Business Assembly in 2011, with Dr Abd Latif earning the International Socrates Award for Manager of the Year (Applied Research and Scientific Achievements) 2011.

It is working to attain Unesco World Heritage status by 2017.

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Malaysia: 'Klang haze not caused by Riau fires'

New Straits Times 2 Mar 14;

KUALA LUMPUR: The unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings recorded in Port Klang, Selangor, for the past two days is not linked to the haze caused by forest fires in Riau, Indonesia.

National Weather Forecast Centre director Muhammad Helmi Abdullah said the haze could have been a result of a forest fire that occurred in the area, with the situation further aggravated by the dry spell.

At noon yesterday, the API in Port Klang recorded an unhealthy level of 103, which increased to 107 by 5pm. In Putrajaya, the API reading was 102 at 4pm but dropped to 94 an hour later. An API reading of between 100 and 200 is unhealthy, while a reading of between 51 to 100 is moderate.

Helmi said the haze in Riau was not likely to hit Malaysia, as the northeasterly winds was expected to push it away from the country.

"API readings in Port Klang, which is in the unhealthy category, is a result of the current dry spell. It was mostly caused by forest fires in parts of the Klang Valley."

Authorities in Riau declared a state emergency on Thursday due to raging forest fires that served to disrupt flights and marine navigation.

There was also a sharp rise in respiratory problems in the Indonesian province.

Malaysian Meteorological Department (JMM) director-general Datuk Che Gayah Ismail told Bernama on Wednesday that the haze in Malaysia was not connected to the recent eruption of Mount Sinabung in Sumatera, or other outside factors.

She said the hot and dry weather, coupled with the lack of rainfall for several days, has only made the situation worse.

"This time, the haze is caused by domestic sources. The lack of rainfall has also caused gas, dust, ash and particles to float in the atmosphere and not fall to the earth."

Penang bush fires doused by water bombing
Balvin Kaur New Straits Times 1 Mar 14;

GEORGE TOWN: THE dousing of bush fires on Penang Hill and Bukit Gambir, which broke out on Wednesday, have shown vast improvement.

While the bush fire at Bukit Gambir was doused on Thursday, only a small section of the bush fire on Penang Hill was raging yesterday.

State Fire and Rescue Department director Azmi Tamat said the department was confident of stamping out the remaining two hot spots on Penang Hill by today.

Four of the previous six hot spots -- three on Penang Hill and one on Bukit Gambir -- had been extinguished on Thursday.

The bid to douse the fire on Penang Hill began at 11am yesterday with an aerial water bombing exercise.

Azmi said an aircraft, from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, made 34 trips, water bombing the bush fire spots.

"We are certain to douse the remaining two hot spots on Penang Hill by tomorrow (today).

"Besides the water bombing exercise, we also have firefighters going to the ground and dousing flames with jet shooter water bags in the form of backpacks," he said at the entrance to the Botanical Gardens here yesterday.

Checks showed that the Botanical Gardens was closed to the public.

Azmi said the department had brought four portable water backpacks yesterday and filled them with water from the hill to facilitate efforts in putting out the fire.

"Even after we completely extinguish the bush fires, we will stand by at the site and monitor the hot spots to ensure there are no embers."

Azmi said the thick layer of dead leaves and branches on the ground hampered firefighting efforts.

"In fact, much of the smoke emanating from the hill was due to smouldering embers," he said, adding that the department would be going to the ground in Bukit Gambir to douse them.

Azmi said 40 firefighters had been working round-the-clock to contain the bush fires.

Runner: Using seawater to douse forest fires can harm the trees
royce tan The Star 2 Mar 14;

GEORGE TOWN: A nature lover has claimed that the seawater used to put out forest fires on Penang Hill and Bukit FRU can harm the trees.

Gurdial Singh said that while the water bombing of the forested hills using Bombardier planes was effective, the high salinity of seawater was harmful to hill trees.

“Unlike trees in mangrove swamps, trees on the hill are not accustomed to salty water,” the Penang Hash House veteran runner said yesterday.

Malaysian Nature Society (Penang branch) chairman D. Kandakumar, however, said the amount of salt in seawater was too small to kill the trees.

“There are not many choices of fresh water in Penang and the easiest to obtain is seawater.

“The most important thing is to put out the fires which are more damaging to the trees,” he said, adding that water bombing forest fires with seawater was a common practice everywhere.

Penang Fire and Rescue Depart­ment director Azmi Tamat declined to comment on the matter.

“We just want to put out the fires as soon as possible,” he said.

A Bombardier plane belonging to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency made at least 20 trips to get seawater off the coast at Gurney Drive here for the water bombing missions, dumping up to 6,000 litres at a time.

There had been several fires on Penang Hill, Bukit Gambier and Bukit FRU since last Tuesday. They have all been extinguished.

Fire and Rescue Department personnel and voluntary firefighters faced a tough time putting out the fires, in addition to trekking up steep trails to get to the sites.

With no source of water in the hills, they also had to use fire beaters. Where possible, they created portable dams to draw water from rivers and channel it to jet shooters.

The causes of the fires have yet to be determined but Azmi had earlier said that the hot and dry weather could be a factor.

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Malaysia: Review 1983 gazette of mangrove forests, NGO tells Sabah

The Star 2 Mar 14;

PETALING JAYA: The Sabah state government has been urged to review the 1983 decision to gazette a huge area of mangrove forest in Pitas, Sabah, for aquacultural development.

Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) Sabah-based council member S.M. Muthu said this review was important as scientists had affirmed the crucial role of mangrove forests in protecting coastlines against strong winds and waves.

According to WWF-Malaysia’s website, mangrove forests are natural barriers against tsunamis and storms, preventing salt water from entering rivers, providing valuable resources for coastal communities and are important breeding grounds for marine life.

About 3,600ha of mangrove forest in the area was gazetted for aquaculture development.

Work is underway to construct a shrimp aquaculture park in the poverty-stricken Pitas district by Sunlight Inno Seafood Sdn Bhd, a joint venture by Yayasan Sabah Group and Sunlight Seafood (Sabah) Sdn Bhd.

Proponents of the project describe it as a means to boost economic activity by creating an estimated 3,800 jobs in the district through the Economic Transformation Prog­ramme managed by Pemandu.

Muthu stressed that any project involving the state government had to set a standard for others to follow, adding that all procedures must be done according to the law.

“Do not use the reason of uplifting the people’s income as an excuse for raping the area.

“There are other ways to do it, including holding a dialogue to ensure the communities understand what is happening,” he said.

He added that if shrimp farming were really viable, the project should be given to the villagers for them to operate as cooperatives on a small scale to ensure no damage was done to the environment.

Sabah’s former Manpower and Environmental Development Minis­ter Datuk Yap Pak Leong had expressed doubts about the project last December as shrimp farming had failed many times in the past due to the high price of feeds, pollution and uncontrollable diseases.

Pitas aquaculture park an eco-hazard, say villagers
isabelle lai The Star 2 Mar 14;

PETALING JAYA: A shrimp aquaculture park project in poverty-stricken Pitas, Sabah, is mired in controversy with some of the local villagers protesting against the clearing of mangrove forests to pave way for the project.

Orang asli Mastupang Somoi, 49, from Kampung Eloi, said his people could already see environmental repercussions stemming from an alleged 404ha of mangrove forest destroyed near their village early last year.

He said the felling of mangrove forests would also wipe out the natural resources collected by villagers for their daily livelihood, including fish, shellfish, prawns and snails.

“We want the project stopped as we are already feeling the effects from the clear-felling done last year. Losing our mangrove trees will only add to the poverty our future generations will face,” said Mastupang, who is one of the community leaders of his village.

In addition, he said that the cleared area had been home to many proboscis monkeys, the mascot of Visit Malaysia Year 2014, noting that the primates now seemed traumatised and afraid of humans.

Local media in Sabah reported that the company, Sunlight Inno Seafood Sdn Bhd, was slapped with two RM30,000 compounds and stop-work orders last year after it clear-felled the area without an approved Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report.

When contacted, chief executive officer Cedric Wong King Ti said that the area cleared was 283.3ha and not 404ha as claimed, adding that Kampung Eloi was not even included in its shrimp park development plan.

The project will be located around Sungai Telaga and falls within the native territory boundaries of Kampung Datong, Kampung Kuyuh, Kampung Manggis and Kampung Telaga.

The area cleared last year was on the edge of Kampung Datong and Kampung Eloi, the latter of which is located along Sungai Eloi, a tributary to Sungai Telaga, which flows out to sea.

“At the moment, we are no longer felling any trees pending the EIA result, but we are carrying out flood and erosion mitigation work as well as building roads on the area cleared last year,” he said.

Wong said that the majority of the villagers involved in the project were supportive of the company, which had been involved in a similar integrated shrimp aquaculture project in Perak for the past 35 years.

He said the company would do its best to minimise any environmental effects while balancing the need to create sustainable returns for investors as well as maintain sustainable livelihoods for the locals.

The project, a joint undertaking between Yayasan Sabah Group and Sunlight Seafood (Sabah) Sdn Bhd under Sunlight Inno, is expected to generate around 3,800 jobs.

It will include a hatchery, a production, research and development laboratory and a training centre.

It will focus on the commercial production of Pacific White shrimp, with work already kicking off to create 1,500 shrimp ponds in an area measuring around 1,214ha.

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Malaysia: Near-extinct trees found

New Straits Times 2 Mar 14;

KUALA KANGSAR: A species of rainforest tree thought to be extinct has been rediscovered at Chikus forest reserve in Hilir Perak district.

Two fully-grown Dipterocarpus coriaceus trees, known locally as keruing paya, were found within a 2ha expanse of the forest by a team from the Perak Forestry department last year.

Speaking to the New Sunday Times, Perak Forestry Department director Datuk Roslan Ariffin said another five keruing paya saplings were found at the same time.

The NST had reported that the species became extinct following logging and land clearing activities in the Bikam forest reserve near Bidor, which was thought to be the species' last remaining refuge.

Roslan said the species came under threat after development activities in the area gradually took over its habitat.

"The keruing paya used to grow in the Bikam forest but it disappeared when the forest gradually shrunk.

"This happened when the forest was de-gazetted to make way for farming land.

"After hearing about the species dying out, we decided to send out a team to try and find out if there other survivors.

"We went to investigate areas with similar ecological conditions to the Bikam reserve.

"Luckily, we managed to find the trees in the Chikus reserve," said Roslan after attending the launching ceremony of a new flash flood warning system in the Ulu Kenas forest reserve here yesterday.

Also present at the launch were Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and director-general of Forestry Prof Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Abdul Rahim.

Roslan, however, gave his assurance that there was no immediate threat to the recently discovered trees in the Chikus reserve.

"The situation is very much under control.

"We have cordoned off the area and there is no threat from any man-made activities in the reserve."

"The species is still classified as an endangered species, so we will be monitoring the situation closely."

Roslan said the seeds from the adult keruing paya trees would be harvested when they began to flower and stored for replanting.

Read more: Near-extinct trees found - General - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/near-extinct-trees-found-1.496224#ixzz2ulni4NG4

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