Best of our wild blogs: 7 Jun 16

Changing Changi shore
wild shores of singapore

Back at Changi's echinoderm haven
wonderful creation

Coral bleaching check at Tanah Merah
wonderful creation

Checking out the reefy East Coast shore
wonderful creation

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Singapore bird trade numbers don't add up, says study

Lin Yangchen and Audrey Tan Straits Times 7 Jun 16; and AsiaOne

Singapore's international standing as a free trade and shipping hub may not come without its drawbacks, it appears, after a recent study shone a spotlight on large quantities of threatened birds being shipped through the country's ports.

The study - published in April this year by researchers from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and wildlife trade monitoring network Traffic - highlighted a discrepancy of about 86,000 birds in the number imported into Singapore and that exported.

It is unlikely the birds that are unaccounted for are intended for the domestic market, given the scale of the discrepancy, said the study.

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) said a possible reason for the discrepancy is that exported birds are not necessarily those imported in the same year - they could have remained in Singapore for a few years before re-export.

AVA said other reasons could be several bird farms in Singapore that breed birds, and the possibility of import permits that have been issued but not used.

In a report to the United Nations Environment Programme's World Conservation Monitoring Centre, Singapore said it imported 225,561 birds and exported 136,912 from 2005 to 2014, making it a major global aviculture transit hub.

About 210 species from 35 countries were imported, and 195 species were exported to 37 countries.

Singapore imports birds from places like the Solomon Islands, Holland, Taiwan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa, while export destinations include Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates and Japan.

African grey parrots make up the bulk of the trade. They are popular for their intelligence and speaking ability but, as a result, their numbers have been decimated in parts of their native range in Africa.

Conservationist Steve Boyes, who works with parrots in Africa, told The Straits Times that poachers catch the birds using fishing nets, or by using a long stick with a perch that is smeared with glue.

"Calling birds" are used to lure them close enough for poachers to catch them.

Dr Boyes, who was in Singapore last month to speak at the INK Asia conference, said: "Poachers put 50 or 60 birds in one sack, and they are all on top of and injuring one other."

Under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites), to which Singapore is a signatory, trade in animals on the Cites list is prohibited without a permit.

The WCS-Traffic study said some of the countries from which Singapore imported Cites-listed birds had a history of abuse of Cites permits, among other things.

The study said Singapore needed to exercise greater caution in ensuring that specimens are imported and exported in accordance with Cites, and to "adopt a policy of greater transparency concerning its role in the regulation and monitoring of wildlife trade".

An AVA spokesman said that while the agency continues to enforce regulatory measures, illegal trade in endangered animals is fuelled by demand and poaching. He added that a concerted effort by the international community is required to tackle the problem.

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Underwater World closure plan draws flak from animal lovers

LAURA PHILOMIN Channel NewsAsia 7 Jun 16;

SINGAPORE — Announcing it will be closing its doors to the public for good after 25 years of service later this month, Underwater World Singapore (UWS) said it has rehomed its pink dolphins, fur seals and otters in an aquarium in China, much to the dismay of local wildlife conservation groups.

In a press release issued on Monday (June 6), UWS said its lease at Sentosa expires in less than two years, but decided to close operations earlier — on June 26 — to ensure animals “have a good home to relocate to”.

“After nearly a year reviewing suitable facilities, we found a home for our pink dolphins, fur seals and otters. Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Zhuhai, China — with one of the finest facilities in the world and a strong staff with expertise in marine mammal veterinary and husbandry care, as well as an active breeding and conservation programme — was selected as the best choice,” said UWS.

The transfer of the animals was approved by the authorities in both countries, it added. The park, a subsidiary of Haw Par Corporation, is still looking for suitable homes for its remaining animals. It did not say how many animals will be affected in total.

Instead of subjecting the animals to the stress of relocating to another country, wildlife conservation groups here said UWS, which has been criticised in the past for keeping pink dolphins in captivity, should have tried to rehabilitate the animals for release back into wild.

If that was not possible, transferring them to local facilities would have been the preferred option, especially at a time where Singapore already has plans to expand its wildlife attractions.

Animal Concerns Research & Education Society’s (Acres) chief executive Louis Ng was concerned about the stress the animals were subjected to during the transfer. He also hoped that Singapore’s host of other wildlife attractions such as Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore Zoo and River Safari would be able to take in the remaining animals at UWS. “We prefer transfers (rather) than (animals) captured from the wild, so it entirely makes sense to transfer existing collections to other facilities here,” he added.

Ms Ria Tan, who runs the blog Wild Shores of Singapore, questioned the animals’ state of health after the transfer, echoing other questions raised by wildlife groups on the welfare of the animals in their new environment, the type of care they would be provided and if they would be subjected to performing in shows.

Sea Shepherd’s Singapore coordinator James Chua said instead of moving the animals from one captivity setting to another, they should have been rehabilitated for release or moved to a sanctuary, as there is no guarantee the animals would be able to adapt to their new environment and survive.

He also said if UWS really wanted to help the dolphins, it could have consulted groups first on how to move forward with similar “rehab and release” programmes. “But, obviously, it’s more of a profit-making decision,” he added.

Chimelong has been touted as one of the largest aquariums in China and in the world, with performing Beluga whales, seals and dolphins, among others, and media reports have raised red flags over the welfare of the animals.

A Washington Post article in February, citing a report by the China Cetacean Alliance, said Chimelong houses 491 cetaceans, including 279 bottlenose dolphins, 114 belugas and nine orcas, many of which were captured from the wild using methods that are “known to cause stress and fear”.

Responding to TODAY’s queries, UWS said a transportation plan was co-developed by animal experts from the two aquariums for the dolphins, fur seals and otters, who were moved on Sunday.

Adding that the transfer was “smooth”, UWS said animals were accompanied by a specialist team from Chimelong throughout the journey, and have settled down into their new homes.

The Agri-food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) said its officers were present during the moving process to safeguard the welfare of the animals. It also ensured UWS worked with Chimelong to come up with a process to minimise risk and stress to the dolphins during the process. For instance, prior to the move, trainers and a veterinarian from Chimelong spent time at UWS to familiarise themselves with the dolphins.

Asked why the transfer of the animals was not announced beforehand, UWS said a quarantine period was required by the Singapore authorities, and no announcement was made to allow the dolphins “a quiet isolation period”.

It did not address queries on concerns over Chimelong’s track record. But it said scientific data about the UWS dolphins was transferred to Chimelong, and it hoped UWS’ success in breeding and research will be continued to contribute to conservation efforts.


Underwater World Singapore to close Jun 26
Channel NewsAsia 6 Jun 16;

SINGAPORE: Underwater World Singapore (UWS) and the Dolphin Lagoon are set to close on Jun 26 after 25 years of service, operator Haw Par announced on Monday (Jun 6).

Haw Par said that UWS had to vacate the facility and cease operations as the lease on the Sentosa attraction was expiring in less than two years. Its pink dolphins, fur seals and otters have been transferred to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Zhuhai, China.

Chimelong Ocean Kingdom has "one of the finest facilities in the world and a strong staff with expertise in marine mammal veterinary and husbandry care, as well as an active breeding and conservation programme", said Haw Par.

"Although UWS’ lease is not ending yet, ensuring that our CITES animals have a good home to relocate to is our responsibility and we decided to facilitate their transfer to COK and to cease operations earlier," it added. "The transfer of the UWS CITES animals to COK was approved by the authorities in Singapore and China and the animals were relocated last week."

As for its 70 staff, Underwater World Singapore told Channel NewsAsia they will be compensated in accordance with Singapore's Employment Act. It is also working with unions to organise a month-long outplacement programme to enhance their career-readiness and will consider them for internal re-deployment. "We will assist the staff, within our means, to look for alternative job opportunities since they have acquired valuable experience and knowledge during their employment with UWS."

Before the announcement, the "meet the dolphins" session at UWS had been closed since May 26, according to a notice on its website.

To mark its closing, UWS will provide free admissions to beneficiaries from charity partners it worked with in the past. From Tuesday (Jun 7), tickets will also return to 1991 prices, when the attraction first opened - S$9 per adult and S$5 per child.

INCREASED COMPETITION; STRUCK BY SCANDAL

UWS has faced increased competition since the Marine Life Park - which includes Dolphin Island and the S.E.A. Aquarium - opened at Resorts World Sentosa in 2012.

The Dolphin Lagoon was relaunched in 2010 after a revamp, and also welcomed the birth of a pink dolphin calf, Splish, in November 2014.

However, scandal struck the park earlier in 2014. In August that year, animal welfare groups Wildlife Watcher (Singapore) and Sea Shepherd Conservation Society published a report, detailing the "appalling" health of dolphins held at the Dolphin Lagoon as well as "sub-standard" conditions of other animals at Underwater World Singapore.

In response, UWS said that the dolphin in the report had non-transmissible skin cancer, and was being treated. It added that its facility complies with the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority's (AVA) licensing conditions for animal conditions.

The Marine Life Park at Resorts World Sentosa has also attracted its fair share of complaints, most recently in 2014 after the report of a dolphin death in the park. Three other dolphins out of a total of 27 set for the Marine Life Park died before they reached Singapore.

"WE GREW UP COMING TO UNDERWATER WORLD": VISITORS

Visitors at Underwater World spoke to Channel NewsAsia about the attraction's 25-year history as well as its mixed legacy.

"We grew up coming to Underwater World so it's definitely really sad that it has to go, but I guess they face stiff competition from S.E.A Aquarium," said Vanessa Ho, 23, who works in operations. She added: "Animals belong in the wild; (the fact that) that Dolphin Lagoon is closing seems right". Businesswoman Irene Torio, 44, agreed, saying that dolphins "belong in the wild and to keep them in captivity is not a good idea".

Rhalina, 35, a tourist from Perth, added: "I think it's a shame because we too lost our equivalent. I didn't get to see the dolphins but they do enjoy the company of people, and it's a good educational tool."

Said engineer Val Tan: "It's sad that it's closing. I remember coming here in primary school when it had just opened and now I'm 32, but we're glad we got to bring our baby here before it closes."

But for Jennifer Ng, 29, a Vietnam national who works in Singapore, her visit came a little too late. She told Channel NewsAsia: "Today I brought my family (from Vietnam) to see the dolphins but they aren't here anymore." She mused: "But I guess it's good that they move. If I were in the same place for 25 years, I'd like to make a move too."


Dolphins at Underwater World have moved to China
Judith Tan The New Paper 8 Jun 16;
They are breaking the gang up after 25 years.

The Underwater World Singapore (UWS) and the Dolphin Lagoon at Sentosa will shutter their doors on June 26.

The lagoon's five pink dolphins, also known as Chinese White Dolphins, have gone to Zhuhai, China.

Along with them went three fur seals and five otters.

Their new home? The Chimelong Ocean Kingdom (COK), which was chosen after nearly a year of reviewing suitable facilities, a UWS spokesman told The New Paper yesterday.

"(It is) one of the finest in the world and has a strong staff with expertise in marine mammal veterinary and husbandry care.

"There is also an active breeding and conservation programme.

"COK agreed to adopt our Cites animals and is ready to receive them. The transfer was approved by the authorities in Singapore and China," she said.

Cites, or the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, is an international multilateral agreement between governments to ensure that trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

"In addition, the Pearl River Estuary in the surrounding area of Zhuhai City is one of the main habitats of the pink dolphins, also known as Giant Panda of the Sea, and is accorded Class 1 protection for endangered species at the national level in China," the UWS spokesman said.

The animals were relocated last week, together with scientific data about the UWS dolphins. "It is hoped that the breeding success and research at UWS can be continued at COK and help to contribute to the conservation efforts of this species.

"Their arrival at COK will also help to promote a better understanding of the Chinese White Dolphin among the public and create awareness in animal conservation," she added.

Mr James Chua, Singapore coordinator of ocean conservation organisation Sea Shepherd Asia, said it is a small victory on a global scale to have one less aquarium operating.

"Sea Shepherd's stand is clear and firm - we are against any cetaceans in captivity in any part of the world.

"Our investigative report has clearly shown with photographic evidence of the welfare standards, conditions of the animals and their enclosures in Underwater World Singapore.

"The release of the report has allowed the public to make an informed choice of whether to support such facilities, as well as voice out their concerns.

"Wholly owned by the Haw Par Corporation, the oceanarium housed some 2,500 marine life from 250 species around the region. It was popular for providing fun and educational interactive experiences.

Since the opening of UWS in 1991, some 30 million visitors have seen its exhibits.

"With the expiry of the lease at Sentosa in less than two years, UWS will have to vacate the facility and cease operations," UWS said in a press release yesterday.


CHEAPER TICKETS

To mark its closing and 25 years of service, UWS will be providing free admissions to beneficiaries from charity partners it had worked with.

And from today, ticket prices will be back to when the attraction first opened - $9 for an adult and $5 for a child.

Its Underwater Santa and Underwater God of Fortune, who usually appear over Christmas and Chinese New Year respectively, will be at the tunnel every day until June 26 to bid guests farewell.


Suitable homes sought for Underwater World's marine animals
An animal activist group and a marine biology expert Channel NewsAsia spoke to advocate releasing some of the marine animals back into the wild, according to their origins.
Lee Li Ying, Channel NewsAsia 8 Jun 16;

SINGAPORE: The search is on for suitable homes for Underwater World Singapore's (UWS) marine animals, after it was announced that UWS will close later in June.

While the attraction's pink dolphins, fur seals and otters have already been relocated to an aquarium in China last week, questions remain over the remaining animals.

Wildlife group Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) has called for the endangered sea turtles found at UWS to be returned to their habitats, and Singapore's shores have been proven to be suitable.

Said Ms Anbarasi Boopal, deputy chief executive of ACRES: "The sea turtles visited our shores repeatedly year after year. The animals will have to be assessed based on their health conditions and whether they are disease-free before they are released back into the wild. It's not something new for Underwater World; it has happened in 2006, (when) about 12 sea turtles were released into the South China Sea."

As for other marine animals in UWS, their fate is still uncertain. UWS' operator, Haw Par Corporation, said it is searching for suitable homes for sharks and fish like arapaima and clownfish.

Marine biology expert, Dr Huang Danwei from the National University of Singapore, shares the sentiment that these animals should be returned to the wild. But as most of them are not from Singapore's waters, it would not be suitable to release them here.

For example, leopard sharks are only found in the Pacific Coast of North America, and waters around the topics may be too warm for them to survive.

However, releasing them into the wild is also not a simple process.

To facilitate their release, the animal's origins have to be identified. After that, the appropriate permits have to be obtained as many countries have strict regulations on releasing animals back into the wild.

When they are on their way, they need to be transported in seawater with sufficient aeration. During the journey, they have to be fed till they arrive at their destination.

There are also other considerations. For example, clown fish will need to be transported with the appropriate anemone host species that they live with, so that they are not unnecessarily vulnerable to predators. Dr Huang said that ecologically speaking, it will take at least months, if not years, to do this properly.

Dr Huang mooted that it is possible that other facilities, like aquariums, can take these marine animals in, provided they provide the best care possible.

Resorts World Sentosa, which owns S.E.A. Aquarium, has declined to comment if it has been approached to take over these animals. On the other hand, Wildlife Reserves Singapore, which owns Singapore Zoo and River Safari, said that it has not been contacted. The Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum has also said that it has not been contacted to take in the sea turtles, adding that they also do not have the expertise to do so.

- CNA/ms


Dolphins at Underwater World have moved to China
Judith Tan, The New Paper AsiaOne 8 Jun 16;

They are breaking the gang up after 25 years.

The Underwater World Singapore (UWS) and the Dolphin Lagoon at Sentosa will shutter their doors on June 26.

The lagoon's five pink dolphins, also known as Chinese White Dolphins, have gone to Zhuhai, China. Along with them went three fur seals and five otters.

Their new home? The Chimelong Ocean Kingdom (COK), which was chosen after nearly a year of reviewing suitable facilities, a UWS spokesman told The New Paper yesterday.

"(It is) one of the finest in the world and has a strong staff with expertise in marine mammal veterinary and husbandry care.
"There is also an active breeding and conservation programme.

"COK agreed to adopt our Cites animals and is ready to receive them. The transfer was approved by the authorities in Singapore and China," she said.

Cites, or the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, is an international multilateral agreement between governments to ensure that trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

"In addition, the Pearl River Estuary in the surrounding area of Zhuhai City is one of the main habitats of the pink dolphins, also known as Giant Panda of the Sea, and is accorded Class 1 protection for endangered species at the national level in China," the UWS spokesman said.

The animals were relocated last week, together with scientific data about the UWS dolphins. "It is hoped that the breeding success and research at UWS can be continued at COK and help to contribute to the conservation efforts of this species.

"Their arrival at COK will also help to promote a better understanding of the Chinese White Dolphin among the public and create awareness in animal conservation," she added.

Mr James Chua, Singapore coordinator of ocean conservation organisation Sea Shepherd Asia, said it is a small victory on a global scale to have one less aquarium operating.

"Sea Shepherd's stand is clear and firm - we are against any cetaceans in captivity in any part of the world.

"Our investigative report has clearly shown with photographic evidence of the welfare standards, conditions of the animals and their enclosures in Underwater World Singapore.

"The release of the report has allowed the public to make an informed choice of whether to support such facilities, as well as voice out their concerns."

Wholly owned by the Haw Par Corporation, the oceanarium housed some 2,500 marine life from 250 species around the region. It was popular for providing fun and educational interactive experiences.

Since the opening of UWS in 1991, some 30 million visitors have seen its exhibits.

"With the expiry of the lease at Sentosa in less than two years, UWS will have to vacate the facility and cease operations," UWS said in a press release yesterday.

Read more!

Fresh appeal for Govt to bypass forest in building of MRT line

NEO CHAI CHIN Today Online 7 Jun 16;

SINGAPORE — A group of volunteers advocating zero-impact on the Central Catchment Nature Reserve submitted a fresh appeal to the Government yesterday, petitioning for works related to the future Cross Island MRT Line (CRL) to avoid the area.

Copies of the appeal letter, addressed to Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan, were also submitted to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, several Ministers, as well as chiefs of the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and National Parks Board.

To date, no decision has been made on whether the line will cut through the nature reserve or skirt around it, but the issue has drawn intense debate, with Mr Khaw calling in February on the public to keep an open mind as the authorities study a host of factors and trade-offs.

The appeal contained signatures, gathered from June 2013 to May this year, of more than 10,000 Singaporeans and residents who support the call for works related to the rail line to avoid the nature reserve, for fear of damage to the forest and wildlife there.

The appeal letter, updated in March, noted that site investigations for the line are due to begin in the third quarter of this year. “No MRT line, whether above or underground should pass through it,” the letter stated.

Any development in the MacRitchie forest “can potentially pollute our forest streams with silt and toxic materials. This will in turn damage unique microhabitats created by forest streams, affecting native forest frogs, freshwater turtles, freshwater fishes and crustaceans that can only live here”, the letter read.

“MacRitchie Forest has been protected for more than a hundred years. We should continue to conserve it, especially for the endemic denizens of our forest ... We appeal to the LTA to courageously reconsider proceeding with works related to the CRL within the (Central Catchment Nature Reserve).”

The cover letter that accompanied the documents submitted was signed by Dr Vilma D’Rozario and Mrs Teresa Teo-Guttensohn, on behalf of the Love Our MacRitchie Forest movement.

An LTA spokesperson said that the agency has received the petition letter.

It will conduct site investigations for both alignment options of the rail line and has released the environmental impact assessments of both site investigations earlier this year.

For the alignment that cuts under the nature reserve for about 2km, 16 holes as deep as 70m will be drilled on public trails and areas without vegetation of the reserve, to determine ground conditions.

These would have “moderate” impact on the reserve with mitigating measures and controlled access. The impact on MacRitchie fauna would otherwise be “large”.

The mitigation measures for drilling of boreholes include: 30m buffer zones around streams, wetlands and marshes, and the use of fluid containment tanks to ensure no spillage of drilling fluid and to minimise erosion and siltation.

The alternative alignment skirts around the nature reserve near Adam Road for about 9km.

The 50km Cross Island MRT Line linking Jurong and Changi is slated to complete around 2030, and will have about 30 stations while commuters would be making at least 600,000 trips daily.

The Central Catchment Nature Reserve is an area of rich native biodiversity. It is home to more than 1,500 plant species, 218 bird species, 30 mammal species, 24 freshwater fish species and 17 species of amphibians.


More than 12,000 signatures to re-think MRT line under nature reserve
Audrey Tan Straits Times 6 Jun 16;

SINGAPORE - A letter containing the signatures of more than 10,000 people was sent to the authorities here on Monday (June 6), to rethink possible plans to build an MRT tunnel under Singapore's largest nature reserve.

The signatures were collected by the Love Our MacRitchie volunteer group, and addressed to Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan. The letter was also also sent to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and other officials in the ministries of Transport, National Development and Social and Family Development.

In all, 12,364 signatures were collected between June 17, 2013 and May 5, 2016.


The letter is the latest development in protests against the upcoming 50km Cross Island Line, first announced in 2013 as a link between Changi and Jurong. When the line was first announced, preliminary plans showed it cutting through primary and secondary forests in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve near MacRitchie Reservoir.

Nature groups, alarmed by the environmental harm which be caused by the construction and operation of an underground MRT line through the reserve, suggested the line be built along Lornie Road. This alternate route goes around the reserve.

Since then, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has conducted an environmental impact assessment (EIA) which looked at the impact of both routes on their surroundings.

The first phase of this assessment, which looked at the impact of soil works, was announced in February 2016.

Among other things, the report said the impact of works on the reserve would be kept to "moderate" levels if mitigating measures, such as the use of enclosures to reduce engine noise and tanks to collect discharge, are effectively carried out. For the alternative route around the reserve, the impact of soil investigation works along Lornie Road was deemed to be "negligible", and "minor" for areas near Venus Drive and a golf course.

The LTA has said that soil works to see if the ground is suitable for this will start in the third quarter of this year, and that the second phase of the environmental assessment will be completed by the end of this year.

The Government has stressed that the decision on whether to build through or around the reserve is still being mulled over.

"Ensuring that urban development does not harm the nature reserve will ensure that future generations will continue to reap the benefits of having healthy and intact rainforests in the heart of our city," said Miss Chloe Tan, a Love Our MacRitchie Forest volunteer, in the letter.

The LTA said it has received the letter.

Said a spokesman: "LTA acknowledges receipt of the petition letter from Love Our MacRitchie Forest, which contains signatures dating back to 2013."

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Part of forest to be cleared for new neighbourhood in Teacher's Estate area

URA says the land preparation works are set to begin in the third quarter of this year and are expected to take about five years to complete.
Olivia Siong, Channel NewsAsia 7 Jun 16;

SINGAPORE: A large part of a 30-hectare secondary forest is set to be cleared to make way for a new neighbourhood in the Teacher's Estate area, off Yio Chu Kang Road.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said the land preparation works are set to begin in the third quarter of this year. The area, bound by Tagore Road, Upper Thomson Road, Munshi Abdullah Avenue and Yio Chu Kang Road will comprise a variety of private homes to be developed over the next 10 to 15 years.

It is also near the upcoming Lentor MRT station, which is set to be ready by 2020, on the new Thomson-East Coast Line. URA said it will progressively launch sites for the new homes as the land preparations works complete, so that more residents in the area can benefit from living close to the new Lentor station.

URA said the new neighbourhood - which was announced in the Master Plan 2014 - is part of plans to “rejuvenate Ang Mo Kio Town by providing Singaporeans with more housing options and convenient access to amenities”.

The authority added that when it drew up the plans for the area, it “deliberately included more parks and greenery to provide a good living environment, while catering to residents’ recreational needs”.

URA said it has been engaging the local community on its plans since 2013, and nature groups since last year. It added that it shared the upcoming plans - through platforms such as dialogue sessions - to gather the community’s feedback and address their concerns.

URA noted that from 2014 to 2015, it worked with the National Parks Board (NParks) “to salvage and relocate plant species that are of varying conservation status”. It said that before construction work can begin, a management plan will be put in place to ensure wildlife are safely guided towards the Central Catchment Nature Reserve in the west or the forested area in the north.

The Nature Society said several nationally and globally threatened animals have been spotted at the site, including the young banded leaf monkey, sunda pangolin and the sunda slow loris.

There are also two streams running through the area, along with about 100 specimens of the rare Elephant Foot's Fern, classified by NParks as vulnerable.

Last week, the Nature Society released a position paper calling for phased development of the site, while preserving parts of the forest and one of the streams.

URA said it has shared its plans to keep two vegetated areas near Munshi Abdullah Walk for at least five years, as they are not affected by immediate works. Some existing vegetation is also being kept for a future neighbourhood park while a new linear park will also be added.

URA said the land preparation works are expected to take about five years, to facilitate the building of drains, sewers and roads for the new neighbourhood.

- CNA/ms


Two plots to be kept in forest marked for clearing
But 2 rare streams in Lentor site will be affected by housing project
Audrey Tan Straits Times 7 Jun 16; and AsiaOne

The authorities have agreed to keep two green plots in a 30ha secondary forest in Lentor which will be cleared later this year to make way for private homes.

The areas adjacent to Munshi Abdullah Walk will be temporarily kept for at least five years. The decision was made following discussions with residents and the Nature Society (Singapore) or NSS, which had hoped that the lifespan of the green lung could be extended.

But the rest of the forest, through which two rare freshwater streams run through, will be cleared. Works to facilitate the introduction of supporting infrastructure such as drains, sewers and roads will start in the third quarter of this year and is expected to take five years.

But a wildlife management plan will be implemented before the works begin to ensure animals in the area can be safely guided to the Central Catchment Nature Reserve in the west, or the forested area in the north, The Straits Times has learnt.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has also worked with the National Parks Board to salvage and relocate plant species of varying conservation statuses, a URA spokesman told ST.

Plans to develop the area were first laid out in URA's Master Plan 2014. In December last year, residents of Teacher's Estate received URA fliers informing them that works to clear the forest bordering the estate would start before Chinese New Year. This alarmed residents, many of whom enjoy living near the greenery, they said. After talks between URA and the residents, the works have been delayed to the third quarter.

Apart from keeping the two green areas, URA said other suggestions from the community, such as plans for a park, canal and natural landscape features such as plants, will also be incorporated to soften the surroundings.

NSS also submitted a 10-page position paper to URA, pointing out the rich biodiversity in the area. Rare animals like the critically endangered Sunda pangolin and banded leaf monkey have been spotted there.

The society proposed that the area be developed in four stages instead of being cleared at one go, to extend the lifespan of the forest.

But URA, which said it has studied the proposal in detail, said it was not feasible "due to the need to holistically introduce the supporting infrastructure required for the new neighbourhood".

Dr Ho Hua Chew, NSS' conservation committee vice-chairman, said it is disappointed with the decision. "The two lovely forest streams, Tagore and Lentor - rare outside the nature reserve - will be canalised or wiped out, along with the green corridor for wildlife movement from the Central Catchment Nature Reserve to the Tagore forest."

Chemical consultant and Munshi Abdullah Walk resident Kwan K.M, 64, said: "We understand that the Government has a plan, but maybe some plans can be re-looked, especially with developments such as the Paris Agreement on climate change, which focused on the role of forests."

WATCH IT ONLINE

Enter the forest to learn more about the Lentor stream http://str.sg/ 43X2

Read more!

New dengue cases rise again after two-week decline

There are now 37 active dengue clusters in Singapore, including six classified as high-risk.
Channel NewsAsia 7 Jun 16;

SINGAPORE: A total of 220 new dengue cases were reported in Singapore in the week ending Jun 4, 22 cases more than the week before, according to latest figures published on the National Environment Agency’s (NEA) dengue website.

Another 25 cases were reported between Jun 5 and 3.30pm on Jun 6.

A total of 8,373 dengue cases have been reported in Singapore since the start of the year. Five people have died of the disease so far – a 47-year-old man who lived in Marsiling Rise, a 67-year-old man who lived in Toa Payoh, a 63-year-old woman who lived in Bedok, a 73-year-old woman who lived in Hougang, and in the latest case, a 79-year-old man who lived in Kaki Bukit.

There are now 37 active dengue clusters in Singapore, including six classified as high-risk. The biggest cluster is in the area around Geylang and Guillemard Road. A total of 86 cases have been reported in the area, including nine in the past fortnight.

Dengue is spread via the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. In an advisory on its dengue website, NEA called for vigilance from homeowners to prevent mosquito breeding as Singapore enters the traditional dengue peak season. The majority of mosquito breeding habitats are still being found in homes, such as in domestic containers, flower pot plates and trays, it said.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) and NEA have warned that the number of dengue cases in Singapore may exceed 30,000 this year, higher than the record of 22,170 reported in 2013.

Singapore also reported its first case of the Zika virus last month, which is also transmitted via the Aedes mosquito. The patient, a 48-year-old male Permanent Resident who lives in Bukit Timah’s Watten Estate, had travelled to Sao Paulo in Brazil and developed a fever and rash three days after his return.

Although the patient has been discharged from hospital after making a full recovery, MOH and NEA have said there is still a possibility of secondary infection.

- CNA/cy

Read more!

Malaysia: Johor gets additional water from PUB, Singapore

CHUAH BEE KIM New Straits Times 7 Jun 16;

JOHOR BARU: Johor is now getting additional portable water supply from the Public Utilities Board (PUB).

In a press release, the republic's national water agency said it started supplying additional water from the Johor River Waterworks on Saturday (June 4) in response to a call by Badan Kawal Selia Air Negeri Johor (BAKAJ).

BAKAJ had requested for an additional six million gallons of water per day for a month.

The additional supply has increased the republic's supply of treated water to 22 million gallons daily.

"The arrangement was temporary and subject to regular review," it said.

The dry spell has affected the Linggiu Reservoir, operated by PUB, to an all-time low of 33 per cent.

Over the years PUB has supplied 16 million gallons of portable water to Johor daily.

There was a similar request by BAKAJ was from Aug 14 last year to Jan 8 this year.

Meanwhile, Syarikat Air Johor Holdings Sdn Bhd (SAJ) corporate communication chief Jamaluddin Jamal said only the Congok dam in Mersing which is current 3.59m was still below its critical level of 4.8m, and thus the water rationing exercise which had started in April had to continue.

"Water rationing in Kota Tinggi, which also started since April, has already been lifted," Jamaluddin said.


Singapore to supply Johor with more potable water to cope with dry spell
KENNETH CHENG Today Online 6 Jun 16;

SINGAPORE — The Republic has begun supplying more potable water to Johor at the request of the Malaysian state’s water regulatory body.

Since June 4, national water agency PUB has pumped in an extra six million gallons of potable water a day to Johor, the agency said in a press release on Monday (June 6).

Badan Kawalselia Air Johor had asked for the extra gallons for a month to supplement the water supply in areas served by Johor’s Sungai Layang dam, which has been hit severely by the continuing dry spell.

The extra water supply comes from the Johor River Waterworks, which PUB operates in Johor.

The agency said that this arrangement was temporary, would be subject to regular review, and would not affect Singapore’s water supply in the short term.

It is also monitoring the situation at Johor’s Linggiu Reservoir, which improves the water yield at the Johor River, from which both Singapore and Johor draw water.

PUB operates the reservoir and dry conditions have brought water levels there to an all-time low of 33 per cent, down from 40 per cent in April.

With the extra water supply, Singapore now provides 22 million gallons of potable water to Johor daily.

Under the 1962 Water Agreement, PUB may draw up to 250 million gallons of raw water from the Johor River daily. In return, Johor is entitled to receive a daily supply of treated water of up to 2 per cent — or five million gallons a day — of the raw water supplied to Singapore.

At Johor’s request, PUB has supplied about 16 million gallons of potable water per day to the Malaysian state over the years. From Aug 14 last year to Jan 8, the PUB provided an extra five to six million gallons of potable water daily to Johor, under an arrangement similar to the latest one.

The protracted drought has forced Johor to impose water-rationing measures. Since April, this has been happening in the Mersing and Kota Tinggi districts, involving about 85,000 people, Malaysian news agencies reported.

Last month, Mr Hasni Mohammad, chairman of Johor’s public works, rural and regional development committee, was quoted by agencies as saying that water rationing could be introduced by the end of May in and around Johor Baru and Pasir Gudang, affecting some 800,000 people.


Singapore supplying additional potable water to Johor: PUB
The additional 6 million gallons per day of potable water was a request for assistance from Johor's water regulatory body Badan Kawalselia Air Johor (BAKAJ), says PUB.
Channel NewsAsia 6 Jun 16;

SINGAPORE: The Republic has been supplying additional potable water to Johor since Jun 4, following a request for assistance from the Malaysian state's water regulatory body Badan Kawalselia Air Johor (BAKAJ).

PUB, the national water agency, said on Monday (Jun 6) that the current dry weather has severely affected water levels in Johor's Sungei Layang dam, and BAKAJ requested for an additional 6 million gallons per day (mgd) of potable water for a month to supplement its water supply.

PUB agreed, and has been injecting the additional supply of potable water from the Johor River Waterworks (JRWW) that it operates in Johor, the press release said.

"The arrangement is temporary and subject to regular review. This will not affect the water supply in Singapore in the short term," PUB said. It did note that the dry weather has also affected water levels in Linggiu Reservoir, which has dipped to 33 per cent, from 40 per cent in April, and is at an "all-time low".

Under the 1962 Water Agreement, PUB is entitled to draw up to 250mgd of raw water from the Johor River daily. In return, Johor is entitled to a daily supply of treated water of up to 2 per cent, or 5mgd, of the raw water supplied to Singapore.

Over the years, PUB has, at Johor’s request, supplied about 16 million gallons of potable water per day to Johor, and upped supply by an additional 5 to 6mgd of potable water from Aug 14, 2015, to Jan 8, 2016. This latest request will see Singapore temporarily supplying 22 mgd of potable water to meet Johor’s needs in the present dry weather situation, it said.

- CNA/kk

Singapore sends more potable water to Johor
AsiaOne 6 Jun 16;

Water levels in Linggui Reservoir in Johor, which is operated by the PUB, is at an "all-time low" because of dry weather.

SINGAPORE - Singapore's water agency, PUB, has started supplying additional potable water to Johor in response to a request for help from Johor's water regulatory body.

Under the 1962 Water Agreement between Singapore and Johor, PUB is entitled to draw up to 250 million gallons per day (mgd) of raw water from the Johor River. In return, Johor is entitled to treated water of up to 2 per cent (or 5mgd) of raw water supplied.

PUB said in a statement today (June 6) that Johor asked PUB to supply an additional 6mgd of potable water for a month, to supplement water supply in areas serviced by Johor's Sungei Layang dam.

Dry weather has severely affected water levels in the dam, it said.

PUB said that it started injecting additional supply of water to Johor from the Johor River Waterworks that it operates on Saturday (June 4).

PUB said that the arrangement, which is temporary, will not affect water supply in Singapore "in the short-term". However, it pointed out that water levels in Linggui Reservoir in Johor, which is operated by the PUB, is at an "all-time low" because of the dry weather.

PUB revealed in the statement that it has been supplying Johor with 16mgd of potable water "over the years". This latest request will see Singapore temporarily supplying 22mgd to meet Johor's needs.

A similar arrangement, to supply an additional 5 to 6mgd, was in place from August 14 last year to Jan 8 this year at the request of Johor, PUB said.


Johor welcomes potable water aid from Singapore
MOHD FARHAAN SHAH The Star 7 Jun 16;

Mentri Besar Datuk Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the gesture by the island republic shows its goodwill gesture to help its neighbour during the dry spell that has hit Johor quite hard.

"However, the state government is giving focus to rectifying water woes, and we are in discussions with several agencies on the matter," he said.

Mohamed Khaled was asked to comment on the decision by Singapore's national water agency, the Public Utility Board, to supply six million gallons of water per day for a month to Johor.

This comes after the water regulatory body Badan Kawalselia Air Johor requested the aid due to the current dry weather that has affected the water level at the Sungai Layang dam.

Read more!

Malaysia: Restoring coastal sponges -- the mangroves

The rehabilitation of Kampung Sungai Tiram’s mangrove forest becomes a communal responsibility
Sulyn Chong New Straits Times 6 Jun 16;

THE stench of fish and brackish water wafts in the air while various birds chirp merrily around me. The surrounding houses are simple brick structures with, surprisingly enough, tiled floors. I’m standing outside the community hall next to a primary school encircled by mangrove forests.

The sun is relentless as I await the arrival of Abdullah Ayob Abdul Rashid, the Ketua Kampung (village head) of Kampung Sungai Tiram in Lekir, Perak.

To the untrained eye, the surrounding mangroves may appear to be lush and filled with healthy plants as well as rich marine life. But that’s far from the truth as Abdullah Ayob reveals: “The mangrove forest around Lekir has been illegally invaded for quite some time and many of the trees have been cut down to make coal, and for various other things.”

This is why I find myself fanning away in the noon heat while representatives from the Global Environmental Centre (GEC) and Vale Malaysia introduce the mangrove forest rehabilitation and conservation programme of Lekir, Perak.

FRIENDS OF THE MANGROVE FOREST

Due to many factors, the mangrove forest around Lekir has seen a degradation that’s troubling to the fishermen whose livelihood depends on it. Even the community in the area feel, temperatures are rising at alarming rates. In addition, the unforeseen tsunami which hit Lekir shores in 2004, also contributed to a large chunk of the destruction. The tidal waves swept away much of the first layers of the mangrove forest, pushing the coastal lines further inland.

Mangrove forests are known to be the first line of defence from the raging attacks of the sea. Like sponges, they protect the coastal areas from erosion, storm surges and tsunamis. But on a daily basis, the mangroves provide a unique environment that’s rich for a multitude of marine life — something the community of Kampung Sungai Lekir is fighting hard to save.

With help from the GEC, Abdullah Ayob and the villagers of Kampung Sungai Tiram have established Pertubuhan Sahabat Hutan Bakau Lekir Sitiawan or Friends of the Mangrove Forest in October 2014. For the past 1½ years, this organisation has held various activities and exhibitions under Mapei and the Tourism Board in the hopes of rehabilitating and conserving the surrounding mangrove areas.

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

Friends of the Mangrove Forest encountered great difficulty in kick-starting their awareness initiatives. “When we first started the organisation, many of the fishermen in the village were suspicious of the approach. They were afraid that whatever product we were trying to promote may take away the mangrove forest. They were afraid that GEC would privatise the mangrove forest,” Abdullah Ayob says.

It may not have been ideal with only five members to begin with but it soon expanded when more and more started becoming aware of the importance of saving the mangroves. “Currently, we’re 40 to 50 people strong, and all these in just 1½ years. If you think about it, 50 people in a village of 250 houses, it’s not a small number. That’s about 1/5th of the population,” adds Abdullah Ayob.

Nevertheless, this hasn’t stopped him from conducting awareness campaigns to attract more people to join the organisation. “If possible, I would like everyone to contribute. Slowly but surely it will come to that,” he says, radiating a positive outlook.

OUTSIDER VIEW

Conservation and rehabilitation programmes aren’t small undertakings. They’re usually run by the community in the surrounding area but they need large funds to support such a project. For this project in Lekir, funds are provided under Vale Malaysia’s CSR division.

When speaking to Raja Zainariah Raja Hitam, Head of CSR and Communication of Vale Malaysia, she shares that the organisation is evolving into a very strong community group. “When we first visited, the community was oblivious to what was happening around them and when there were illegal explorations in the area, they didn’t know what to do or where to seek help. Even if they did seek help, they’re only just individuals. Now, with the establishment of the Sahabat Hutan Bakau, they’ve become a strong entity,” she asserts.

The programme is also supported by the relevant government departments such as the Forestry Department and Irrigation Department. Raja Zainariah believes the good relationship between the authorities and the community in Lekir plays a vital role in moving forward with conservation efforts. “It’s because of these strong connections that people are more aware of the village’s presence and they don’t dare to encroach into the areas without first approaching the village and organisation for permission,” she shares, adding that the organisation is now empowered with the knowledge and capabilities of reporting land abuse to the right authorities.

KNOWLEDGE IS KEY

Aside from just being watchdogs of the mangrove forest, the members are constantly trained and advised by GEC on ways to conserve and rehabilitate the mangrove forest.

All members are sent to Kuala Gula — an existing mangrove rehabilitation and conservation site for courses on how to rehabilitate mangroves and what’s needed to begin a mangrove nursery.

As I walk towards the nursery in a little nook opposite the river jetty, housewife Normala Abdul Aziz happily shares her experience as a member of the Friends of the Mangrove Forest organisation. “We learnt a lot during the course at Kuala Gula. GEC taught us how to plant and recognise the types of mangrove trees. Before that, I had no knowledge on our environment or even what was happening around us.”

Many of the nursery’s caretakers are made up of housewives like Normala. “We come here during the holidays as well as weekends to help out. Sometimes even after sending our kids to school, we’ll come down here to check,” she explains. “But of course there are men too. They just do different work. Usually the men will go out and look for seeds and we women will stay at the nursery. That’s how we divide the responsibilities,” she adds.

The community’s efforts go a long way towards making things happen, especially for GEC who comprise only a handful of people. “It only took us a day. We cooperated as a village,” says Normala in reference to the nursery building. But what makes this seemingly simple nursery a proud product of the village is the sheer number of mangrove trees grown in it. “We’ve grown about 15,000 trees and the nursery size has increased. All these are the efforts of the community in this area,” proclaims Abdullah Ayob, eyes shining.

Hearing that, I put on rubber boots, roll up my sleeves, take a mangrove plant in one hand and a shovel in the other. Joining the community there, I do my bit to help rehabilitate at least one tree to the threatened mangrove forest of Lekir because I now know how much of a difference this one tree will make.

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Malaysia: Clampdown on poachers in Sabah forests

The Star 7 Jun 16;

KOTA KINABALU: Forestry and Wildlife officials are on the hunt for poachers in forest reserves along Sabah’s east coast, where there has been a recent spike in encroachments.

Sabah Forestry director Datuk Sam Mannan said illegal hunters were making a beeline for forest reserves where wildlife such as wild boar, payau and deer thrive.

“Poachers have plundered the forests in the interiors of Sabah,” he told The Star yesterday.

Mannan said rangers were also carrying out regular operations to detect illegal harvesting of the valuable gaharu and agarwood trees in the forest reserves.

The department, he said, went on a joint operation with the police and Sabah Wildlife personnel to the Sun­gai Pinangah forest reserve in the Kinabatangan district last week.

He said two foreigners were detained in the operation.

Mannan said enforcement staff spotted the two men standing by the road and found several bakakuk (homemade shotguns) on them.

“They have been turned over to the police,” he added.

Sabah Wildlife enforcement chief Augustine Tuuga said they were going after poachers to curb the illegal trade of bushmeat in the state.

He said they arrested several poachers found to have wild boar, barking deer, pangolin and civet cat carcasses.

He added that going after people selling game at the tamu (farmers markets) in interior districts such as Nabawan could be “dangerous” for their enforcement staff.

State Tourism, Culture and En­­viron­ment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun had said that department personnel have been threatened when carrying out checks at the Nabawan tamu.

It was also reported last Novem­ber that a conservationist was similarly threatened when he tried to take photos of bushmeat on sale at the market.

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Indonesia: Don’t throw plastic into the sea, river basins: -- Minister

Markus Makur The Jakarta Post 7 Jun 16;

Indonesia’s waters will remain heavily polluted unless fishing communities and other land dwellers stop throwing garbage into the sea and river basins, a minister has said.

Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti said Indonesians threw 260 million tons of plastic waste into the ocean and river basin areas every year, making it the world’s second-biggest plastic waste polluter of seas and rivers after China. Indonesians must change their attitude and restrain from throwing plastic into bodies of water, she added.

“All waste thrown into river basin areas will empty into the sea so the plastic garbage will pile up at sea. If the plastic waste attaches to coral reefs, fish and shrimp will not lay eggs there,” Susi said during a visit to West Manggarai, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, on Monday. She was speaking in front of hundreds of fishermen at a dialogue held at the Labuan Bajo fish landing facility ( TPI ) in Labuan Bajo subdistrict, Komodo district, West Manggarai.

During her visit, Susi expressed her admiration of Flores Island and West Manggarai, especially their natural beauty, beautiful underwater scenery and the hospitality of their people. Behind the beauty, however, plastic waste problems in West Manggarai and Flores Island have not been handled well, the minister said.

“I saw West Manggarai from the air from the helicopter I traveled on before I landed at Komodo Airport on Sunday. I saw a lot of plastic waste scattered across Labuan Bajo waters. I want West Manggarai to set an example for how to manage waste well,” Susi said.

“The West Manggarai administration must immediately create a local regulation that carries sanctions for people who throw waste in improper places. This regulation must impose a heavy fine for anyone who throws garbage anywhere, such as a Rp 500,000 [US$37.51] fine for littering as stipulated in a waste handling bylaw,” Susi said, referring to Bylaw No. 3/2013, which provides detailed regulations on handling waste in Jakarta.

Susi said fishing communities in West Manggarai should invite West Manggarai Regent Agustinus Dulla to swim in the sea so he could see the seriousness of garbage problems in the regency’s waters.

“Don’t remove waste from Labuan Bajo and coastal areas only because there is a ministerial visit to West Manggarai, and then after the minister returns to Jakarta, the garbage is again not handled well, just like before,” said the minister.

“The waste problems in Komodo National Park must be handled well,” she added. “This national park must be free from plastic garbage as it is a major tourist destination, which thousands of foreign and domestic tourists visit. Many tourists use cruise ships to visit the national park to see komodo dragons, one of the world’s wonders.”

During the dialogue, Dahlan, a West Manggarai fisherman, said there was a growing awareness among local communities about properly handling the plastic waste problem. Fishing communities in the area have begun to stop throwing trash into the sea and rivers. The West Manggarai administration and several NGOs have trained fishing communities on recycling plastic.

“We have been trained by the West Manggarai regency and several NGOs to manage plastic waste. They continue to encourage us to leave behind our habit of throwing garbage anywhere,” said Dahlan. ( ebf )

Read more!

Indonesia: Development of Jakarta giant seawall crucial to prevent sea flooding

Callistasia Anggun Wijaya The Jakarta Post 6 Jun 16;

Flooding in Pantai Mutiara on the north coast of Jakarta on Friday has demonstrated the importance of building a seawall to enclose Jakarta Bay, the National Development Planning Ministry has said.

Jakarta Development Planning Board head Tuty Kusumawati said on Monday the construction of the seawall, which would be part of the National Capital Integrated Coastal Development ( NCICD ) program in North Jakarta, was crucial.

“It is urgent that the seawall be built, otherwise Jakarta will drown," Tuty said at City Hall.

She said the groundbreaking for phase A of the seawall would be held soon, adding that Jakarta was subsiding at an alarming rate.

"The level varies from 1 to 2 meters under the sea,” Tuty asserted.

Phase A of the seawall will be constructed in Pluit, North Jakarta, she said.

The existing height of the seawall is 3.7 meters, which will be extended by 1.1 meters, Tuti said.

"So the total height will be 4.8 meters and the length about 95 kilometers," she said.

The central government is conducting the project through Ciliwung-Cisadane Flood Control Office ( BBWSCC ), state-owned enterprises, regional-owned enterprises and private companies, Tuti said.

Currently, the Jakarta Environmental Management Agency ( BPLHD ) and the BBWSCC are reviewing and improving the environmental impact analysis ( Amdal ) on the construction in Pluit, she said.

Tuty added that the city would spend Rp 377 billion to build the dike along three rivers, namely the Kamal, Kaliadem and Blencong rivers.

The assistant to the governor for spatial planning and the environment, Oswar Muadzin Mungkasa, added that phase A of the seawall would not function optimally if groundwater usage was not limited.

“The construction of phase A will not be optimal if the ground keeps subsiding due to the uncontrolled usage of groundwater,” Oswar said.

The administration will also build green buildings, starting with the construction of the Daan Mogot low-cost apartments, he said.

The administration will also ensure that buildings construct water injection wells to mitigate flooding, Oswar said.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the mega-project was held in October 2014. The Netherlands and Indonesia have joined hands in the project. ( dan )


Land subsidence exacerbates flood risk in North Jakarta
Jakarta Post 6 Jun 16;

Land subsidence, soil erosion and high tide are only some of the problems northern Jakarta is facing.

The partial collapse of coastline embankments in Pantai Mutiara and Muara Angke, both in North Jakarta, over the weekend has raised alarm about the extend of those problems.

The incidents inundated hundreds of houses in both areas on Friday night and Saturday night respectively.

As of Sunday, floods in both areas have receded after the city administration installed water pumps and deployed workers from various institutions to tackle the breaches in the two embankments with sandbags.

Jakarta authorities blamed the incidents on the high tide and land erosion by seawater.

Jakarta Disaster Mitigation Agency ( BPBD ) spokesman Bambang Surya Putra said the high tide would likely last until Thursday.

He added that as long as phase A of the giant seawall project, also known as the National Capital Integrated Coastal Development ( NCICD ), to extend and repair the existing 90-kilometer seawall on the shores of the Jakarta Bay were not completed, northern parts of the city would remain under threat of inundation due to high tide.

Initiated in 2012, the NCICD aims to protect sinking Jakarta against flooding from the sea.

Under the NCICD master plan published in December 2014, the giant project requires two presidential regulations, one for the approval of the master plan and another for the formation of the development authority. Neither has been issued yet.

Commenting on the incident, Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama said none of the embankments in northern Jakarta were sufficient to hold back seawater due to the rising sea level caused by global warming.

“Therefore, we need to build 3.8 meter-high embankments,” he said in an interview aired by a TV station on Saturday. He was referring to Phase A of the NCICD projects.

However, Bosman Batubara, a scholar on water science and governance who is pursuing his doctoral degree at the UNESCO-IHE institute for water education in Delft and the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, questioned Ahok’s statements on the rising sea level as the main cause behind the breach of the embankments and hence his suggestion to build higher embankments as a simple way out.

“The fact is that the extent of land subsidence in Jakarta is greater than the rise of the sea level,” he told The Jakarta Post on Sunday.

He added that the rising sea level caused by global warming in Jakarta was less than 1 centimeter a year, while land subsidence amounted to 10 cm per year.

Currently about 40 percent of the Jakarta area is below sea level; land subsidence is mainly caused by the heavy load of buildings on the land.

Research by the Jakarta Mining Agency from 2007 showed that 80 percent of the city’s land subsidence was caused by building constructions, 17 percent by groundwater exploitation and 3 percent by natural causes.

A 2008-2009 seismic study by three geophysics experts, Suhayat Minardi ( Mataram University, West Nusa Tenggara ), Darharta Dahrin ( Bandung Institute of Technology, West Java ) and Mahmud Yusuf ( Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency ) from showed that land subsidence in the city amounted to about 15 cm per year.

“Therefore, Ahok’s solution to build a giant seawall as an answer to protect North Jakarta against floods caused by high tide is irrelevant. The construction of such a seawall, on the contrary, will accelerate land subsidence, hence increasing the risk of floods,” Bosman claimed.

Read more!

Indonesia still far from greenhouse gas reduction target

Hans Nicholas Jong The Jakarta Post 7 Jun 16;

Indonesia still has a long way to go to achieve its carbon emission reduction target as efforts to combat climate change are being hampered at the regional level, a World Resources Institute ( WRI ) Indonesia analysis shows.

In 2013, Indonesia had achieved just 2.25 percent of the total target of carbon emission reductions at the provincial level, which is set to be achieved by 2020, according to the WRI analysis on various government data.

“Seeing how Indonesia only has four years left, provinces have to push for better implementation [in the climate change mitigation program] to meet the target by 2020,” WRI Indonesia climate program coordinator Andhyta F. Utami said.

WRI Indonesia came up with the figure by using carbon emission reduction evaluation and monitoring documentation from 34 provinces, which was submitted to the National Action Plan on Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions ( RAN-GRK ) secretariat at the National Development Planning Agency ( Bappenas ).

After that, WRI Indonesia compared the total emission reduction that all provinces had achieved to the commitment laid out in the gubernatorial regulations on a provincial action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“If this data is accurate, then we have to better implement the carbon reduction program. But if it’s wrong, then there needs to be better monitoring of the implementation of the program,” Andhyta said.

A Bappenas analysis, meanwhile, shows that Indonesia succeeded in reducing its carbon emissions by 15.5 percent from 2010 to 2015. Indonesia is aiming for a 29 percent emission reduction by 2030.

According to WRI Indonesia analysis, there is much contradiction between regional government development programs and their greenhouse gas reduction programs.

For instance, West Kalimantan’s development road map contains a target of increasing the consumption of mineral resources, while East Java is aiming to increase exploration and exploitation activities to develop mining and mineral resources.

“The development priorities in these two provinces contradict climate change mitigation proposals, such as protecting the remaining forest and reforestation. They need to find ways to balance their development plans with the emission reduction efforts, which contradict each other,” said Andhyta.

Among all the provinces, North Sumatra had the highest amount of carbon emissions in 2010, emitting 260 million tons of CO2. It was followed by Riau, East Java, Central Kalimantan and Lampung as provinces with the highest greenhouse gas emissions.

“The main source of emissions in those provinces vary, from agriculture, forestry, energy, transportation, industry and waste,” said Andhyta.

However, Papua, one of the most underdeveloped provinces in the country, has the highest carbon emissions per capita, with more than 80 million tons of CO2 per 1,000 people. Meanwhile, North Sumatra ranks fourth in terms of carbon emissions per capita, with 20 million tons of CO2 per 1,000 people. Emissions per capita is calculated by dividing the total carbon emissions with the total population.

“It means that every person in Papua is responsible for more emissions than a person in North Sumatra. It shows that every individual has to have a sense of responsibility,” WRI Indonesia country director Tjokorda Nirarta Samadhi said.( dmr )

Read more!

Thailand: Nearly all coral off Nai Yang beach damaged by bleaching, say Phuket divers

Eakkapop Thongtub The Phuket News 6 Jun 16;

PHUKET: Divers from the Naiyang Reef Club have discovered a large amount of coral, off Nai Yang Beach which they say has been damaged by bleaching. The discovery was made by the group during a clean up exercise of the seabed which was carried out yesterday (June 5).

Mr Chana Wongthanawiruth, security personnel from Phuket International Airport, posted several photos of the bleached coral on his ‘Wang YI Long’ Facebook page along with the message: “It is already happening – coral bleaching at Nai Yang Beach and the damaged is severe this time.”

He also advised officials to visit the area and help recover the damaged coral before it’s too late.

Mr Chana revealed that at 10:30am yesterday, after he and his friends had taken part in a routine sea cleaning session off Nai Yang Beach, they then went to inspect the coral within Sirinath National Park territory.

He explained, “The area we inspected was about 2-3 metres deep. A lot of coral that was affected by bleaching back in 2000 is in the recovery stage. However, today the underwater temperature was 30 degrees which is consider high after rainfall.

“In addition, the coral has also been damaged by polluted water being release into the sea by local communities and hotels. This is a big issue for the Nai Yang area and it must be resolved soon,” he said.

Mr Chana also pointed out that Antler coral appeared to be the most damaged species by the bleaching and that he estimated around 90% of the area is damaged.

“We also found other species of coral that was about five per cent damaged,” he said.

“Last year we discovered that the coral in Nai Yang that had been damaged by bleaching in 2000 has been recovering very fast, normally when coral is bleached it will take at least ten years to recover.

“At Koh Pling, which is cross from the Sirinath National park office, we found may species of coral recovering and many new reefs forming.

“These reefs are about three or four years old, they were not fully developed, but they were thriving and spreading into other areas because they are in the reproductive stage. However, today most of them have been affected by the bleaching process,” Mr Chana added.

Read more!

Wild weather: Climate change's role in eastern Australia's storms

Acacia Pepler from the University of New South Wales, The Conversation
ABC News 7 Jun 16;

Australia's east coast is recovering from a weekend of wild winds, waves and flooding, caused by a weather pattern known as an east coast low.

Tragically, several people have died in flooding.

Parts of New South Wales have received more than 400mm of rain since Friday morning.

Some places such as Canberra and Forster recorded their wettest June day on record.

Waves have also caused severe coastal erosion and damaged property.

East coast lows are a type of low-pressure system or cyclone that occur on the Australian east coast.

They are not uncommon, with about seven to eight lows a year causing widespread rainfall along the east coast, particularly during late autumn and winter.

An east coast low in April last year caused similar damage.

But whenever they happen, they raise the question: did climate change play a role?

Good news?

Climate models suggest the cyclones that move through the global mid-latitudes — around 30 to 50 degrees S — are moving south.

This is contributing to long-term declines in winter rainfall in south-western Australia and parts of southeast Australia.

These models also suggest the atmospheric conditions that help east coast lows form could decline by between 25 per cent and 40 per cent by the end of the century.

In recent work, my colleagues and I looked even more closely at how climate change will affect individual east coast lows.

Our results also found east coast lows are expected to become less frequent during the cool months May to October, which is when they currently happen most often.

But there is no clear picture of what will happen during the warm season.

Some models even suggest east coast lows may become more frequent in the warmer months.

And increases are most likely for lows right next to the east coast — just the ones that have the biggest impacts where people live.

What about the big ones?

The results in the studies I talked about above are for all low-pressure systems near the coast — about 22 per year, on average.

But it is the really severe ones that people want to know about, like the current event, or the storm that grounded tanker Pasha Bulker in Newcastle in June 2007.

These storms are much rarer, which makes it harder to figure out what will happen in the future.

Most of the models we looked at had no significant change projected in the intensity of the most severe east coast low each year.

Warming oceans provide more moisture, so intense rainfall is expected to increase by about 7 per cent for each degree of global warming.

East coast lows are no different; even during the winter, when east coast lows are expected to become less frequent, the frequency of east coast lows with heavy rain is likely to increase.

Finally, even though there may be fewer east coast lows, they are occurring in an environment with higher sea levels.

This means many more properties are vulnerable to storm surges and the impact of a given storm surge is that much worse.

Was it climate change?

While the frequency of cool-season east coast lows looks likely to decrease in the future, changes in the big ones are a lot less certain.

However, east coast lows are very variable in frequency and hard to predict.

So far, there has not been any clear trend in the past 50 years, although east coast lows may have been more frequent in the past.

As for extreme rainfall, studies have found little influence of climate change on Australian extreme rainfall so far.

Climate variability, such as El Nino, currently plays a much larger role.

This does not mean climate change is having no effect; it just means it is hard to tell what impact a warming world is having at this stage.

So did climate change cause this weekend's storms? No — these events, including intense ones, often occur at this time of year.

But it is harder to rule out climate change having any influence at all.

For instance, what is the impact of higher sea levels on storm surges? And how much have record-warm sea temperatures contributed to rainfall and storm intensity?

We know these factors will become more important as the climate system warms further, so as the clean-up begins, we should keep an eye on the future.

Acacia Pepler is a PhD student at the University of New South Wales Climate Change Research Centre, where she studies extreme rainfall and east coast lows in both observations and regional climate models.

Disclosure statement: Acacia Pepler receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

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