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  HANSARD 17 Jan 06
Marine Ecosystems in Singapore
 Oral Answers to Questions at Parliament

3. Dr Geh Min asked the Minister for National Development in view of the increasing evidence of economic, scientific and medical value of marine biodiversity and threats being faced by Singapore's marine ecosystems,
(a) if a comprehensive survey of Singapore's marine ecosystems is being planned or conducted; and
(b) will better protection be given to these areas in order to ensure their sustainability.

Mr Heng Chee How (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, NParks maintains a repository of information and survey data on Singapore's natural habitats. As part of efforts to keep the repository up-to-date, NParks has recently initiated a 2-year comprehensive survey of these habitats. The survey will cover both terrestrial and marine sites.

Dr Geh Min asked if better protection would be given to the marine biodiversity areas. Sir, we recognise the importance of safeguarding Singapore's natural heritage, both terrestrial and marine.

The gazetting of the Nature Reserve and the identification of Nature Areas in the Master Plan 2003, including that of the Sisters' Island area as a Marine Nature area, reflect the Government's commitment to biodiversity conservation. We have a system in place to ensure that environmental factors are considered when development projects are proposed in marine nature areas.

Relevant agencies work together to assess the potential environmental impact of proposed projects. Comprehensive environmental studies are carried out where necessary and measures are put in place to minimise any adverse impact.

However, while efforts are being made to minimise potential impacts from development on identified nature areas, we also need to recognise the fact that Singapore is constrained by limited land and sea space. Therefore, we need to be pragmatic, and balance nature conservation with competing development plans.

Dr Geh Min (Nominated Member): Sir, there are many marine areas in the south especially which have richer biodiversity than the Sisters Islands. Are any of these likely to receive some recognition, if not protection, in the future?

In view of increasing evidence that it is not balance but integration between economic and environmental areas, which is what a country should do if you want to maximise, will the Ministry consider environmental impact assessments in the marine areas that we are talking about even if they have to be used for other functions?

Mr Heng Chee How: Mr Speaker, Sir, since 2004, NParks has collaborated with the Blue Water Volunteers to monitor coral cover at seven reef sites. These are Pulau Hantu, Hantu West, Patch Reef, Pulau Semakau, Pulau Jong, Pulau Satumu, the Sisters Islands and Kusu Island, which are all in the south of Singapore.

In addition to these sites, NParks has also visited at least 11 other coral reef sites and at least 12 inter-tidal sites in the past year to conduct a preliminary assessment of the biodiversity in these areas.

What I want to assure the Member is that we are taking concrete steps in these areas to survey our biodiversity and to build up our knowledge and also to update our database. And based on this, we can then have a systematic way of planning how to conserve. Even as we have to develop Singapore economically, we are committed to balancing between conserving our heritage in our biodiversity while at the same time pursuing our economic progress. So we are trying our best to do so in a balanced way.
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