The loss of
biodiversity in nature reserves is a significant issue resulting from
Singapore's continuous urbanization; the Singapore government would have to do
more than simply classifying an area as a nature reserve in order to safeguard
Singapore’s biodiversity. The loss of biodiversity is becoming a very common
phenomenon throughout the world, with the increase in human activities and
urban developments. By the end of the 19th century, Singapore has become one of
the most cosmopolitan cities in Asia (The World Bank, 2013), with 95 percent of it’s
original forest being destroyed for urbanization in 2003, and more so by today.
This is critical since Singapore lost up to 73 percent of its flora and fauna
over the last two centuries and 77 percent of those remaining are being threatened (Pickrell,
2003). Even today, the rapid development has never been at a standstill with
the constant revelation of new commercial, residential, recreational and
transport developments, which are propelled by the government’s vision, of
turning Singapore into an international business hub (Economic Development
Board of Singapore, 2012). This paper examines the consequences of the loss of biodiversity
in contemporary society, as well as highlights and evaluates possible measures the
government could adopt to protect Singapore’s remaining biodiversity.
The loss of
biodiversity is a dire consequence because it affects every living organism in
Singapore. Clean water is achieved through the forest’s protection of the water
catchment area and plants regulate the fresh air. Fruits and flowers are
available to humans due to insects’ pollination, while birds and animals
disperse the seeds. Natural ecosystems found in Sungei Buloh, Bukit Timah,
Pulau Ubin, etc., are also needed for Singaporean’s recreational and
educational purposes (National Parks Board, 2009). Therefore the government has
to do more, on top of creating nature reserves.
The first
solution is to implement more species conservation and recovery programmes.
Over the years, the National Environmental Agency (NEA) has carried out
activities to conserve and recover several native species. An example is the
Oriental Pied Hornbills, which is an international concern (National Parks
Board, 2009). The initial objective of the Singapore Hornbill Project is to
increase the population and distribution of the locally endangered bird in
Singapore. Artificial tree holes were created as nests; male birds were tracked
with a global positioning system transmitter; infrared video cameras were
installed within the nest to provide round-the-clock observations. The project
provided insights such as the growth progression of nestlings, food
requirements and sensitivity to external disturbances. Within two years,
the Oriental Pied Hornbills’ population was increased by 20 successful
births. The tropical rainforest is the richest in biodiversity; with
Singapore having it as one of its resources, the government should extend such
programmes to other species, to prevent further extinction (National Parks
Board Singapore, 2010).
The second
solution is to extend green corridors to counter fragmentation. The
remaining forests in Singapore, labeled as nature reserves are highly
fragmented and largely degraded, due to developments (The Association for
Tropical Biology and Conservation, 2009). Transportation is one of the main
reasons, with the Singapore government building highways across forested areas.
An example is the BKE expressway being built across Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
and the Central Catchment area, causing the high occurrences of road kills when
animals try to cross over (National Parks, 2011). The government has plans
for an Eco-Link bridge to reconnect Bukit Timah to the Central Catchment. Subsequently,
more green corridors should be developed that eventually allow animals to
transverse across various nature reserves. This would increase the safety of
the animals and encourage population growth due to bigger habitats and a wider
choice of mates.
The last
solution is to reconsider development projects that threaten Singapore’s
biodiversity. For example, the government should conduct an environmental
impact assessment in order to evaluate the environmental trade off made to
construct the new cross-island line (Sim, 2013). The government should
also take into consideration the concerns environmentalists are raising
regarding the project, since they have the expertise in that area. Being
said so, if the assessment shows that the development of the cross-island line
would degrade the existing nature reserves, the government should abort the
plan and search for other alternatives in order to protect Singapore’s
biodiversity.
However, these
solutions require time, manpower and finance, in order to be implemented
effectively. Since the government has limited resources to be distributed among
other projects in various sectors such as healthcare, education and housing,
the loss of biodiversity might not carry the same weight. Thus, Singaporeans
should also step in by voicing their concerns over this issue, pushing the
government to take further actions and raising public awareness, because the
loss of biodiversity is not solely the government’s problem, but of every
Singaporean’s, and ultimately, the world’s.
References
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