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icon National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

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Protected Areas

  • National Parks – 2
  • Nature Reserces – 4
  • Nature Areas – 22

Ratification of MEAs

  • CBD – 1995
  • CITES – 1987
  • Kyoto Protocol – 2006

Description

In Singapore, the National Parks Board Act (2005) and the Parks and Trees Act (2005) provide the legal basis for conservation.  Total species representation in Singapore has become better known. 2282 native plant species have been recorded for Singapore, of which 25.6% are thought to have become locally extinct since 1819. Bird fauna is recorded at 295 species.  These numbers, however, are continually being revised, as there are frequent discoveries and rediscoveries. The palm Orania silvicola (presumed locally extinct) was rediscovered in 2006, and the tree Dipterocarpus tempehes was discovered wild in 2005. Approximately 6.7% of native plants are considered endangered and approximately 17.7% vulnerable.

Conservation efforts have been reinforced by a Plant Conservation Strategy, Bird Conservation Strategy and a Butterfly Conservation Strategy. Tracking and monitoring have been strengthened by nationwide Natural Area Surveys. Reforestation efforts continue to improve the condition of the forest, by planting with native tree species and the removal of alien invasive species.  Three new gardens known as Gardens by the Bay have been established.  Parks Connectors act as ecological corridors through the city and the network will be extended by some 200km by the year 2015. Singapore strongly promotes the ‘City in the Garden’ concept, with an important role for urban conservation in improving the human environment to work, live and play.

Inland water ecosystems consist of reservoirs, streams and rivers, and freshwater swamp forest. These are maintained through the ‘Active, Beautiful and Clean (ABC)’ Waterways programme of the Public Utilities Board (PUB), which enhances greenery along waterways, provides habitat for nature and improves native biological diversity.

Surveys have revealed remarkable survival of marine and coastal biodiversity, with discoveries of previously unreported seagrass beds, and new records of a number of molluscs and polychaetes.  Forest biological diversity is maintained predominantly within the Nature Reserves. Monitoring and population studies have been conducted in collaboration with the Centre for Tropical Forest Science, showing satisfactory resilience of timber volumes and species diversity. Population studies of mammals such as pangolins, flying lemurs, porcupines, leopard cats and slow loris show continuing survival, and discoveries in new areas.

News

  • Former dairy farm in Singapore now a nature park for biodiversity conservation

    Singapore has converted a former dairy farm into a nature park as part of its multi-pronged strategy to conserve the biodiversity of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve (BTNR). Officially opened by Minister for National Development, Mr Mah Bow Tan, the 63-hectare nature park will be an important green buffer to the BTNR. It was developed by the National Parks Board (NParks) to provide an alternative recreational venue to BTNR, and to reduce visitorship pressure on the Reserve.

  • Save Singapore's Reefs (Straits Times)

    imcsdstraits-timesThe most comprehensive proposal to save Singapore's coral reefs yet was released on Thursday, calling for the government to formally recognise the richness of reef habitats like Raffles Lighthouse and Cyrene Reef in the southern islands.  >>Read More





  • World’s Hornbill Experts Discuss Conservation and Research Techniques

    hornbillHornbills took centre stage at an international conference in Singapore, gathering experts from universities, zoos, research institutions, and non-governmental organizations from 20 countries to share information on the birds’ biology and experiences in  Conservation and research techniques.  The National Parks Board Singapore (NParks) and Thailand’s Hornbill Research Foundation hosted the 5th Hornbill Conference in Singapore from 22 to 25 March 2009. The event was co-sponsored by the ASEAN Centre for  Biodiversity (ACB).  >>Read More




Sources:

  • National Parks Board.  2006.  Singapore:  Third National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity.