Nature takes root where man has built

Science Talk: Nature takes root where man has built
Life on artificial shores and structures can help maintain good water quality in S'pore
Ria Tan Straits Times 25 Sep 2015

Natural regeneration on Singapore's artificial shores and structures is happening now - unintentionally, with zero replanting.

A coral reef has settled naturally on the seawalls at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, mangroves have taken root on the artificial seawalls at Pulau Hantu - the trees are from diverse species and are tall and healthy. Seagrass meadows thrive inside the Tanah Merah artificial lagoon. And I was astonished to see a lot of corals, as well as seagrasses and other marine life at East Coast Park, on artificial reclaimed land.

Two coastal protection studies to start 2026: Sentosa and SW coast

To tackle sea-level rise, two site-specific studies on Sentosa Island and the nation’s south-west coast will begin by 2026. These are among eight islandwide studies Singapore is conducting on its coastlines to determine the most suitable coastal protection solutions for each segment.

The study on Sentosa Island will be led by Sentosa Development Corporation, which will integrate coastal protection measures in the resort island’s upcoming development plans. It will cover about 16km of the coastline and will take into account the island’s function as a leisure and tourism destination.

The study area on the south-west coast will cover about 116km of coastline and stretch from Tuas to Pasir Panjang, said national water agency PUB. The area is mainly used for waterfront industrial estates, port facilities such as Tuas Port and Pasir Panjang terminals, and recreational areas like West Coast Park.

Reclamation for a bigger Pulau Tekong

Plans to build a bigger Pulau Tekong have been in the works through a land reclamation project. 

The expansion "to stretch 10km in distance" will serve as a training area for soldiers and combat vehicles. 

Budget 2025: $5billion more for reclamation and coastal protection

Another $5 billion will be injected into the Coastal and Flood Protection Fund. For solutions including sea walls, tidal gates and reclamation. For example, Long Island, three tracts of land – collectively about twice the size of Marina Bay – could be reclaimed off East Coast Park in the coming decades, creating about 800ha of land for new homes and other amenities, as well as a new reservoir.

PUB’s coastal protection department director Hazel Khoo said the use of the fund is expected to ramp up towards the end of the decade.

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