Marine community fears loss of biodiversity hotspot to proposed western island development

Plans to develop a cluster of islands west of Singapore have sparked alarm among local marine conservation advocates and recreational divers, who fear the loss of a vital biodiversity hotspot. The proposed development, announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, includes merging islands like Semakau, Bukom, and Pulau Sudong to accommodate new industries and future power generation needs.

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recognises the biodiversity value of the western Islands and its surrounding, and it is carefully studying the plans as there is a need to plan ahead and create options for the future.

Central to the concern is Pulau Hantu, a renowned dive site situated among the affected islands. Dive operators worry that potential reclamation or restricted access could severely damage the marine environment and disrupt the local diving industry that thrives around the site. The Ministry of National Development (MND) has stated that it recognizes the significant biodiversity value of the western islands and their surroundings. A spokesperson confirmed that the government is "carefully studying the plans" and will conduct comprehensive technical studies, including environmental impact assessments, before proceeding.

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We will engage stakeholders early to listen to their inputs before studies and work commence, and their feedback will be carefully considered.

Conservationists are urging for closer collaboration with biodiversity experts and community groups. They emphasize the need for ecological and environmental considerations to be integrated into the planning process from the outset. Dr. Lim Swee Cheng, a marine biologist, highlighted the islands' importance as a substantial portion of Singapore's remaining southern marine habitats, boasting healthy coral reefs that have persisted due to restricted access. Ms. Jharyathri Thiagarajah from the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum added that these offshore islands are crucial for supporting marine life in an increasingly urbanized environment.

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Some of these areas have remained relatively undisturbed because of restricted access, which has allowed comparatively healthy reef communities to persist despite Singapore's long history of coastal development.

The MND spokesperson assured that stakeholders would be engaged early to gather their input, which will be carefully considered. The ministry plans to conduct feasibility studies, site investigations, and engineering and environmental assessments to understand development possibilities and their preliminary impacts. Measures to avoid, minimize, and mitigate potential biodiversity impacts will be identified, with the aim of incorporating community feedback into the decision-making process.

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that are increasingly rare in our highly urbanised environment.