Singapore to map coastal and marine habitat changes for development plan

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On August 25, Singapore’s National Parks Board (NParks) issued a tender to map coastal and marine habitat changes across the nation from 2011 to 2026. This initiative followed Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's August 23 announcement regarding a potential development plan to merge islands, including Pulau Semakau, to support future industrial and power generation needs. The study, which includes mainland Singapore and offshore islands excluding Pedra Branca, aims to quantify habitat shifts and inform future seaspace and conservation planning. Marine conservation advocates have expressed concern regarding the proposed western island development, citing the potential impact on biodiversity.

Consequences

The appointed contractor must identify and quantify habitat changes by September 2026, providing data that will be publicly released to support government research and planning. The results of this study will likely serve as a foundational reference for balancing Singapore’s industrial expansion goals with biodiversity management.

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