by Serene Tng
Think of Singapore and some of us may think of just skyscrapers and tall buildings. But within just 680 sq km of land, we do have a chockfull of unique natural treasures, some tucked away just at our own backyards. Our long-term planning and creative land use strategies have enabled us to enjoy such rich natural heritage despite increasing population and development needs. “Land scarcity makes natural areas even more precious and also more vulnerable in the face of competing land uses. Once lost, they will be impossible to replace. Therefore, planners are committed to safeguarding our natural heritage as far as possible while making space for development,” said Minister of State for National Development, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, when he launched the Draft Master Plan for the West Region in February this year. Four Nature Reserves safeguarded
For the first time, a total of four nature reserves have been safeguarded in the Master Plan. The four nature reserves - Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Central Catchment Nature Reserve, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and Labrador Nature Reserve are already legally protected by law in Singapore. Including these four nature reserves in the Master Plan will further reinforce their status. This is similar to the approach to recognising our built heritage in gazetted conservation areas like Chinatown in the Master Plan. These places do not merely serve as quiet retreats or recreational grounds. They are an integral part of our natural heritage and their bio-diversity makes them globally significant treasure troves for education, scientific and horticultural research. Measures are also in place for these four areas to ensure that they are sustainable in the long run. More >> Top | 
