Page 49 - Envision 17

07 Framework Of The Singapore Index On Cities’ Biodiversity.
issue 17
047
Way Forward
Monitoring of Pulau Semakau’s seawater quality showed no indication of deterioration. This allowed biodiversity to thrive and in turn the rich biodiversity can help to keep the water clean by locking pollutants and sediment. At the same time, the clean environment can support other activities. A floating fish farm has been operating just off Semakau’s western reef and a fish hatchery on the island draws seawater not far away from the landing site of barges transporting incinerated waste. Singapore’s first coral nursery was launched by the National Parks Board (NParks) in 2007 at Pulau Semakau. Coral fragments are grown in the nursery to a certain size before transplanting back to coral reefs in restoration and enhancement efforts.
The way forward is to continue and strengthen the collaboration with agencies such as NParks on biodiversity conservation as the drive towards a Zero Waste Nation is also synergistic with biodiversity conservation for the following reasons:
1. If there is zero waste, then there will be lesser need for the expansion of Pulau Semakau as a landfill, therefore, there will be more land and sea for Singapore’s native plants and animals.
2. If there is zero waste, then there will be lesser pollutants including plastic that will be contaminating the land, freshwater bodies, coastline and seas.
3. If there is zero waste, less energy will be used in treatment, hence, less carbon emissions.
Such initiatives will address many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Since there is rich biodiversity on and around Pulau Semakau, efforts should be made to track and develop the existing biodiversity, using relevant indicators and as well the underpinning principles from existing monitoring tools and science- based approach like the Singapore Index on Cities’ Biodiversity [Figure 7]. It would be beneficial and appropriate for relevant agencies such as NEA and NParks to collaborate and lay the groundwork on monitoring and developing the biodiversity of Pulau Semakau for the benefit of generations to come.
The Semakau landfill is transforming sea into land using incinerated waste, and it is done with due consideration to biodiversity enhancement and environmental quality maintenance. We soon have to deal with the challenge of climate change. What is the future of the landfill with rising sea levels? Raising the bund will increase the capacity of the landfill to receive more incinerated waste but can it be done in ways that do not reduce biodiversity but promote it instead?
The expertise of academics could be tapped. There is a growing core of amateur naturalists, non-governmental organisations, photographers and citizen scientists who are interested in biodiversity, environmental issues and climate change. Everyone can play a part to maintain the health and vibrancy of our natural environment.