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Nature Conservation and Nature Society (Singapore): 5. Senoko

on 25th April 2017

Earlier posts: 1. Introduction; 2. Sungei Buloh; 3. Kranji Heronry; 4. Khatib Bongsu.

The Senoko conservation proposal was published in 1990 and sent to the Ministry of National Development and the Urban Redevelopment Authority. The 168 hectares area was made up of degraded mangroves on the western side of Sungei Sembawang and prawn/fish ponds on the eastern side.

The Conservation Committee of the Nature Society (Singapore) claimed that this area was rich in birdlife – 189 species or 57% of the total number recorded for Singapore. Many of these were endangered species. Besides, it was one of the top three sites for waders, experiencing up to 1,500 birds during high migratory months.

Straits Times March 19th 1994
Straits Times March 19th 1994

Again there were heated media debate. In the 1994 Budget speech, Mr Lim Hng Kian, the then Acting Minister for National Development, had this to say:

“The Nature Society of Singapore wanted the Ministry of National Development to conserve 168 hectares of land in Senoko because they argue that it is a very good habitat for birds and other species… In the 1980s, the plan was to develop this area into an industrial estate and public housing and, therefore, the land was acquired… Unfortunately, there was a recession and, therefore, the plan was put on hold. So while the plan was put on hold, the birds came, other species came and have squatted and claimed ownership of the land.

Straits Times April 13th 1994
Straits Times April 13th 1994

“Meanwhile, we are building a MRT line with a MRT station very close to this area. If we were to keep 168 hectares of land for a bird habitat, it would mean taking away housing for 17,000 units. So if the Nature Society of Singapore can give me a petition to take out 17,000 applications of upgraders from my waiting list, then we will keep the Senoko land and keep it for the birds. But with the pressing needs of Singaporeans, I think Singaporeans’ needs come before birds… So although the Nature Society of Singapore has put up a very passionate case for Senoko, I am afraid it is not possible for us to preserve the area.”

The government was eventually willing to set aside a major pond as the centre piece of a town park but the Nature Sciety was adamant in wanting the entire area. In the end “nature lost and Sembawang New Town now stands where nature once thrived.”

YC Wee
Singapore
2nd April 2017

Secretary, Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch) 1978-1990; Founding President, Nature Society (Singapore) 1990-1995

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

Other posts by YC Wee

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