Nature advocates will be invited to take part in work studying ecological connectivity: Desmond Lee

SINGAPORE: Members of the character neighborhood will probably be invited to participate in work to construct a extra complete image of Singapore’s islandwide ecosystem and connectivity, stated Nationwide Improvement Minister Desmond Lee on Friday (Feb 26). 

This may contribute to efforts to raised perceive how particular websites connect with nature cores, buffers and corridors, Mr Lee stated in Parliament.

It comes after woodland areas in Kranji had been mistakenly cleared forward of the conclusion of an environmental research, sparking criticism from nature teams and conservation advocates.

The realm is the place the Agri-Meals Innovation Park will probably be developed and is situated alongside a inexperienced artery generally known as the Rail Hall.

The incident was the topic of scrutiny in Parliament, with not less than 15 MPs submitting questions on the matter. 

Questions included how authorities will strengthen the environmental impression evaluation (EIA) framework to make sure that such errors don't occur once more and whether or not environmental research are all the time accomplished earlier than tenders are issued for growth tasks at or close to delicate nature areas.

Mr Lee stated throughout discussions with the character neighborhood final yr, a number of methods had been recognized to additional strengthen the EIA course of.

"We will develop a more comprehensive picture of the islandwide ecosystem and connectivity, so that we can better consider how the specific sites connect to our nature cores, buffers and corridors," he stated.

"We will do this in a science-based manner, on an islandwide scale, and we will conduct baseline studies for specific sites to understand their ecological profile and role in ecological connectivity. Members of the nature community will be invited to join us in this upstream work."

READ: Nature advocates name for mitigation measures after error in clearing elements of Kranji woodland space

The findings from these research would add to the information and fashions that the Nationwide Parks Board (NParks) has constructed through the years and assist information the Authorities in finishing up longer-term planning, he added.

PLANNING PROCESS

Mr Lee additionally outlined the planning course of for developments, noting that undertaking proposals are screened for his or her potential impression.

These close to delicate nature areas, in marine or coastal areas, or these with potential transboundary impacts are “subject to greater scrutiny”, he defined.

He added that whereas builders can name tenders for works whereas the environmental research are ongoing, actions on website can solely proceed when the developer has obtained the mandatory approvals from related businesses. 

This is applicable to each non-public and public tasks.

Planning permission is simply granted after a undertaking has met the necessities set by related regulatory businesses. These embody finishing detailed technical research and placing mitigating measures in place.

READ: Kranji woodland clearance: ‘Gaps’ in undertaking administration, instructions for ‘immediate’ follow-up issued, says Chan Chun Sing

Detailing the chronology of the Kranji incident, Commerce and Trade Minister Chan Chun Sing additionally stated that the undertaking had been rigorously deliberate, however acknowledged “the execution of the land clearing could be improved”.

As for the way the error occurred, Mr Chan and Mr Lee careworn that investigations are nonetheless ongoing.

“We should not speculate or prematurely apportion blame without a full understanding of the timeline of events, scope of responsibilities of the various parties involved, and the motivations of various parties or pressures faced that could have contributed to the outcome,” stated Mr Chan.

STUDY FINDINGS WILL BE USED TO DESIGN MEASURES

Within the meantime, work on the Kranji website has stopped and the environmental research is underneath means.

“Thereafter, JTC will engage relevant stakeholders on the findings, including the measures to enhance the greenery and connectivity of the site and its surrounding environs.

“The study findings will be used to design measures such as enhanced habitats, buffers and connectivity for wildlife,” stated Mr Lee.

In a supplementary query, MP Xie Yao Quan (PAP-Jurong) requested whether or not the Agri-Meals Innovation Park could be delayed on account of this incident. When the event was introduced in 2019, it was slated to be accomplished in 2021.

Mr Chan responded that there has already been a delay due to COVID-19.

However even with the continuing environmental monitoring programme to be accomplished and stakeholders to be consulted, Mr Chan stated they'd “try to progress the project as originally planned”.