More green spaces can reduce environmental impact of urban growth

Bold: benefits of green spaces

SINGAPORE: The recently released Draft Master Plan by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has promised more green spaces around planned new neighbourhoods, and experts say this could help reduce the environmental impact of urban growth significantly.

But they also emphasise that environmental sustainability will require more than just the building of facilities and hardware.

Some of the green features surrounding new residential and industrial developments that are laid out in the Master Plan include new bio-retention ponds to remove pollutants from storm water run-off, harnessing wind to naturally cool new buildings, and parks to bring recreational spaces closer to home.

Experts say these features can help reduce what is known as the urban heat island effect.

The effect occurs when the temperature in highly built-up developments is higher than rural areas, and can affect local wind and weather patterns.

They say that green spaces will also create more liveable surroundings.

Colin Tan, director and head (research and consultancy) at Suntec Real Estate Consultants, said: "In a densely-populated environment, we do feel the effects of overcrowding.

"And I think some of these green elements help to reduce some of these overcrowding feelings, and may be good for mental health."

“This overcrowding sometimes manifests itself in the "not-my-backyard" syndrome. You have people complaining about eldercare, hospice located next to you. Sometimes, it is not that people are heartless. But they feel that it is overcrowding --buildings more tightly packed together, feeling of claustrophobia."

The Master Plan focuses on environmental sustainability, and experts say this could be beyond just green features such as bio-retention ponds.

It could also be in the construction process, such as using recycled concrete from demolished buildings and using materials that have a low carbon footprint.

Dr Kua Harn Wei, Assistant Professor at the National University of Singapore's School of Design & Environment said: "We do need to see how we can green the entire process of building, rather than just focusing on the green features of the by-product."

But he said that environmental sustainability also needs buy-in from society, to integrate the "software" into the "hardware".

Dr Kua said: "Sustainability is not just about infrastructure, it's not waiting for the government or authorities to build things for us. It's about how we make use of these facilities in a responsible manner.

“So the onus is also on us, as the users and consumers, on how to make this whole Master Plan a success."

Dr Kua said this means residents must act responsibly to ensure everyone benefits from the new facilities and spaces.  

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/more-green-spaces-can/895046.html

S'pore to retain green spaces as city grows

PM says conservation and development can go together; fifth and longest nature way soon

ROBIN CHAN
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT
AUDREY TAN

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday gave his pledge to keep green places in Singapore even as the city continues to be developed, insisting that conservation and development can go together.

He made this commitment at the opening of the Singapore Botanic Gardens Heritage Museum, where he shared personal memories that showed his affection for nature and the Gardens, and also highlighted the Government's vision to have more park land and new green routes connecting communities and places all across Singapore.

"We may not be able to have such large parks like the Istana all over Singapore, and also we can't afford to preserve every single green patch on this little island," he said, referring to the grounds of the Istana where his office is, and which is home to a variety of trees, shrubs and wildlife.

"But we are determined that we will leave green lungs and natural spaces all over the city as we build our city. We can do that and we will do that. Then our people can always be in touch with nature, never far from green spaces and blue waters."

In line with the commitment to greening, Singapore will get its fifth and longest "nature way" early next year, he said.

Tengah Nature Way will be a route planted with specific trees and shrubs to help the movement of birds, butterflies and small animals, and it will connect the Bukit Timah and Central Catchment Nature Reserves, in the centre of Singapore, with the Safti Live Firing Area out west.

The 12.8km route will be longer than the other four existing ones at Admiralty, Kheam Hock, Tampines and Yishun, which are all part of plans to have 60km of such nature ways by 2015.

While not yet finalised, the route will run along the Bukit Batok estate including Old Jurong Road and Bukit Batok West Avenues 2, 3 and 5.

The public will get a chance to plant trees on the new nature way starting from early next year.

PM Lee noted that Singapore's greening efforts have been going on for 50 years, since the first Tree Planting Day in 1963, which was followed by integrating parks and green spaces into the housing estates and developing a sustainable Singapore blueprint.

And as it moves on to its next phase to become a "city in a garden", Singapore will have 900 more hectares of park land across the country, or two times the size of Toa Payoh town, he said.

"We will be connecting our communities and places where we live through parks, garden, streetscapes and skyrise greenery. So green streets, green lungs, green buildings," he said.

These parks will not be passive green areas, but will be focal points for the community, hosting cultural performances, nature tours and other activities.

Singapore's rapid development as a city-state has often raised concerns about the preservation of nature, and participants from varied backgrounds lamented what they believed to be the prioritisation of economic over environmental issues at a separate Our Singapore Conversation event on greenspaces yesterday.

The theme of conservation and development being able to go hand in hand was therefore a key message that emerged from the four-hour discussion organised by the Nature Society (Singapore) and Young NTUC.

One group suggested that development could take place in already built-up areas in the south, so that existing green areas located further up north, such as Bidadari, could be retained for their biodiversity.

Said Ms Dorothy Ng, 33, who works in communications: "I think that conservation and development need not be contradictory."


COMMENTS
> Green spaces are natural areas in the country for example the parks and gardens like the Singapore Botanical Garden and Gardens by The Bay for aesthetic and recreational purposes.

> "But we are determined that we will leave green lungs and natural spaces all over the city as we build our city. We can do that and we will do that. Then our people can always be in touch with nature, never far from green spaces and blue waters." 

> Due to our growing population, most green spaces have been compromised to build more housings for the population. Thus, the government is trying to put in effort to retain as many green spaces as they can.

> It is necessary because it balances out our urban environment and enhances the social, recreational, environmental, physical and mental health, educational and economic well being of our community.


Hui Yi :-----)

URA's green ideas get experts' approval

URA's green ideas get experts' approval

Section:	Home
By:	FENG ZENGKUN, AUDREY TAN
Publication:	The Straits Times 23/11/2013
Page:	B24
No. of words:	517

They back nature expansion, stress execution must be well managed

By FENG ZENGKUN

ENVIRONMENT CORRESPONDENT

and AUDREY TAN

PLANS to expand green spaces in Singapore and link them up have won the support of nature activists and experts here. They called for more such links but said the execution will have to be carefully managed.

More green spaces and corridors can lower the island's temperature, foster greater appreciation of nature and help to retain rainwater and reduce flash floods, they said.

But if mismanaged, the links can boost the population of unwanted animals such as wild boars, lead them to more habitats and increase the risk of human-animal conflicts.

The experts were interviewed by The Straits Times on the new Urban Redevelopment Authority blueprint that includes plans to expand green spaces such as nature areas and parks, and new, natural pathways to link them.

This Draft Master Plan 2013 guides land use in the next 10 to 15 years with revisions every five years.

Under the master plan, the National Parks Board will introduce more than 60km of "nature ways" by 2015.

These are routes planted with specific trees and shrubs to help the movement of birds, butterflies and small animals between two green spaces.

In the longer term, a larger eco-corridor will be built through the future Tengah town to let wildlife pass between the Western Water Catchment and the Bukit Timah and Central Catchment Nature Reserves.

The chairman of Seletar Country Club Nature Group, Mr Foo Jit Leang, said linking green spacescreates a larger foraging area for animals such as monkeys, and they may be less likely to venture into residential areas in search of food.

Other experts said the expanded habitats keep the fauna healthy.

Animals trapped in small, fragmented spaces may breed within their families, leading to genetic defects in their offspring. The drop in genetic diversity also makes them more vulnerable to disease and habitat changes.

The green spaces also cool the city since man-made building materials absorb and radiate more heat than natural surfaces, said Associate Professor Tan Puay Yok from the National University of Singapore's department of architecture.

But Nature Society council member Tony O'Dempsey said ecological studies are needed to determine each link's "customers" as well as optimum size.

"The risk is that feral species will use the links to get into the nature reserves and damage the habitats, so we need to know what species are in the terminal locations as well as along the way. Some wildlife management may be needed," he added.

The vegetation along the links should also match those of the connected areas to sustain the animals and critters throughout, said Nanyang Technological University's environment club, Earthlink.

"Some examples would be fruit trees that provide food for birds, squirrels and other small mammals. Climbers and lianas that link up one tree to another can also provide an 'aerial highway' for tree-dwelling animals."

New Housing and Development Board estates and private condominiums may soon be required to set aside a stipulated amount of space for greenery.

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File photo: Blocks of HDB flats in a neighbourhood.

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SINGAPORE: New Housing and Development Board estates and private condominiums may soon be required to set aside a stipulated amount of green space.

Speaking at a conference on Thursday, Minister of State for National Development Desmond Lee said the ministry will be exploring the possibility of introducing a minimum requirement.

This is one way to ensure that pervasive greenery continues to exist in Singapore.

Mr Lee said that where new developments displace existing greenery, they should fully or partially replace the lost greenery by other means.

This can take the form of landscaping, rooftop gardens, or vertical greenery like green walls.

Mr Lee also added that the ministry will study how to add more greenery to public infrastructure such as sheltered walkways and bus shelters.

Some industry players told Channel NewsAsia this will bring about higher quality living spaces for residents, but not necessarily at much higher costs.

Frven Lim, deputy MD of building consultancy services at Surbana International Consultants, said: "By stipulating certain base requirements, it means that the base standard of all designs henceforth would be of a higher standard.

"By providing green spaces, it just means that the built-up areas are translated into another form. It's not necessarily going to bring up the costs. It might, but probably not in a significant way."

Benefits of green spaces

Different shades of green space

Section:	Forum
Publication:	The Straits Times 17/01/2014
Page:	A37

MORE than 60 per cent of Singaporeans prefer green spaces over infrastructural development ("Majority want slower pace of life"; Aug 26, 2013) – but what do they (and the planners) mean by "green space"?

Is it a green lawn, a playground with some trees, a nature park with a pond, a dense forest with walking paths, or an inaccessible mangrove area?

A green lawn provides space for recreational activities, but it will not support much local biodiversity and certainly will not teach anybody about rainforests or provide research opportunities.

Each type of green space has its own value, with very different objectives, and it is important to have a good balance of all types.

Perhaps we need to clearly define the categories of green spaces and ask what Singaporeans want.

The value of nature reserves or national parks is only as valid as the law that protects them. A nature area is afforded only temporal protection if it is "retained for as long as development is not needed" ("Parks, nature reserves important: URA"; last Saturday).

But growth and development will always be needed – they are crucial for our country.

In a developing, technologically advanced city, there are many ways to enhance urban greenery for local biodiversity, for example, by using local plant species for park connectors and high-rise greenery.

Our original forests and other nature areas can never be replaced – and perhaps it is prudent to protect in perpetuity some areas of extreme biological importance.

It is not uncommon in other countries to classify nature areas according to purpose, with varying levels of protection and access permission.

For example, nature areas are set aside for recreational purposes, scientific research or biodiversity conservation (with declining levels of human disturbance), with some areas refused development.

High human activity is incompatible with biodiversity conservation. However, it is important to have nature areas that are accessible to visitors, so that the public can learn and appreciate the value of nature. And sometimes, there are offsets – areas given protected status in return for developing another area.

No doubt, there is agreement that nature areas provide important value to people and must be carefully considered. They offer mental and physical benefits, keep our air clean and provide shade for climate control, and are part of Singapore's and the world's natural heritage.

As a unique city in a high biodiversity area, Singapore has the opportunity to move towards becoming a country and city that is emulated for its innovative and responsible land use.

Programme aiming to connect children with nature makes comeback

Programme aiming to connect children with nature makes comeback

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03 Jan 2014 16:57

SINGAPORE: A programme engaging children with Singapore's green spaces returns this year, with the aim of bringing them closer to nature. The second edition of the Young Explorer Programme was launched by Environment and Water Resources Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan on Friday.

The three-month programme - organised by the National Geographic Channel - takes a hands-on approach in getting children aged between seven and 10 to learn about Singapore's green corridors and spaces. Participants go on outdoor lessons through nature trails and workshops, conducted by partners such as the National Parks Board and Nature Society Singapore. The trails include those to the Singapore Botanic Gardens and Bottle Tree Park.

Conservation biologist and National Geographic host Casey Anderson will lead 10 participants and their parents on an expedition to Borneo's Kinabatagan River in March. They will also be taught the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability.

Elango Velautham, assistant director at Singapore Botanic Gardens, said: "The kids can understand what nature is all about, and using that information, learn further and develop themselves to become better guardians of nature, as future citizens of Singapore." The programme hopes to involve up to 4,000 participants this year, with registration starting on Saturday.

Article by yurong🙆

There will be green spaces all over the city: PM Lee

Section: News
Publication: The New Paper 01/12/2013
Page: 6
No. of words: 293

Tengah Nature Way to be launched next year

Every green patch in Singapore cannot be preserved as the city is built up, but the Government is committed to leaving natural spaces, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said yesterday.

"We are determined that we will leave green lungs and natural spaces all over our city as we build our city," said The Straits Times quoted Mr Lee as saying at the official opening of the Singapore Botanic Gardens Heritage Museum.

"Then our people can always be in touch with nature, never far from green spaces and blue waters."

Mr Lee also announced that the Tengah Nature Way will be launched early next year.

It will be Singapore's fifth and longest park connector, stretching 13km. {SEE CORRECTION ABOVE}


It will connect the Bukit Timah and Central Catchment Nature Reserves with the Safti live firing area.


Plants will be specially chosen to complement the natural forest on both ends, and birds, butterflies and other creatures will be attracted to the area, Mr Lee said.

Plans for the Tengah Nature Way will involve the community, Channel NewsAsia reported. It will be a joint effort between NParks and South West Community Development Council, and will involve grassroots organisations, schools and residents.

As the nature ways may pass through residential estates, cooperation of residents is needed to plant suitable plants and trees, it quoted NParks as saying.

Mr Lee also planted the final tree in a year-long series of activities to commemorate 50 years of greening Singapore.

The Botanic Gardens Heritage Museum features interactive exhibits and panels.

Visitors can learn more about the rich history of the 154-year-old gardens and Singapore's greening journey over the past five decades.

Nature volunteers were also given recognition for their commitment.


Thoughts:
It is nice to know that the government has placed in effort and consideration to keep up with the "Singapore is a clean and green city" image and the fact that they care about the local's health and well being.

Questions To Think About!

What are green spaces?

Are they necessary in your country (Singapore)?