Singapore, by virtue of its geographical location, has rich biodiversity, in spite of its intense urbanisation. Dry land tropical rainforests, mangroves and coral ecosystems are some of the key habitats found in Singapore.
Singapore is a city-state with a land area of about 710 km. It is one of the most densely populated countries in the world and yet, harbours rich native biodiversity, both terrestrial and marine. The wealth of biodiversity can be attributed to Singapore’s strategic location within the Malesian region. Favourable climatic conditions also help to account for the rich diversity of flora and fauna found in its varied ecosystems. The 4 legally protected Nature Reserves cover an area of about 33.26 km. In addition to natural ecosystems, managed habitats such as public parks, park connectors, roadside plantings and reservoir parks also support considerable biodiversity, which underscores Singapore’s commitment towards creating a clean, green and blue living environment. Over the past 20 years, Singapore’s green cover has increased from 36 per cent to 47 per cent of the total land area (National Parks Board, 2008). Chapter I examines the status, trends and threats to Singapore’s natural and managed ecosystems.
Singapore signed the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on 12 June 1992 and became a Party on 21 December 1995. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) is Singapore’s blueprint for biodiversity conservation. Before its launch in September 2009, the Singapore Green Plan (SGP) 2012 served as Singapore’s NBSAP. Chapter II provides the current status and progress which Singapore has achieved based on the goals and targets outlined in the SGP 2012. The Singapore Government takes a pragmatic approach in balancing development with biodiversity conservation. The National Parks Board (NParks) is designated as Singapore’s scientific authority on nature conservation and assumes the role of