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Habitatnews 2001-31: Thursday, 20th December 2001
The Habitat Group's Nature Information List
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Current nature-related news busy Singaporeans might otherwise miss
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Contents

Hi everyone,

The Ministry of National Development (MND) has issued some
wonderful news today. Chek Jawa has been granted a reprieve!
The press release is listed below in full.

The existence of Chek Jawa was a sudden revelation, and many
Singaporeans first saw the site only in late 2001. Yet at
the 11th hour, the government has announced that reclamation
plans first described in the URA Concept Plan of 1991 are
now being deferred to consider 'how best the marine life there
can be protected'.

The MND acknowledged groups and individuals who had provided
'detailed and insightful feedback' and I can at least offer
thanks to the numerous untiring souls I know of such as
Joseph Lai, Ria Tan, members of the Nature Society (Singapore)
and staff, students and volunteers of the National
University of Singapore.

There are others whose efforts I am unaware of but who have
also contributed constructively to this process. Thanks to
them too.

Behind this decision are many dedicated officers in the
Ministry, National Parks Board, Housing & Development Board
and the Urban Redevelopment Authority. An announcement such
as this reflects months of work that has gone on behind the
scenes and several site visits to Chek Jawa.

In the past few months, a few hundreds have been rushing down
each weekend or holiday for their last chance to see to
Chek Jawa. Our footprints alone have left considerable impact.
With the reprieve, it is now a chance to let Chek Jawa recover
for the months and years ahead.

All of you are now urged to reduce your visits to Chek Jawa
and to spread the word about the reprieve and the need to let
Chek Jawa recover. In the meantime, NParks will initiate
a system to manage the flow of visitors.

The MND press release ends with the statement, "We seek the
co-operation of the public to protect the habitats and to
ensure the long-term enjoyment of this natural heritage."

On 10th November, Mr Mah Bow Tan announced that the previously
unprotected Sungei Buloh Nature Park and Labrador Nature Area
would be legislated under the National Parks Act.

Today, he has sprung another surprise.

I guess a lot of us are smiling. Happy New Year everyone!

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MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PRESS RELEASE
20 DECEMBER 2001
<http://app.internet.gov.sg/data/sprinter/pr/weekly/2001122003.htm>
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DEFERMENT OF RECLAMATION WORKS AT TANJUNG CHEK JAWA

1 The Ministry of National Development (MND) has decided to defer the
reclamation works at Tanjung Chek Jawa originally slated for end of 2001.
This will allow MND to discuss with relevant experts on how best the marine
life there can be protected. Chek Jawa is located at the eastern tip of
Pulau Ubin.

2 Groups and individuals with special interest in Tanjung Chek Jawa have
given MND detailed and insightful feedback since the area was first brought
to public attention at the URA Public Dialogue on the Concept Plan 2001 this
year.

3 The decision to defer the reclamation works at Chek Jawa comes after
MND has carefully considered all public submissions and also following
extensive consultations among various government agencies including the
Urban Redevelopment Authority, the National Parks Board (NParks), the
Housing and Development Board. MND has also consulted with marine life
experts from the National University of Singapore and other institutions and
societies.

4 This afternoon, Mr Mah Bow Tan, Minister for National Development, met
with some representatives of nature and biodiversity groups and some members
of public who have shown strong interest in protecting the marine life in
this area. The meeting was called to discuss the best option to protect the
marine life at Chek Jawa. More details will be announced later after
studying the various options.

5 With the deferment of the reclamation works, the immediate need is to
conserve biodiversity and prevent further deterioration of the mudflats and
injury to the marine organisms. Hence, we wish to advise members of the
public that there is no longer an urgent need to rush to visit Chek Jawa.

6 NParks will put in place a system to manage the flow of visitors during
low tide. Visitors will be advised to keep to the designated routes and
refrain from collecting any plants or animals. NParks is also exploring
with nature and bio-diversity groups to provide guides. NParks will release
more details at a later date.

7 We seek the co-operation of the public to protect the habitats and to
ensure long-term enjoyment of this natural heritage.


For media enquiries, please contact:
Mr Soo Siew Keong, Assistant Director, Public Affairs/MND
Tel: 325 7222 or HP: 97700669


ISSUED BY
MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
20 DECEMBER 2001