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Habitatnews 2002-02: Monday, 14th January 2001
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Hi everyone,

The beauty of Chek Jawa has earned a reprieve - the press release
says it all. The Ministry of National Development has decided "not
to proceed with reclamation works at Pulau Ubin for as long as the
island is not required for development."

Significantly: "This episode is a positive example of consultation
and collaboration between the Ministry and the stakeholders which
has resulted in a win-win situation."

Isn't today a lovely day?

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MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PRESS STATEMENT [14th January 2002]

DEFERMENT OF RECLAMATION WORKS AT PULAU UBIN

1 The Ministry of National Development (MND) has decided to put off the land
reclamation works at Pulau Ubin for as long as the island is not required
for development. This will allow Chek Jawa to be retained in its natural
state. The rustic nature of Pulau Ubin will be preserved for as long as
possible. The long-term planning intention for Pulau Ubin remains as stated
in the Concept Plan 2001.

2 The reclamation works at Chek Jawa was originally scheduled to begin in
Dec 2001. Since the middle of 2001, nature groups and individuals with
special interest in Chek Jawa have highlighted the rich biodiversity of the
area and provided insightful feedback.

3 On 20 December 2001, MND announced the interim decision to defer the
reclamation to study how the reclamation profile at Pulau Ubin could be
modified such that the marine life at Chek Jawa would not be adversely
affected.

4 A team made up of experts from the National Institute of Education,
the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research and other interested individuals
submitted a report which highlighted that in order to ensure the survival of
the marine ecosystems at Chek Jawa, reclamation works on Pulau Ubin should
be put off.

5 The Nature Society, in a report coordinated by its conservation
committee, came to the same conclusion. Both reports ascertained that if
reclamation must be carried out, it should be limited to only a very small
area of Pulau Ubin in order not to harm the fragile ecosystems at Chek Jawa.

6 MND has assessed that it is not cost-effective to reclaim such a small
area and has therefore decided not to proceed with reclamation works at
Pulau Ubin for as long as the island is not required for development.


Managing Chek Jawa

7 In order to protect the marine life at Chek Jawa, NParks is setting up
a committee comprising representatives from the Nature Society, Raffles
Museum of Biodiversity Research and other experts to work out a
comprehensive plan to maintain Chek Jawa¹s unique ecosystem for the
continued enjoyment of all.

8 Among other things, the committee will look into the provision of
appropriate amenities like board-walks and trained guides. Research and
surveys will also be conducted to monitor the health and condition of the
marine flora and fauna at Chek Jawa.


Conclusion

9 Minister for National Development says, "Land in Singapore is scarce.
There will always be competing needs for land for development and national
security needs. The decision not to reclaim Pulau Ubin at the moment has
been made only after we have weighed the trade-offs and carefully considered
the land use implications. This episode is a positive example of
consultation and collaboration between the Ministry and the stakeholders
which has resulted in a win-win situation. The Government will continue to
take a balanced and pragmatic approach to land use planning."

MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
14 January 2001