Written answer by Ministry of National Development on preserving and expanding mangrove ecosystems under the OneMillionTrees movement

Nov 29, 2022

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang: To ask the Minister for National Development

(a) what efforts will be taken to preserve and expand Singapore's mangroves ecosystems under the OneMillionTrees movement; and
(b) what percentage of the one million trees that will be planted in Singapore over the next 10 years under this movement will comprise mangrove trees.

Answer:

NParks preserves and enhances Singapore’s mangrove ecosystems in several ways, to strengthen our climate and ecological resilience.

2        Under the OneMillionTrees movement, we partner the community to plant mangrove saplings in suitable coastal areas. For example, to date, we have planted close to 770 mangrove saplings in Pulau Ubin, and we aim to plant 2,000 saplings there by 2029.

3        We also carry out other mangrove restoration and enhancement efforts. For example, we have constructed rock revetments along the coasts of Pulau Tekong and Kranji Coastal Nature Park. These structures protect our coastlines against erosion and facilitate the accumulation of sediments, which in turn promotes the natural growth of mangroves. In addition, through the use of the science-based Ecological Mangrove Restoration method, around 8,000 mangrove plants are expected to naturally take root at Sungei Durian on Pulau Ubin by end-2026. Such efforts to promote the natural propagation of mangrove plants further support our mangrove ecosystems, beyond the planting of saplings under the OneMillionTrees movement. 

4        NParks will continue to conduct regular research and monitoring of our mangrove habitats, to inform our strategies to enhance their resilience.

Issued by:    Ministry of National Development

Date         :   29 Nov 2022