Oral answer by MND on supporting global biodiversity conservation targets

Feb 24, 2023

Question No: 4255

Question by: Mr Leon Perera

To ask the Minister for National Development whether Singapore will be funding efforts to support the '30 by 30' global conservation targets established at the COP15 biodiversity conference in lieu of Singapore's limited capacity to increase protected land.

Answer:

          Singapore will work closely with other countries to support and implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted at the UN Biodiversity Conference in December 2022. Countries are expected to contribute towards the global targets under this Framework according to their national circumstances, priorities and capabilities.

2        For example, Singapore contributes towards regional conservation efforts by sharing our technical expertise in areas such as protected area management and conservation. We have also designated the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve as ASEAN Heritage Parks under the ASEAN Heritage Parks Programme, which recognises these as protected areas of high conservation importance.

3        As a responsible global citizen, Singapore will continue to play our part, while taking into account our unique circumstances as a small, densely populated city state. As part of our City in Nature efforts, we are safeguarding more green spaces where possible, establishing additional nature parks, and restoring core habitats. The Singapore Index on Cities’ Biodiversity assists cities worldwide to monitor the progress of their conservation efforts.