Is Singapore Setting the Standard for Biodiversity in Urban Planning?

Singapore, also known as the "the Garden City", is proving that urban development and biodiversity conservation can coexist. With innovative policies and green infrastructure, Singapore is setting the benchmark for integrating biodiversity into urban planning a move that resonates deeply with Xylo Systems' mission to preserve biodiversity and empower actionable change.

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How Has Biodiversity Changed Over Time?

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Singapore's biodiversity has undergone significant transformations over the past two centuries, shaped by rapid urbanisation, deforestation, and conservation efforts. Once a lush tropical island covered in rainforests and mangroves, Singapore’s biodiversity suffered drastic declines due to land reclamation and industrial development during the 19th and 20th centuries. However, targeted efforts in recent decades have reversed some of these losses, setting an example for biodiversity restoration in an urbanised environment.

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From Loss to Restoration

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The early 1800s saw Singapore blanketed by tropical lowland rainforests and coastal ecosystems. By the mid-20th century, over 95% of its primary forests had been cleared for agriculture, housing, and infrastructure. This led to the extinction of many native species. For example, iconic species like the Malayan tiger and the wild water buffalo disappeared entirely from Singapore’s ecosystem.

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Today, however, Singapore has made progress in reintroducing and conserving biodiversity. The country's forests, mangroves, and coral reefs have been revitalised through strategic conservation projects. For instance:

• Reforestation Initiatives: Singapore has reforested areas such as the Central Catchment Nature Reserve and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, which now house more than 2,000 native plant species and provide habitat for endangered species like the Sunda pangolin.
• Marine Biodiversity Recovery: Singapore’s coastal waters are home to over 250 species of hard corals, 12 seagrass species, and 200 species of sponges. Efforts like the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park have been pivotal in restoring marine ecosystems.
• Native Otter Resurgence: Singapore's urban waterways and green spaces have once again become safe havens for smooth-coated otters, a species once on the brink of local extinction. Through habitat restoration, water quality improvements, and public education campaigns, otters now thrive in areas like Marina Bay and Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, symbolising successful urban wildlife integration.

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A Global Leader in Urban Biodiversity?

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Despite its compact size, Singapore is known for one of the world's most ambitious urban greening initiatives. The country's Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) integrates biodiversity considerations into land-use planning, ensuring that nature-positive urban development is a reality, not a concept. As of 2023, Singapore achieved an impressive 47% green cover, encompassing parks, nature reserves, and rooftop gardens. This green cover is putting Singapore at the forefront of the 3+30+300 rule; which you can learn more about here.

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The City Biodiversity Index (CBI), also known as the "Singapore Index", is a global standard developed by Singapore to measure and monitor biodiversity in urban settings. This tool is being adopted by cities worldwide to quantify their biodiversity efforts, helping put Singapore at the forefront of urban ecological metrics.

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The Green Innovations That Inspire

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Singapore's cutting-edge innovations make it a standout case for urban biodiversity. For instance:

• Green Roofs and Skyrise Greenery: Approximately 130ha of green roofs have been implemented, significantly contributing to urban biodiversity and cooling the city.
• Park Connector Network: A 36km network linking parks and nature reserves allows flora and fauna to thrive while enhancing accessibility for residents.
• Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve: This protected wetland provides a habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife, showcasing the success of Singapore's conservation strategies.

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Why This Matters to the Property and Energy Sectors

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Urban biodiversity is not just an environmental concern, it is increasingly a business priority. For companies operating in biodiversity-rich and low-laying regions like Singapore, the stakes are high. According to the World Economic Forum, $44 trillion of economic value, over half the world's GDP is dependent on nature.

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Companies are beginning to measure, report, and mitigate their biodiversity impact to align with global frameworks like the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). Xylo Systems offers a powerful solution for this challenge. Our technology enables rapid biodiversity assessments, empowering organisations to integrate biodiversity considerations into every stage of their operations.

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Lessons for the World

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Singapore's approach underscores a critical message: biodiversity should not be an afterthought in urban planning. As a biodiversity tech company operating in Australia, England, and Singapore, Xylo Systems is inspired by such forward-thinking models. By leveraging our state-of-the-art technology, we can replicate Singapore's success, ensuring that urban development everywhere works in harmony with nature.

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As cities worldwide grapple with balancing development and conservation, Singapore lights the way forward. At Xylo Systems, we are committed to scaling these solutions, building a future where thriving cities and ecosystems go hand in hand.

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