Feedback to MPH & MTI

I applaud the MPH for engaging nature groups and for making changes to their plans based on feedback from the engagement. However, even if measures are taken to mitigate the environmental impact arising from such a development, there is still impact that is significant to the nature reserves immediately and in the long run. If we continue to fragment our precious nature reserves and encroach on the borders of the CCNR, our biodiversity will be threatened and we will slowly lose this rich gene pool. We should protect what little we have left and conserve it fiercely with zero tolerance on any impact for our future generations.

6 Main reasons why the Mandai Development should be low Impact

1. Increased chances of transmission of diseases from animals to humans (zoonoses)
2. Increased human footprint
3. Habitat loss
4. Loss of buffer zone
5. Reduced contiguity of natural movement of wildlife
6. Introduction of foreign flora and fauna species

Some of the guiding principles for concept design that are listed by MPH are:

1. There are opportunities through sensitive design to strengthen and restore connectivity of the nature reserves
2. There will be no pollution discharge into the Upper Seletar Reservoir from the development
3. Mitigation measures will be developed through the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to minimize the impact to the CCNR during construction and operation of the development

Base on these guiding principles here are 10 requests that you may consider to email to MPH and the Minister of MTI. The number of feedback from the public is important as it indicates that the public cares about protecting our natural heritage while we develop our economy.

10 Requests for the Mandai Project

1. Relocate the bird park to a space away from nature areas to prevent increased chance of transmission of diseases from animals to humans (zoonoses).

2. No accommodation or spa facilities to be built to keep Mandai as an area dedicated to nature conservation and learning rather than for pure recreation.

3. Maintain a 100m-wide buffer adjacent to the nature reserve to reduce edge effects, disturbances and conflict between wildlife and humans. The proposed buffer is only 25 m in the Rainforest Park South and 45 m in the Bird Park.

4. Expand the 45m-wide Eco-link to compensate for the loss of wildlife corridor where currently there is unrestricted movement between the 2 fragments of nature reserves.

5. All measures taken to ensure zero interaction between wildlife and captive animals.

6. Reduce facilities with air-conditioning that will increase the temperature of the surroundings.

7. Lower the cap on the number of visitors per day to reduce human impact and the need for frequent mosquito misting. The present target is 58,500 per day.

8. Conduct research to study the impact on the nature reserves and Upper Seletar reservoir due to the increased human activities and frequent mosquito misting

9. Operation hours should not extend beyond 7pm especially for f&b outlets to avoid noise and light pollution.

10. All night activities should be avoided and highly monitored to reduce contact of visitors with vectors like mosquitoes and to reduce disturbances of nocturnal animals.