Don't let nature on reclaimed land go to waste

FIVE years ago, my wife and I walked along the beach and across the reclaimed land of Marina East. Although there was some vegetation, the land there was stark.

Sea hibiscus, acanthus and other plants grew sporadically along the coast, and we could walk easily across the expanse of open land.

A visit to the area last month was markedly different. Where there once was open ground, lallang, scrub and secondary forest have taken over. The sounds of birds were prominent. Monitor lizards, calotes, skinks and other reptiles also made their presence felt.

It was a rare chance to witness nature's handiwork, to see plants and creatures colonising the barren land successfully without human intervention. The diversity of habitats in miniature was also remarkable.

But it is sad that, in the larger scheme of things, barren tracks of land in Singapore, while being allowed to consolidate, are literally left to waste.

Such land could be used creatively, such as by turning it into a field laboratory for students to study nature.

It could also be used for research on nature's role in land reclamation, the greening of the environment versus planned planting.

There could also be more a deliberate introduction of nature to tie in with the country's Master Plan, so that tracts of reserves and parks form naturally as part of the cityscape, well ahead of building construction.

In all developments, planting is done after buildings are complete. Would it not be better if it was the other way around? New developments are so stark and cold, and it takes at least five years for landscapes to mature and beautify these projects.

But all this requires a change in the Government's mindset on the temporary use of these large tracts of land. The educational possibilities and social benefits are vast and complement nature conservation efforts like Chek Jawa on Pulau Ubin.

For now, it is nice to know that, given a chance, nature will thrive. What a great comeback!

PATRICK KOH KOK HUA