MANGROVES OF SINGAPORE

Fig. 1 Locations of mangroves in Singapore from 1953 to 2011⁸⁹

Introduction

Location: Southeast Asia
Latitude: 1.290270 ◦N, 103.851959 ◦E
Area: 728.6-km²

Its equatorial climate and biophysical environment is ideal to support mangrove systems.

Located in the Southeast Asian region of the Indo-West Pacific (IWP) mangrove realm, Singapore is near the epicentre of mangrove species diversity and diversification ⁹¹.

However, Singapore has lost approximately 90% of its mangrove forest area since its independence in 1965 due to reclamation of land for industrial development and aquaculture.

The construction of freshwater reservoirs in previously has led to shoreline erosion and increased pollution.

Mangrove coverage in Singapore was estimated at only 0.81 km2 in 2018⁹¹.

Fig. 2 Mangrove loss and land reclamation gains in Singapore from 1820 to the present day and predictions for the future⁹⁰

7,500

In 1819,

(0.01 km² = 1 ha)
about 0.95% of Singapore’s total land area (72,860 ha)⁹²

735

In 2013,

(0.01 km² = 1 ha)

hectare (ha)⁹²

659

In 2017,

(0.01 km² = 1 ha)

hectare (ha)⁹²

Reasons for the Loss of Mangroves

Singapore’s mangrove extent declined by more than 80 per cent between 1958 and 2014. ⁹³

Importance of Mangroves in Singapore⁹⁶

  1. Helps people from developing countries in tropical and subtropical regions rely on mangrove forests for food, fibre, and medicine.

  2. As well as protecting coastlines from storm surges, mangroves also shield seagrass beds and coral reefs from siltation.

  3. In addition to providing food and nursery grounds for several important fish species, the mangrove ecosystem contributes to the local fishery industry.