Singapore to have its first Marine Park on Sisters’ Islands

SINGAPORE - A Marine Park, the first of its kind in Singapore, will be set up by the National Parks Board (NParks).

Called the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park, it spans about 40 hectares around Sisters’ Islands and along the western reefs of both St John’s Island and Pulau Tekukor. This is the latest marine biodiversity conservation initiative by NParks.

Speaking at the launch of the Festival of Biodiversity on Saturday (July 12), Minister of State for National Development Desmond Lee said, “We have conserved significant natural habitats on land, and we will now do more, in a completely new area. We will conserve areas of rich biodiversity in our seas as well ... Collectively as a society, we are contributing to the protection of our shared heritage.”

Mr Lee added that the park ties in with Singapore’s outreach, conservation and research efforts to cultivate and restore rare and locally-endangered marine species.

This would better contribute to our understanding of Singapore’s tropical marine ecosystems. NParks said the location of the Marine Park was chosen due to its variety of habitats including coral reefs, sandy shores and seagrass areas. A number of nature groups will offer outreach activities like intertidal walks and guided dives.

NParks said more activities will be rolled out next year including workshops, seminars, camps and talks at the outreach and education centre on St John’s Island. CHANNEL NEWSASIA