SINGAPORE — A 2.5ha coastal beach forest in Singapore's Greater Southern Waterfront will be restored as part of a new Forest Restoration Action Plan for Labrador Nature Reserve.

The plan will also see the development of a new Keppel Coastal Trail from 2022, the National Parks Board (NParks) announced on Sunday (Nov 7).

Together, the coastal beach forest and trail will act as an important physical and ecological buffer for an adjacent 10ha coastal hill forest, said NParks.

Calling the coastal hill forest "one of the rare and unique habitats" in Labrador Nature Reserve, NParks said the forest houses some "very rare" species of plants that are tolerant to salt exposure and poorer soil conditions.

The ecological and climate resilience of this core habitat will be further strengthened by the restoration of the coastal beach forest, the authority added.

As part of the restoration, about 5,000 native trees that are suited to the coastal forest environment will be planted in the area, said Minister for National Development Desmond Lee on Sunday.

These trees will provide food and shelter for native species and strengthen the resilience of the ecosystem, said Mr Lee.

Labrador Nature Reserve is home to more than 100 bird species and 15 mangrove species, including critically endangered species like the straw-headed bulbul, he added.

In conjunction with the forest restoration efforts, "compatible" recreational uses will be relocated from core areas to the buffers.

"There will continue to be opportunities for passive nature recreation, such as educational walks along nature trails, as well as for other recreational activities, at areas further away from the core areas such as the entrance area," said NParks.

Restoration efforts will also extend into the sea, it said, adding that Labrador Nature Reserve contains the last remaining natural rocky shore on mainland Singapore and is home to a wide diversity of marine species.

The Keppel Coastal Trail, for which Keppel Corporation has made a S$1 million contribution, will weave through the coastal beach forest, providing views of the and information boards about coastal habitats, said NParks.

Beyond the restoration efforts, the Government will also study how to enhance connectivity between the nature reserve and its surrounding green areas, said Mr Lee.

Mr Lee announced the restoration plan for Labrador Nature Reserve on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Tree Planting Day, which was established by former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.

"As a very small city-state, we face intense land-use challenges, as we seek to balance the many needs of a country, within the limits of our city," he said.

"And as our people's aspirations grow and as our society evolves, we will need land to provide even more housing, healthcare and other amenities."

Singapore's ambition to be a "City in Nature" involves "finding more innovative ways to weave nature into the fabric of our city", said Mr Lee.

"(This is) so that nature can thrive right in the heart of our city-state, and for Singaporeans to enjoy the benefits of nature for generations to come."

The Forest Restoration Action Plan for Labrador Nature Reserve sets out future restoration efforts up to 2030. CNA

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