Don comes up with 'natural' sea walls idea to protect coast

His proposal for beams made of natural materials is among projects that will get govt funding

- Shabana Begum

Instead of lining Singapore's coasts with concrete barriers to protect the country from rising sea levels, a geo-engineering professor aspires to reshape and strengthen the flat beaches and shorelines into natural "sea walls".

This ambitious vision by Nanyang Technological University's (NTU) Professor Chu Jian involves lining the shoreline with tube-like beams made of natural materials such as plant fibres, sand and soya bean powder.

These bundles will shield the beach from strong waves. Over time, sand and soil can slowly accumulate and raise the shores, turning the beach front into a natural sea wall of sorts, to catch up with higher sea levels.

This proposal by Prof Chu is among the second series of research projects selected by the Coastal Protection and Flood Resilience Institute (CFI) Singapore to receive support and funding from the Government.

The new projects were announced by Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu on June 20 at the inaugural Coastal and Flood Resilience Leaders Summit.

The summit is part of the Singapore International Water Week conference that will be held until June 22 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre.