Artificial Wetlands Across S'pore Help Bring Nature Closer

Man-made structures create more green spaces and boost water quality, biodiversity

- Audrey Tan

As Singapore transforms into a City in Nature, where more greenery is being infused into the cityscape, Mother Earth is proving instructive in many ways.

Mangroves, for instance, are helping to beat back the rising tides wrought by climate change along parts of the Republic’s coastline. At inland water bodies, plants are being used to soften concrete canals, purify water and help biodiversity thrive.

At Pekan Quarry on offshore Pulau Ubin, for instance, a constellation of artificial wetlands maps the once-plain water surface. A visit to the site earlier this month yielded a bounty for the eyes. Mats of kangkong and other vegetation covered the plastic modules that make up the artificial wetlands, giving them a more natural appearance.

Cattails and reeds swayed in the wind, while herons flew overhead to roost on “heron island”. Poles had been erected on one of the artificial islands on the quarry, in the hope that these structures, which resemble bald trees, would one day host the nests of these graceful birds.

In the wild, herons usually nest in trees. Some species prefer the privacy of foliage, which is why some nesting poles were placed close to the surrounding vegetation.

“There are not many areas in Singapore where herons nest, so this is a trial to see if such structures are conducive for them,” said Mr Robert Teo, the National Parks Board’s (NParks) director for conservation on Pulau Ubin.