27/08/2026
Singapore is discussing a new Western Island that could bring together Pulau Semakau, Pulau Bukom, Pulau Sudong and surrounding islands over the coming decades.
The economic possibilities are enormous.
So is the natural capital already sitting beneath and beside them.
Singapore’s southern offshore waters contain almost all of our remaining natural coral reefs, alongside some of our largest and most diverse remaining seagrass meadows, mangroves, coastal forests and intertidal habitats:
🪸 250+ hard coral species have been recorded in Singapore — more than 25% of the world’s coral species — alongside 120+ reef fish species. Yet Singapore has already lost about 60% of its coral reef cover.
🌱 Around 45% of Singapore’s seagrass meadows have already been lost. Yet 9 seagrass species are still recorded across the Southern Islands.
🌳 The Southern Islands Biodiversity Survey recorded 60 mangrove and mangrove-associate species. Pulau Semakau alone supported all 26 true mangrove species recorded.
🚢 Roughly one-third of global container trade passes through the Straits of Singapore, while waters south of mainland Singapore can accommodate up to 800 vessels.
This is precisely why development and conservation cannot be at separate tables.
Instead of bulldozing ahead to build a new island, take a moment to “see this island, every grain of sand.”
Taking someone else’s pulau to build our own island while burying ancient ecosystems can’t be the solution.
