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AN OVERVIEW OF
NATURE CONSERVATION LAWS
-INTERNATIONAL, REGIONAL
AND
NATIONAL (SINGAPORE)
LYE Lin Heng
Chair, Programme Management Committee, MSc (Env Mgt)
Program;
&
Deputy Director
Asia-Pacific Centre of Environmental Law (APCEL)
Faculty of Law
National University of Singapore
Email : [email protected]
1 LH Lye, APCEL
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Chief Seattle & Loss of Bisons
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The last Tiger in Singapore
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Pangolins on the verge of extinction in SEAsia
Singapore Zoo
106 rescued in Vietnam in
2011, worth US$50,000
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Nature Conservation Laws Introduction
* Preliminary issues
- ownership rights re: wild animals? Plants?
- determining what is a wild animal
I. International Law
II. National Laws - Statutory Laws & Common Law
Primary Laws - Acts of Parliament
eg. Wild Animals and Birds Act
http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/
Secondary laws Rules, Regulations, Notifications Orders etc.
eg. Wild Animals and Birds (Bird Sanctuaries) Order
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NATURE CONSERVATION LAWS I. International Law (Selected)
1. *Convention on Wetlands of International Importance
(Ramsar), 1971
2. Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and
Natural Heritage, 1972
3. * Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of
Wild Fauna and Flora, 1973 (CITES)
4. Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild
Animals, 1979 (BONN)
5. * Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992 (CBD)
6. Convention to Combat Desertification, 1994
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REGIONAL- ASEAN
(selected)
ASEAN Agreement on the Conservation of Nature and Natural
Resources, 1985
ASEAN Declaration on Heritage Parks and Reserves, Bangkok
November 1984, now replaced by new
Declaration on Heritage Parks,18 Dec 2003
Memorandum of Understanding on ASEAN Sea Turtle Conservation and
Protection, 1997, Bangkok
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CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN
ENDANGERED SPECIES OF FLORA AND FAUNA
(CITES) 1973
Signed in Washington DC 3 March 1973
In force 1 July 1975.
Some 175 countries are parties.
www.cites.org
1. OBJECTIVES
To regulate trade in endangered species of wild flora and
fauna.
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Most frequently traded live animals
Mammals monkeys
Birds parrots
birds of prey
hummingbirds
geese and ducks
Reptiles snakes and lizards
land and freshwater turtles
Fishes tropical fishes
Invertebrates butterflies
spiders
hard corals
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Most frequently traded plants
Snowdrops bulbs
Orchids cut flowers, plants
flasked seedlings
Cacti species for collectors
small plants for window sill
large plants for landscaping
Cycads species for collectors
landscaping
office decoration
carnivorous
plants
venus fly trap
pitcher plants
american
ginseng
roots for ginseng extracts
and medicines
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Record prices (in US$)
Trained Falcon 100,000
Snow Leopard skin 60,000
South American Parrot 40,000
Musk grain (1 kg) 50,000
Candelabra cactus 7,000
Arrowanna fish 5,000
Peruvian butterfly 3,000
Orchid 2,000
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Numbers of Specimens Currently in Trade
Monkeys 25,000-30,000
Tropical fish 500-600 million
reptile skins 10 million
Orchids 9-10 million
wild orchids 2 million
cacti 7-8 million
live birds 2-5 million
See
http://www.traffic.org/home/2011/8/31/singapore-incinerates-seized-reptile-skins-from-indonesia.html
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CITES
2. MECHANISMS :-
Permits required for trade. Security papers, numbers, stamps to
prevent
forgeries
Secretariat in Switzerland. Scientific and Management Authority
set up in each
country.
(Singapore Agri-Veterinary Authority (AVA) formerly Primary
Production Department (PPD))
Conference of the Parties (COP) every 2 years.
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CITES - Three
Appendices :
Appendix I .
Species threatened with extinction by trade eg. giant
panda, tigers, rhinoceros,
Asian elephants, all lemurs
and apes, all sea turtles,
many birds of prey, cranes,
pheasants and parrots;
many mussels, rare orchids.
Requires export certificate, re-export certificate, import
permit
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CITES - Appendix II
Species which though not now threatened with extinction, may
become so unless trade is closely monitored. eg. whales, cats,
tortoises, fur seals, dolphins, fur seals, birds of paradise, black
coral, birdwing butterflies.
Only requires export permit or re-export cert. No import permit
required. Limited number of export permits.
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Appendix III
Species which an individual country wishes to give special
protection.
Requires export permit and certificate of origin.
Note : Reservations allowed by individual
countries
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How CITES works
3 agencies are involved for each country :
1. Management Authority
manages the system of permits for
import/export/re-export;
compiles statistics of trade in endangered
species
inspects wildlife consignments at points of
entry/exit
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How CITES works
2. Scientific Authority
Advises Management Authority on whether trade may endanger
survival of the species.
It has the right to veto exports of CITES specimens when such
exports may endanger
the survival of the species
3. Customs Enforcement
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The Working Structure
of CITES
175 Parties
Standing Committee
Temporary
Working Groups
Animals Committee
Plants Committee
Nomenclature Committee
Identification Manual Committee
CITES
Secretariat
Conference of the Parties
UNEP IUCN
Traffic
WCMC
Unit 3: Working Structure of CITES/international
(a)
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International Enforcement
Network
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(b)
CITES
Sec.
WCO
Sec.
Interpol
Sec.
Police
Unit 3: Structure of CITES/international
Customs
Management
Authority
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CITES
EXCEPTIONS Does not apply to : (a) transit/transhipment cases
(b) pre-convention species (c) personal or household effects (d)
captive-bred species (e) non-commercial
loans/donations/exchanges
between scientific institutions etc.
(f) Management Authority of State may waive requirements if part
of travelling zoo, circus or exhibit.
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Criticisms
1. Enforcement - requires intensive training of officers,
customs etc.
2. Constant updating of Appendices requiring constant updating
of national laws
3. Only 15% of parties have adequate legislation to
implement
4. Resolutions of COP not binding on parties, not enforceable
unless local implementing legislation passed
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Criticisms (continued)
5. Transits and transhipments excluded by Art. VIII.
6. Focuses too much on trade - does not address other causes for
loss/extinction of species eg. habitat destruction
7. Does not address welfare of animals - no standards for
transportation of wildlife.
COP recommended IATA Guidelines when transhipped by air.
8. Not all countries are parties. Q Taiwan.
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ASEAN and CITES
ASEAN Statement on CITES on 13th Meeting of CITES COP, Bangkok
2004
- acknowledge need to enhance awareness of such trade and
enhance regional cooperation and coordination in law
enforcement
including sharing of intelligence, establishment of task force,
inter-
agency committees etc.
Strengthen enforcement in border regions
Review national laws* (Singapore amended its law in 2006!)
Wider scientific research, wild population assessments and trade
monitoring
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Launch of ASEAN Wildlife Law Enforcement Network ASEAN-WEN
http://www.asean-wen.org/
ASEAN Statement at Launch, Bangkok 1 Dec 2005, Special meeting
of Ministers responsible for implementation of CITES
ASEAN-WEN was formerly known as ASEAN CITES Enforcement
Taskforce in the ASEAN Regional Action Plan on Trade in Wild
Flora and Fauna (2005-2010)
Membership in WEN is open to officials from CITES Authorities,
Customs, Police, Prosecutors, Specialised Govt Wildlife Law
Enforcement and other relevant national law enforcement
agencies
Q NGOs? Eg ACRES?
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ENDANGERED SPECIES (IMPORT AND EXPORT) ACT
(Act 5 of 2006, w.e.f. 1 March 2006)
Singapore
Implementation of CITES in Singapore
Singapore acceded on 30 Nov. 1986, passed Endangered Species
(Import and Export) Act, 1989 (repealed in 2006 with new Act).
An Act to. give effect to the Convention on International Trade
in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora by controlling the
importation, exportation and introduction from the sea of certain
animals and plants and parts of such animals and plants and for
matters connected therewith.
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CITES - IMPLEMENTATION IN SINGAPORE
Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act
CITES ratified by S'pore - 30 Nov, 1986. Endangered Species
(Import and Export) Act, 1989, S'pore Repealed & re-enacted Act
5 of 2006 wef 1 March 2006 Q why?
Reservations - Singapore entered reservations on 2 crocodile
species and 1 alligator species. i.e. can trade in them.
Specific ban on sale of rhino horns (wef.20.11.92) and tiger
parts (wef 4.11.94).
New 2006 Schedule divided into 3 parts, following the CITES
Appendices
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Scope of Protection
Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act,
2006 Singapore
1. Absolute prohibition on trade in these species, except with
permit from Agri-Veterinary Authority (AVA).
Permits required for import, export, re-export.
2. s. 4 - Offence to possess, sell, offer or display to the
public any scheduled species imported without a permit.
Fine $50,000 for each scheduled species, max.$500,000 for
aggregate, imprisonment up to 2 years, or both.
3. S 5 offence to sell, offer or advertise for sale any
scheduled species as may be specified in the Govt Gazette.
Fine $10,000 for each species, aggregate $100,000, imprisonment
up to 12 months or both.
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Scope of Protection (contd)
Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act,
2006
Applies also to species in transit must be accompanied by valid
permits
Officers have very wide powers of inspection, search,
investigation
- may enter without warrant, search and seize, break any door,
window, lock etc.
Defendant liable to pay all charges for holding and repatriation
of the species
Extension of liability to officers of company, partners,
unincorporated associations etc.
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CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY, 1992
http://www.cbd.int/
Arose out of worldwide concern over loss of genes, species and
eco-systems.
Signed at Rio in 1992
Singapore signed in 1992, ratified in 1995
CBD acknowledges that biodiversity provides the foundation for
sustainable development and that its
conservation goes beyond merely protecting it from
human impact.
Its conservation requires proactive steps.
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CBD
CBD provides a framework for global action to conserve and
sustainably use biological diversity.
Main objectives - Art. 3
* the conservation of biological diversity
* the sustainable use of its components
* the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from
the use of genetic resources.
See http://www.cbd.int/convention/convention.shtml
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Govt obligations under CBD :
I. National Obligations
Under the Convention, governments undertake to conserve and
sustainably use biodiversity.
They are required to develop national biodiversity strategies
and action plans, and to integrate these into broader national
plans for environment and development.
This is particularly important for such sectors as forestry,
agriculture, fisheries, energy, transportation and urban
planning
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Other treaty commitments include:
Identifying and monitoring the important components of
biological diversity that need to be conserved and used
sustainably.
Establishing protected areas to conserve biological diversity
while promoting environmentally sound development around these
areas.
Rehabilitating and restoring degraded ecosystems and promoting
the recovery of threatened species in collaboration with local
residents.
Respecting, preserving and maintaining traditional knowledge of
the sustainable use of biological diversity with the involvement of
indigenous peoples and local communities.
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Other Govt obligations under CBD (contd)
Preventing the introduction of, controlling, and eradicating
alien species that could threaten ecosystems, habitats or
species.
Controlling the risks posed by organisms modified by
biotechnology.
Promoting public participation, particularly when it comes to
assessing the environmental impacts of development projects that
threaten biological diversity.
Educating people and raising awareness about the importance of
biological diversity and the need to conserve it.
Reporting on how each country is meeting its biodiversity
goals.
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Article 6 General Measures for Conservation and Sustainable
Use
Each Contracting Party shall, in accordance with its particular
conditions and capabilities:
(a) Develop national strategies, plans or programmes for the
conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity or adapt
for
this purpose existing strategies, plans or programmes which
shall
reflect, inter alia, the measures set out in this Convention
relevant to
the Contracting Party concerned; and
(b) Integrate, as far as possible and as appropriate, the
conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity into
relevant sectoral or
cross-sectoral plans, programmes and policies.
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Surveys - database
One of the first steps towards a successful national
biodiversity strategy is to conduct surveys to find out what
biodiversity exists, its value and importance, and what is
endangered.
Eg. Red Data Books
On the basis of these survey results, governments can set
measurable targets for conservation and sustainable use.
National strategies and programmes need to be developed or
adapted to meet these targets.
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In-situ and Ex-situ conservation
The conservation of each country's biological diversity can be
achieved in various ways :
"In-situ" conservation - the primary means of conservation -
focuses on conserving genes, species, and ecosystems in their
natural surroundings, for example by establishing protected areas,
rehabilitating degraded ecosystems, and adopting legislation to
protect threatened species.
"Ex-situ" conservation uses zoos, botanical gardens and gene
banks to conserve species.
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Reporting
Each government that joins the Convention is to report on what
it has done to implement the accord, and how effective this is in
meeting the objectives of the Convention. These reports are
submitted to the Conference of the Parties (COP).
The reports can be viewed by the citizens of all nations.
The Convention secretariat works with national governments to
help strengthen reporting and to make the reports of various
countries more consistent and comparable, so that the world
community can get a clearer picture of the big trends.
Secretariat also develops indicators for measuring trends in
biodiversity, particularly the effects of human actions and
decisions on the conservation and sustainable use of
biodiversity.
The national reports, particularly when seen together, are one
of the key tools for tracking progress in meeting the Convention's
objectives.
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CONSERVATION OF MARINE LIVING
RESOURCES (selected)
1. International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling,
1946
2. UN Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982, Parts V and
VII.
See http://www.admiraltylawguide.com/conven/unclostable.html
3. Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living
Resources, 1980
4. Agreement to Promote Compliance with Conservation and
Management Measures by Fishing Vessels on the High Seas, 1993
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I. ASEAN Agreement for the Conservation
of Nature and Natural Resources, Kuala
Lumpur 1985
Signed by all 6 countries in 1985, only
ratified by 3. Not in force.
Art 30 entry into force on 30th day after deposit of the 6th
Instrument of
Ratification
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ASEAN Agreement on the Conservation of
Nature & Natural Resources 1985
Chapter I Conservation and Development
1. Fundamental principles
2. Development planning
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ASEAN Agreement on Nature & Natural
Resources
Chapter II Conservation of Species and Ecosystems
3. Species genetic diversity 4. Species sustainable use 5.
Species endangered and endemic 6. Vegetation cover and forest
resources 7. Soil 8. Water 9. Air
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ASEAN Agreement on Nature & Natural
Resources
Chapter III Conservation of Ecological Processes Environmental
degradation Pollution
Chapter IV Environmental Planning Measures Land-use planning
Protected areas Impact assessment
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ASEAN Agreement on Nature & Natural
Resources
Chapter V National Supporting Measures
Scientific research
Education, information and participation of the public
training
Administrative machinery
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ASEAN Agreement on Nature & Natural
Resources
Chapter VI International Cooperation
Cooperative activities
Shared resources
Transfrontier environmental effects
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ASEAN Agreement on Nature & Natural
Resources
Chapter VII International Supporting Measures
Meeting of the contracting parties (at least once every 3
years)
Secretariat
National Focal Points
Adoption of protocols
Amendment of the Agreement
Appendices and amendments to appendicesetc
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SINGAPORE
BIODIVERSITY, CONSERVATION,
THE ENVIRONMENT
AND CLIMATE CHANGE
LH Lye, APCEL 48
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The Bradshaw, Giam and Sodhi Study
May 2010 PloS ONE
Recent study - Evaluating the Relative Environmental Impact of
Countries, Bradshaw, Giam and Sodhi
170 countries studied for natural forest loss, habitat
conversion, marine captures, fertiliser use, water
pollution, carbon emissions and species threats.
Named Singapore as the country with the worse environmental
proportional impact (relative to resource
availability)
See http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi%2F10.1371%2Fjo
urnal.pone.0010440
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The Natural Heritage of Singapore, 3rd ed. 2010; Hugh Tan, Chou
LM, Darren Yeo, Peter Ng
More than 95% of original forest cover (578 sq km) has been
cleared
Less than 10% of remaining 28.6 sq km is primary forest
Extinction rates of 34 - 87% occurred in forest specialists such
as butterflies, freshwater fish, birds and mammals
Present forest reserves cover 5% of total land area, harbour
over 50% of remaining native biodiversity
Marine biodiversity abundance rather than species richness has
been affected
Alien species many have adapted successfully
New species (plants and animals) continue to be discovered
Some species thought to be extinct have returned
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Singapores Initiative- Cities Biodiversity Index
Prepared by NParks, Singapore, proposed 28 May 2008, Bonn,
meeting of CBD
To assist cities in benchmarking their conservation efforts
1st workshop Feb 2009 Singapore, Users Manual prepared
15 cities have tested the Index
2nd workshop July 2010, Singapore, to evaluate testing
October 2010 endorsement by CBD COP-10, Nagoya
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Governments response to Bradshaw, Giam and Sodhi Study
Study used a proportional environmental impact index which is
defined only in terms of total land area;
Cities with limited land size and high intensity of land use
would be necessarily disadvantaged and must be treated
differently.
Singapore has taken many steps to bring back its biodiversity,
increasing its green cover from 35.7% to
46.5% between 1986 and 2007,
Singapore has set aside close to 10 % of its total land area for
parks and nature reserves
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1986
Population 2.7 million
Greenery 36%
2007
Population 4.6 million
Greenery 47%
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Oriental Pied Hornbill returns to Singapore
after 50 years
http://www.nparks.gov.sg/biodivercity/
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From Garden City to City in a Garden - vision and political
will
Lee Kuan Yew In wooing investors, even the trees matter 1 August
1996, 35th Anniversary of the Economic Development Board
We have built. We have progressed. But there is no hallmark of
our success more distinctive and more meaningful than achieving
the
position as the cleanest and greenest city in South-east
Asia.
Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, Prime Minister of Singapore,at the launching
ceremony of the Keep Singapore Clean Campaign, 1 October 1968
"I have always believed that a blighted urban landscape, a
concrete jungle, destroys the human spirit. We need the greenery of
nature to
lift up our spirits." October 1995, Opening of National Orchid
Garden
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Land use planning, Governance and Management
1. 1958 statutory Master Plan zoning, plot ratios
- reviewed every 5 years
2. 1971 Concept Plan projecting land use 20 years ahead to 1991,
anticipates growth, land needs, infrastructure planning,
transportation, utility installations, sewage treament plants,
waste
disposal sites etc
3. 1991 Revised Concept Plan A Tropical City of Excellence
4. 2001 Concept Plan Towards a Thriving World Class City
5. 55 Development Guide Plans intensive, each serving population
of 150,000 served by a town centre
6. Latest Master Plan 2008
7. Working on Concept Plan 2011
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SINGAPORE
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Surveys - database
One of the first steps towards a successful national
biodiversity strategy is to conduct surveys to find out what
biodiversity exists, its value and importance, and what is
endangered.
Eg. Red Data Books
On the basis of these survey results, governments can set
measurable targets for conservation and sustainable use.
National strategies and programmes need to be developed or
adapted to meet these targets.
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Singapores Nature Conservation Laws
Wild Animals & Birds Act. 1965
- Wild Animals (Licensing) Order
- Wild Animals & Birds (Bird (Sanctuary) Order
Endangered Species (Import & Export) Act, 2006
Parks & Trees Act 2005 & selected subsidiary laws:
- Parks & Trees Regulations, 2005
- Parks & Trees (Preservation of Trees) Order
- Parks & Trees (Planting Areas) Notification
- Parks & Trees (Heritage Road Green Buffers) Order
2006
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Nature Conservation Laws (continued)
National Parks Act & Regulations
Public Utilities Board (Reservoirs and Catchment Area)
Regulations, 2006
Sentosa Development Corporation Regulations (see Reg. 7)
Jurong Town Corporation (Parks) Regulations
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SINGAPORE'S
NATURE CONSERVATION LAWS
A. PROTECTION OF INDIGENOUS WILDLIFE
1. General protection
(Wild Birds Ordinance 1884)
Wild Animals and Birds Act
Wild Animals (Licensing) Order
Wild Animals & Birds (Bird Sanctuaries) Order
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Wild Animals & Birds Act
ALL wild animals and birds are protected under WABA s. 5 Penalty
for killing or keeping wild animals or birds without
licence 5. (1) Any person who kills, takes or keeps any wild
animal or bird, other than those specified in the Schedule, without
a licence shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on
conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000 and to the forfeiture of
the wild animal or bird.
Schedule : 6 birds not protected - Housecrow (1974), Feral
pigeon, purple-backed starling, Philippine glossy
starling, common myna, white vented myna (last 5 birds as from
20.12.91)
Q - Pigeons? Animals & Birds (Pigeons) Rules S366/73,
S381/81
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Wild Animals and Birds (Licensing) Order
1975
Need a Licence to keep wild animals listed in the First Schedule
:-
FIRST SCHEDULE
Paragraph 2
WILD ANIMALS
(a) Kangaroos and wallabies.
(b) Monkeys, including orang utans, apes, chimpanzees, siamangs,
gorillas,
gibbons and baboons.
(c) Carnivores, including tigers, lions, leopards, panthers,
jaguars, pumas,
cheetahs, wild cats, jackals and hyenas, but excluding
domesticated cats and dogs.
(d) Bears and pandas.
(e) Elephants.
(f) Hoofed-animals, including tapirs, rhinoceroses, zebras, wild
boars,
hippopotamuses, camels, deers, antelopes and giraffes, but
excluding
domesticated horses, asses, mules, goats, pigs, cattle and
buffaloes.
(g) Sea-cows.
(h) Seals, sea lions, walruses and dolphins.
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Wild Animals and Birds (Licensing) Order
1975 (contd)
Wild Animals and Birds (Bird Sanctuaries) Order, 1970 2. The
killing or taking of any bird in any of the areas
described in the Schedule is prohibited.
3. The netting, snaring or taking by any means of contrivance of
any bird in any of the areas described in
the Schedule is prohibited.
Schedule comprises : Botanic Gardens, NUS grounds at Tanglin,
Bukit Timah Forest Reserve, Istana Grounds,
MacRitchie Reservoir, Peirce Reservoir, Seletar
Reservoir, Sentosa.
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Q- scope of application?
c/p s. 5 WABA?
Nests?
Q - Cruelty to animals
See Animals and Birds Act
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PROTECTION OF PLANTS
Various laws to protect plants, depending on location of
specimen - whether in national parks, nature reserves, catchment
area parks, JTC, Sentosa parks.
Generally, prohibits damage of any plant, shrub or tree or doing
any act which causes damage to the flora;
- removing of any plant, etc or part thereof.
- Sometimes, climbing of any trees or bushes is prohibited.
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Protection of plants, wild animals &
birds
Penalties vary
- $50,000 fine under Parks & Trees Act, imprisonment up to 6
months or both daily fine $500, must pay damages for loss of
tree
- PUB (Reservoirs and Catchment Area) Regulations 2006 fine
$3,000
$2,000 fine under Sentosa Rules
$500 fine under JTC Rules
$1,000 under Wild Animals and Birds Act
Q inconsistencies?
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Plant Protection
Trees with girths exceeding 1 metre, measured 1/2 metre from
ground, growing on
(a) vacant or
(b) gazetted land*, cannot be cut down without approval from
Commissioner of Parks and Recreation
[Parks & Trees (Preservation of Trees) Order, 1991.
No protection outside these areas
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Protection of Trees :-
Parks & Trees (Preservation of Trees) Order
2 August 1991
Areas gazetted:
(a) The area bounded by Dunearn Rd, Whitley Rd, Mt Pleasant Rd,
Thomson Rd, Lornie Rd, Pan Island Expressway, Clementi Rd, Pasir
Panjang Rd, Telok Blangah Rd, Lower Delta Rd, Ayer Rajah
Expressway. Alexandra Rd, River Valley Rd, Fort Canning Rd and
Selegie Rd;
(b) The area bounded by Netheravon Rd, Cranwell Rd, Loyang
Avenue, Loyang Way, Upper Changi Rd North and Changi Village
Rd.
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Parks & Trees Rules
4. Acts prohibited except with permission of Commissioner
4. (1) No person shall, without the permission of the
Commissioner, in any public park
(a) collect, remove, cut or displace any plant or part
thereof;
(b) prospect, mine, quarry, excavate or remove any soil, sand,
laterite, clay, stone, any earth substance or water;
(c) clear, break up, dig or cultivate any land;
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Parks & Trees Rules
d) drop or deposit any dirt, sand, gravel, clay, loam, manure,
refuse, sawdust, shavings, stone, straw or any other matter or
thing;
(e) disturb or take the nest of any animal or feed, kill,
injure, capture or molest any animal;
(f) spread, set or use any net, trap or other instrument for the
capture, destruction or injury of any animal;
(g) sell, let, offer or display for sale or hire any thing, or
perform or offer to perform any service for reward;
(h) kindle or cause any fire;
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Parks & Trees Rules
Restrictions relating to animals 6. (1) No person shall, without
the permission of the Commissioner, bring or cause to be brought
into a public park any animal other than a domestic animal which is
kept as a pet.
(2) No person shall cause or permit a domestic animal belonging
to him or in his charge to enter or remain in a public park unless
it is (a) kept under proper control and, where the animal is a
dog,
held in leash; and
- (b) restrained from straying or causing annoyance or nuisance
to any person or animal or damage to any plant or property.
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PROTECTION OF MARINE LIFE/BIODIVERSITY
1. Singapore has 66 reefs, located mostly south, along busy
shipping routes.
2. Large variety of life forms - corals, fish, shellfish,
anemones, others.
3. Much damage done by reclamation, but reefs recovering.
4. Main problem - indiscriminate/uncontrolled removal of marine
life by humans, living coral hacked to pieces, anchors carelessly
thrown into coral reefs.
5. Problem exacerbated with increased popularity of sea sports,
opening up of more islands for tourists etc.
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Marine Protection Laws
A. Fisheries Act (Cap. 111 1985 rev.ed.) and Regulations
1. Controls the fishing industry in Singapore waters : (a)
Persons who use fishing gear must obtain a licence.
(b) Fishing vessels plying at any port in Singapore also require
a licence.
(c) Trapping of fish by use of explosives, poisons and trawl
nets is prohibited
NB. No trawl nets allowed within 3 miles from S'pore coast,
measured at low water mark - Fishing Gear (Amendment) Rules
1972.
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Marine Protection-Conservation Laws
(d) The Fisheries (Riverine Fishing) Rules, 1987
Singapore River, Kallang River and Marina Bay (including
Telok
Ayer Basin) Fishing with a net, trap, fishing stake or line with
more than 3
hooks is prohibited here.
2. Applies to "any of the varieties of marine, brackish water or
fresh water fishes, crustacea, aquatic mollusca, turtles, marine
sponges, trepang and any other form of aquatic life and the young
and eggs thereof." (s.2 - "fish" defined)
Revoked in 2004.
No other laws to protect marine life as an entire eco-system
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Corals
S. 14 State Lands Encroachment Act - taking of corals from sea
bed is an
offence.
Fine $2,000.
Q taking of fish and other sea creatures that are not
corals?
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Singapore Green Plan 1992
1. 4 areas of coral reefs identified for conservation : St
John's Island, Pulau Hantu, Pulau Semakau, Pulau Sudong.
2. Workgroup 5 stated "...the existing legislative, enforcement
and administrative arrangements are adequate to ensure proper
protection of these marine coral areas."
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SGP 1992
Workgroup 5 (Nature Conservation) recommended a management plan
for these areas.
4. The Singapore Green Plan - Action Programmes, Min of
Environment, 1993
Provides for 5% of S'pore's land area to be set aside as nature
conservation areas.
19 sites identified as conservation areas, monitored by National
Parks Board.
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Revised SGP 2012
Air -
Maintain the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) for ambient air
within the "good" range for 85% of the year and within the
"moderate"
range for the remaining 15%.
Reduce the ambient Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM 2.5) level to
within an annual average of 15g/Nm3 by 2014.
Water
Increase catchment areas to 67% of Singapore's land surface.
Increase the supply of water from non-conventional sources, such
as desalination and water reclamation, to at least 25% of
Singapore's water demand.
Reduce per capita domestic water consumption to 155 litres a day
by 2012.
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Publications/Research
Publication of :
(a) "A First Look at Biodiversity in Singapore" by NCE, Nov.
1994
(b) S'pore's Red Data Book on Endangered Species of Wild Animals
and Plants 2nd edition planned for 2008
(c) A Guide to the Threatened Animals of Singapore
A Guide to the Threatened Plants of Singapore
1997 NSS Report : State of the Environment Five years after
Rio
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SGP 2012
Waste management
Increase the overall waste-recycling rate to 60% by 2012.
Extend the lifespan of Semakau Landfill to 50 years, strive
towards "zero landfill" and "close the waste loop".
Nature conservation
Establish more parks and green linkages.
Set up a National Biodiversity Reference Centre.
The total land area covered by greenery rose from 36% in 1986 to
47%
in 2007.
The National Biodiversity Reference Centre (now called
National
Biodiversity Centre) was set up in 2006.
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Singapore Green Plan 2012
Feedback from various NGOs :
Call for marine parks, especially Pulau Hantu Call for body to
protect marine areas Call for EIAs Q - Need for EIAs?
The Chek Jawa controversy 2001 The Lower Peirce Reservoir golf
course
proposal 1992
Nearest approximations to EIAs s. 26 and 36, Env Pollution
Control Act
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Chapter 3 SGP 2012
Among our marine treasures are the pockets of coral reefs which
flourish to the
south of Singapore, in particular, around
the St Johns Island group, Pulau Hantu, Pulay Semakau, and the
Pulau Sudong
group.
The government will keep these areas in their natural state for
as long as possible.
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Some controversies
I. Lower Peirce Reservoir - almost destroyed
in 1992, for a golf course
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Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin - 2002
preserved for next 10 years?
6 eco-systems within this area
Sea grass beds Foreshores Act
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Bukit Brown Views of Heritage Society
On 12 September 2011, the Land Transport Authority, the Urban
Redevelopment Authority and the National
Parks Board announced a new dual four-lane road in
Bukit Brown, with construction to begin in the first
quarter of 2013.
The press statement also claims that the road could affect an
estimated 5% of the 100,000 graves in the
cemetery.
Bukit Brown cemetery is located in the central area of
Singapore, bordering Lornie Road and parts of the Pan-
Island Expressway. Currently defunct, it was established
as a public burial ground for the Chinese in 1922. By
1929, the cemetery accounted for about 40% of all
officially registered Chinese burials within municipal
limits. In addition to prominent pioneers like Chew Boon
Lay and Cheang Hong Lim, tens of thousands of
ordinary migrants are also buried at Bukit Brown.
The Singapore Heritage Society opposes the destruction of
heritage. Bearing in mind certain limitations Singapore
has, the Society feels that any decisions taken which
affects the heritage of Singapore must include due
consideration of the relevant stakeholders and all
possible conservation alternatives
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Bukit Brown Nature Societys Position Paper, 20 Dec 2011
Bukit Brown is one of 28 sites listed in the Nature Societys
Master Plan for the Conservation of Nature in Singapore (1990),
recognised for its considerable ecological and biodiversity
value.
It is home to diverse wildlife, serves as a buffer for the
adjoining Nature Reserve, and has even more potential if managed
actively.
I. Eco-system services
(1) carbon sequestration
(2) natural airconditioner
(3) rainfall sponge
(4) the city biodiversity index
II. Biodiversity
(1) birds 90 bird species recorded (25% of bird species
(ii) 13 birds are nationally threatened species in Red Data
book
(iii) foraging ground for 48 forest species (50% of total)
(iv) stepping stone for species to get to other parks/protected
areas
Recommends -
1. Heritage park with cultural and natural heritage preserved
and integrated, allowing for recreational activities where
these do not disturb the heritage
2. Need for EIA
3. Suggests alternative routes including viaduct, underground
etc
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SAVING THE EARTH ETHICS AND NATURE CONSERVATION
WORLD CHARTER FOR NATURE - - adopted by UN General Assembly
1982, 5 general principles
http://www.un.org/documents/ga/res/37/a37r007.htm
I. GENERAL PRINCIPLES 1. Nature shall be respected and its
essential processes shall not be impaired.
2. The genetic viability on the earth shall not be compromised;
the population levels of all life forms, wild and domesticated,
must be at least
sufficient for their survival, and to this end necessary
habitats shall be
safeguarded.
3. All areas of the earth, both land and sea, shall be subject
to these principles of conservation; special protection shall be
given to unique areas,
to representative samples of all the different types of
ecosystems and to the
habitats of rare or endangered species.
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World Charter for Nature, 1982 (contd)
4. Ecosystems and organisms, as well as the land, marine and
atmospheric resources that are utilized by
man, shall be managed to achieve and maintain
optimum sustainable productivity, but not in such a way
as to endanger the integrity of those other ecosystems or
species with which they coexist.
5. Nature shall be secured against degradation caused by warfare
or other hostile activities.
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The Earth Charter
The Earth Charter is an international declaration of fundamental
values and principles considered useful by its supporters for
building
a just, sustainable, and peaceful global society in the 21st
century.
Created by a global consultation process, and endorsed by
organizations representing millions of people, the Charter "seeks
to
inspire in all peoples a sense of global interdependence and
shared
responsibility for the well-being of the human family, the
greater
community of life, and future generations.
It calls upon humanity to help create a global partnership at a
critical juncture in history. The Earth Charter's ethical vision
proposes that
environmental protection, human rights, equitable human
development, and peace are interdependent and indivisible.
The Earth Charter Initiative organization exists to promote the
Charter.
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THE EARTH CHARTER
http://www.earthcharterinaction.org/2000/10/the_earth_charter.html
We stand at a critical moment in Earth's history, a time when
humanity must choose its future. As the world becomes increasingly
interdependent and fragile, the future at once holds great peril
and great promise.
To move forward we must recognize that in the midst of a
magnificent diversity of cultures and life forms we are one human
family and one Earth community with a common destiny.
We must join together to bring forth a sustainable global
society founded on respect for nature, universal human rights,
economic justice, and a culture of peace.
Towards this end, it is imperative that we, the peoples of
Earth, declare our responsibility to one another, to the greater
community of life, and to future generations.
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The Earth Charter
Universal Responsibility To realize these aspirations, we must
decide to live with a sense of universal responsibility,
identifying ourselves with the whole Earth community as well as our
local communities. We are at once citizens of different nations and
of one world in which the local and global are linked. Everyone
shares responsibility for the present and future well-being of the
human family and the larger living world. The spirit of human
solidarity and kinship with all life is strengthened when we live
with reverence for the mystery of being, gratitude for the gift of
life, and humility regarding the human place in nature.
We urgently need a shared vision of basic values to provide an
ethical foundation for the emerging world community. Therefore,
together in hope we affirm the following interdependent principles
for a sustainable way of life as a common standard by which the
conduct of all individuals, organizations, businesses, governments,
and transnational institutions is to be guided and assessed.
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PRINCIPLES
I. RESPECT AND CARE FOR THE COMMUNITY OF LIFE 1. Respect Earth
and life in all its diversity. a. Recognize that all beings are
interdependent and every form of life has value regardless of its
worth to human beings. b. Affirm faith in the inherent dignity of
all human beings and in the intellectual, artistic, ethical, and
spiritual potential of humanity. 2. Care for the community of life
with understanding, compassion, and love. a. Accept that with the
right to own, manage, and use natural resources comes the duty to
prevent environmental harm and to protect the rights of people. b.
Affirm that with increased freedom, knowledge, and power comes
increased responsibility to promote the common good.
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II. ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY
5. Protect and restore the integrity of Earth's ecological
systems, with special concern for biological diversity and the
natural processes that sustain life. a. Adopt at all levels
sustainable development plans and regulations that make
environmental conservation and rehabilitation integral to all
development initiatives. b. Establish and safeguard viable nature
and biosphere reserves, including wild lands and marine areas, to
protect Earth's life support systems, maintain biodiversity, and
preserve our natural heritage. c. Promote the recovery of
endangered species and ecosystems. d. Control and eradicate
non-native or genetically modified organisms harmful to native
species and the environment, and prevent introduction of such
harmful organisms. e. Manage the use of renewable resources such as
water, soil, forest products, and marine life in ways that do not
exceed rates of regeneration and that protect the health of
ecosystems. f. Manage the extraction and use of non-renewable
resources such as minerals and fossil fuels in ways that minimize
depletion and cause no serious environmental damage.
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