Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Biodiversity Conservation in Singapore
Introduction
In Singapore, there is a growing concern about the impact of building and development projects on the environment. To address this issue, a biodiversity specialist named Mr Ashley Welch, along with his colleagues from infrastructure consulting firm Aecom and partners from biodiversity consultancy Camphora, have developed the Singapore Biodiversity Accounting Metric. This free online calculator aims to estimate the amount of biodiversity that may be lost from planned building projects.
The Singapore Biodiversity Accounting Metric
The Singapore Biodiversity Accounting Metric is a spreadsheet-based tool that assigns tangible numerical values to habitats and green spaces. By considering parameters such as habitat type, size, condition, ecological importance, and replaceability, the tool calculates the value of a particular habitat or land area. The ecological importance parameter, also known as distinctiveness, is scored from zero to eight, with eight indicating high ecological importance. The tool also provides recommendations for rare habitats or secondary forests dominated by native species, advising users to avoid disturbing them.
The value of each land area is represented as numerical biodiversity units, and post-development scenarios are shown as percentages of biodiversity gains or losses. This metric encourages developers to prioritize nature by avoiding encroachment on high-value habitats and minimizing biodiversity loss.
Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The Singapore Biodiversity Accounting Metric aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. These goals include Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, Goal 14: Life Below Water, and Goal 15: Life on Land. By providing developers with a tool to assess the biodiversity impact of their projects, the metric promotes sustainable urban development, conservation of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and the protection of biodiversity.
Recommendations for Sustainable Development
While the Singapore Biodiversity Accounting Metric can help mitigate biodiversity loss, it is important to acknowledge the limited land space in Singapore. In cases where forested land and vegetation must be cleared for development, proposed projects should prioritize nature by incorporating measures to reduce environmental impact, enhance or restore degraded habitats, and introduce urban greenery. This approach aims to limit biodiversity loss and create a more sustainable built environment.
By using the metric during the master planning stage or alongside environmental impact assessments and field surveys, developers and agencies can make informed decisions that consider the complexity of nature. This tool encourages a more holistic approach to development, where the value of biodiversity is recognized and efforts are made to minimize its loss.
Conclusion
The Singapore Biodiversity Accounting Metric is a valuable tool for promoting sustainable development and biodiversity conservation in Singapore. By assigning numerical values to habitats and green spaces, developers are incentivized to prioritize nature and minimize biodiversity loss. This metric aligns with the SDGs and encourages a more environmentally conscious approach to urban development. As Singapore continues to face limited land space, it is crucial to prioritize nature and incorporate measures to protect and enhance biodiversity in all development projects.
For more information and to access the Singapore Biodiversity Accounting Metric, please visit this website.
Related Metrics
In addition to the Singapore Biodiversity Accounting Metric, there are other metrics available for assessing biodiversity in different environments. For example, the marine environment has its own metric called EBM BioQ, developed by the environment consultancy DHI Group. These metrics contribute to a comprehensive understanding of biodiversity and support sustainable development efforts.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
SDG 15: Life on Land |
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SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities |
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Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 15: Life on Land and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:
– Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
– Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
– Target 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries.
– Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article mentions two indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
– Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area.
– Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
SDG 15: Life on Land |
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SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities |
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Source: straitstimes.com
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