Petition urges protection of Woodlands N1 forest for biodiversity conservation

The Woodlands Botanical Garden (WBG) has initiated a petition to conserve the Woodlands N1 forest, calling on President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to designate the area as a protected biodiversity site.

The forest, which boasts exceptional species density, is threatened by potential housing developments under consideration by the Housing and Development Board (HDB). The public consultation for the proposed development will close on 10 December 2024.

The petition, published on Change.org on 4 December 2024, highlights the ecological significance of the 7.27-hectare site.

A recent Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) revealed that the forest supports 195 plant species, including 10 with conservation significance, as well as 95 fauna species.

Among its inhabitants is the Common Birdwing butterfly (Troides helena cerberus), Singapore’s largest and only internationally protected butterfly. The butterfly’s survival in the region is closely tied to the Dutchman’s Pipe plant, which is abundant in Woodlands N1.

The forest is not only a haven for native species but also a critical transit point for migratory birds and an essential ecological link to Malaysia.

Public concern has grown over the pace of forest clearing in Singapore, following recent developments at Dover Forest and Kranji Woodland.

Unique biodiversity under threat

The petition underscores the unique biodiversity of the Woodlands N1 forest. Despite its modest size, the forest outpaces larger sites like Dover Forest in species density.

According to WBG, it hosts nearly ten times the density of flora and up to six times the density of fauna compared to other forested areas studied.

“This forest patch is a linchpin for biodiversity in northern Singapore,” the petition states, urging action to prioritise the preservation of habitats like Woodlands N1. WBG argues that the forest’s ecological value far exceeds the benefits of its development for housing.

Community-driven conservation efforts

WBG’s conservation advocacy stems from its grassroots initiatives to protect the Common Birdwing butterfly. Since 2022, WBG has worked to sustain a population of this vulnerable species by planting its host plant, the Dutchman’s Pipe, through a citizen project that attracted significant community participation.

Despite WBG’s efforts, the organisation asserts that the butterfly’s survival hinges on the preservation of Woodlands N1. “If this forest is destroyed, the remaining population will be left in a precarious state,” WBG emphasised in the petition.

Balancing development and conservation

The EIA conducted for Woodlands N1 identified significant biodiversity impacts, with species near construction areas at greatest risk.

The report recommends preserving 90% of the native-dominated secondary forest and implementing a 15-metre buffer zone to mitigate habitat loss. HDB has also pledged to salvage and transplant rare flora where feasible.

However, WBG remains sceptical about the sufficiency of these measures, pointing to past oversights, such as the unauthorised clearing of 4.5 hectares of Kranji Woodland.

The petition criticises Singapore’s approach to urban development, which it claims has prioritised construction over conservation.

“Singapore’s natural heritage makes us unique, and we must take concrete steps to protect it,” the petition reads. It also highlights the symbolic importance of protecting Woodlands N1 to demonstrate Singapore’s commitment to being a “City in Nature.”

Call to action

WBG has urged the public to participate in the consultation process before the 10 December 2024 deadline.

The petition implores President Tharman and policymakers to act decisively, stating, “To conserve Woodlands N1 forest is to show how serious we are about balancing urban development with nature.”

The petition concludes with a heartfelt plea from WBG: “As Singaporeans, we must protect the biodiversity paradise that is Woodlands N1. Let us ensure our natural heritage endures for future generations.”

For more information, read the full EIA report, view the Change.org petition, or submit your input via the HDB feedback form.