Bangkok’s concrete jungle should take leaf from Asia’s greenest city
It was reported this week that naturalists have discovered almost 150 new species over the years in Singapore.
This represents a triumph of ecological diversity for a densely populated city-state where 100 per cent of the population is urbanised.
Singapore is the greenest city in Asia, according to the Green City Index, and arguably has few competitors in the rest of the world.
The way we seamlessly blend urbanisation with nature could become an example for the rest of the world, including the concrete jungles of Southeast Asia.
Singapore could become a leading centre for research on how nature can be sustained despite rapid development.
As Singapore’s population and economy grew, so did its green cover, from about 36 per cent in the 1980s to 47 per cent now, according to the Centre for Liveable cities.
Especially heartening is the fact that young Singaporeans are leading the charge as volunteers, promoting the importance of appreciating and preserving our green spots.
It appears there is much more in the way of biodiversity to be found here than in any other big city on this planet.
Manoraj Rajathurai
Straits Times/ANN
