Marine community fears loss of biodiversity hotspot to proposed western island development
Singaporean marine conservationists are expressing concern over government plans to develop a cluster of islands west of the country. The Ministry of National Development has pledged to conduct environmental and technical studies to assess the impact on biodiversity before proceeding.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing tension between urban development needs and the preservation of critical marine biodiversity hotspots.
The government says it recognises the biodiversity value of the western islands and will conduct technical studies, including environmental assessments, before development plans proceed.
Divers at Pulau Hantu, which sits amid several islands that could be merged. (Photos: Cuddlefish Divers)
Fabian Koh 25 Aug 2026 11:15AM (Updated: 25 Aug 2026 11:20AM) Bookmark Bookmark Share WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Email LinkedIn Set CNA as your preferred source on Google Add CNA as a trusted source to help Google better understand and surface our content in search results. Read a summary of this article on FAST. Get bite-sized news via a new cards interface. Give it a try. Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST FAST SINGAPORE: Local marine conservation advocates and recreational divers have raised concerns over development plans for a cluster of islands west of Singapore, including one of the country's most popular dive sites.
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