AsiaOne’s New Green Vanguard: EarthOne
Ever feel like the planet is doing too much and we’re doing too little? AsiaOne thought so, and that’s why they’ve launched EarthOne, a fresh section devoted to all things eco‑friendly. Think of it as your daily dose of environmental chic – science‑backed, planet‑loving content that’ll keep you both informed and inspired.
Dover Forest: A Tale of Two Halves
Picture a 33‑hectare slice of Singapore’s green lungs—formerly just another patch in the sprawling landscape of Queenstown—now being split into a development zone and a conservation zone. That’s the story of Dover Forest.
The East (Developable)
- 11 ha earmarked for public housing, with plans kicking off in the late summer of next year.
- The housing block will be built sensitively, ensuring it fits into the natural rhythm of the area.
- We’re talking 5 ha of greenery to keep the vibe verdant: a small park, a flowing stream, and a whole lot of tree love.
- Our team has a goal of keeping the spirit of the original forest alive, even as we bring in new residents.
The West (Preserved)
- All 22 ha are put on pause—to be revisited in about ten years.
- Understanding that this side is a biodiversity hotspot, parts of it will transform into nature parks.
- Scientists have put the map out: it serves as a vital wildlife bridge between Bukit Timah and the Southern Ridges.
- We’re not just planting trees; we’re preserving a living corridor that will keep fauna moving freely.
Why the Split?
- The HDB’s original plan wanted the whole site built. The public and scientists were like, “Hold up!”
- Two studies called in: one inventorying wildlife, the other mapping ecological connections. Turns out the western portion was the jewel for biodiversity.
- After hours of talks, Mayor Desmond Lee and his crew said: “Let’s pick the slice that’s most critical for the ecosystem and preserve it for the future.”
Policy and Progress
- The Housing & Development Board (HDB) announced the new plan last December, hinting at Build‑To‑Order flats coming in that same year.
- Desmond Lee revealed the decision at a media event: “We’re balancing immediate housing demands with long‑term stewardship.”
- We’re already “guarding the ground” by carving out green corridors and hooking local forests into a more extensive network of protected land.
- As Min Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple’s Professor of Conservation highlighted, “Scientific triage is our best bet—choose which half to protect when budgets force us to split the green.”
⭐ Final Takeaways
If you’ve ever wondered how Singapore is trying to mix bits of home with bits of habitat, Dover Forest is the place to watch. The balanced approach ensures:
- Immediate housing for roughly 2,700 residents. (Based on typical density projections.)
- Long‑term protection of a green corridor that could keep more wildlife alive.
- Setting a precedent for future projects—potentially making “eco‑first” a standard in urban planning.
So next time you’re scrolling through EarthOne, keep an eye on Dover Forest. It’s a living case study of how a city can grow without outgrowing its green roots.
Environmental Issues Covered by HDB and the Ministry of National Development
First Published in The Straits Times
Permission Required for Reproduction
- HDB initiatives and their impact on the environment
- Policies from the Ministry of National Development focused on sustainability
- Upcoming projects under the EarthOne umbrella
