A groundbreaking ceremony was held last week for the development of Eco-Link@BKE, the first ecological corridor in Southeast Asia.
Part of Singapore’s efforts to conserve biodiversity in its urban landscape, the Eco-Link will connect the country’s two largest nature reserves, the Central Catchment and Bukit Timah nature reserves.
“These two nature reserves have been separated by the BKE for more than 20 years. When completed, the Eco-Link will enable animals, birds and insects to move freely along the connecting bridge, allowing for the effective exchange of native plant and animal genetic materials between the two nature reserves,” said Minister of State for National Development and Manpower, Tan Chuan-Jin.
Set to be completed in December 2013, the S$17-million Eco-Link@BKE will join the two high points on the opposite slopes of the nature reserves. Visitors will be able to enjoy guided walks upon its completion, while enabling wildlife to move freely and allow the effective exchange of native plant and animal genetic materials.
“This is something we will track to see in terms of wildlife, fauna, flora, insects and so on,” said Tan.
He noted that while it is still early, they are now exploring the idea of creating more linkages, such as connecting Bukit Batok Nature Park to the Bukit Timah Nature Reserves.
“We are looking at other potential projects as well but they can take many different forms – sometimes even a narrow strip, like for small birds. They don’t need huge strips, they just need plants along the way and they can flit from tree to tree,” he said.
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