Can we do more for our Mangroves?

In a research paper titled "Mangrove conservation in Singapore: A physical or a psychological impossibility?" published in 2000, author Liow Lee Hsiang argues that mangrove conservation in Singapore is largely inadequate. She argues that this is due to a lack of public awareness on mangroves in Singapore. Moreover, mangroves have been undervalued in terms of their intrinsic and practical values. Liow highlights the sheer lack of scientific baseline data on mangroves, and hence a general lack of interest in this area.

14 years down the road, in 2014, can we say much has changed? A quick Google Scholar search of "mangroves in Singapore" yielded 9,630 results, and is some evidence of studies on mangroves in Singapore. Yet, has this translated into policy changes to protect mangroves?

While Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve remains a nature reserve, there is still a dismal lack of work done to conserve other mangroves in Singapore. The neighbouring Mandai mudflats may not be as well-known as Sungei Buloh, but it is home to the largest concentration of horseshoe crabs in the world, as well as two-thirds of Singapore's mangrove species (Chua, 2013). Yet, there is no legal protection for the site, and it is listed as a reserve site by the government. This means that the site could be used for future development, and we could risk losing more of our biodiversity there!

Why is it that despite the increase in studies on mangroves and the increasing clarity on the value of mangroves in Singapore, there is still so little being done to save them? Perhaps it is not a lack of awareness as Liow posits; rather it is the lack of political willpower to save mangroves, given so many competing demands for land and resources. Yet I wouldn't blame the government for all of this - after all, policies are somewhat a reflection of what the people want. I think we need to see ourselves as a part of nature and not separate from it, before people would be willing to do anything at all for the environment.

References:
Chua, G., 2013. Calls to save Mandai site that's rich in biodiversity. The Straits Times, 7 October 2013. URL: http://www.straitstimes.com/the-big-story/case-you-missed-it/story/calls-save-mandai-site-thats-rich-biodiversity-20131011 (accessed on 28 Sep 2014)

Liow L. H., 2000. Mangrove conservation in Singapore: A physical or a psychological impossibility?. Biodiversity and Conservation, 9: 309-332.