NParks to Grow 100,000 Corals in Singapore’s Marine Environment in 2024

Minister for National Development Desmond Lee announced on Monday, June 19, that the National Parks Board (NParks) in Singapore will grow and introduce 100,000 corals into the country’s marine environment. The initiative aims to improve marine biodiversity and will be launched in 2024.

In collaboration with St. John’s Island National Marine Laboratory and Friends of Marine Park, the project will span over the next decade and initially focus on developing Singapore’s capacity for coral cultivation.

“By restoring existing reefs and establishing new ones, we will substantially improve the resilience of coral populations in Singapore’s waters. In turn, they will support a thriving ecosystem of marine life,” Lee said during the 5th Asia-Pacific Coral Reef Symposium (APCRS).

According to Lee, NParks will expand existing coral nurseries and explore new methods to promote coral growth before scaling up transplanting efforts.

The restoration and conservation project is the largest of its kind in Singapore and will be carried out in phases. NParks is currently identifying degraded reef areas, particularly the deeper parts, to target for enhancement.

NParks, a statutory board under the Ministry of National Development, is responsible for overseeing the management, improvement, and advancement of Singapore’s green areas, parks, and nature reserves.