Impact on OneMillionTrees Movement When Trees Are Lost from Redevelopment or Infrastructure Works

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether large-scale tree losses from redevelopment or infrastructure works are deducted from the tally of the OneMillionTrees movement; (b) whether campaign success is measured by net canopy cover, biodiversity and ecological connectivity rather than gross planting numbers; (c) whether forest clearances are factored into the targets; and (d) if so, how.

The OneMillionTrees movement was launched in April 2020 to involve the community in planting one million trees across Singapore between 2020 and 2030, to foster greater stewardship of our greenery and nature in Singaporeans.

The movement contributes towards our larger vision of transforming Singapore into a City in Nature, through enhancing existing landscapes and habitats for flora and fauna, and strengthening ecological connectivity between our green spaces. The movement encompasses planting trees in streetscapes, parks and park connectors, nature reserves and nature parks as well as various community and institutional spaces.

Trees planted under the movement are separate from existing greenery replacement measures to offset clearance due to development. These measures include replacement tree planting and increasing greenery and other natural elements in urban areas.