Singapore’s lush greenery and diverse wildlife are integral to our national identity, yet with each passing year, we witness an alarming reduction in our forest land. This is deeply personal to me, as I have seen firsthand the diminishing natural spaces around NTU, Jalan Bahar and Tengah area. Each visit to these areas is a precious retreat into nature, a reminder of what Singapore stands to lose if we do not take action now.

The 52 hectares of forest and streams surrounding NTU and Jalan Bahar are more than just patches of green; they are home to globally endangered species such as the Sunda Pangolin, straw-headed Bulbul, and leopard cats. These species represent not only Singapore's rich biodiversity but also our commitment to safeguarding the future of our planet. Yet, the proposed development of a business park threatens to encroach upon these precious habitats.

We have already lost the Tengah forest (700 hectares) and also the entire Dover forest (33 hectares). The Tengah project promised to be a "Forest Town", with a 100m wide forest corridor as a mitigation effort for wildlife preservation. Anyone who visits Tengah estate will see that all the mitigation efforts has fallen short of expectations, and what has been destroyed is irrecoverable. 

As we witness the relentless march of concrete jungles replacing natural beauty, it becomes ever more vital for us to preserve what little forested land remains. We believe there are alternative areas that could be redeveloped to accommodate the business park, sparing the lush greenery around NTU and Jalan Bahar. It is crucial that the government demonstrates a greater commitment to conservation efforts, prioritizing the protection and rejuvenation of our natural environments.

In this critical juncture, we urge the government and key stakeholders to halt the encroachment and destruction of these forests. We ask for a comprehensive review of the proposed development plans with an emphasis on sustainable and ecologically friendly alternatives.

Our forests are not simply resources to be used, but vital ecosystems that maintain the delicate balance of our environment. They bolster air quality, act as carbon sinks, and are reservoirs of biodiversity that we should strive to protect for future generations.

Join us in calling upon the authorities to prioritize ecological sustainability and preservation. Sign this petition to help save the forest around NTU and Jalan Bahar. Together, we can protect our heritage and ensure that Singapore remains a sanctuary for both its wildlife and its people.