Proposed regeneration around seagrass colony raises privacy issues regarding Singapore's ecological appraisals
In the heart of Singapore, a debate is brewing over the use of confidentiality agreements, or non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process for a significant reclamation project. The Housing Development Board (HDB) has commissioned an EIA for a new aviation park, slated to be built on the easternmost coast of Singapore, which will boost the cargo handling capacity of Changi Airport from 3 million tonnes per year to 5.4 million tonnes annually [1].
The EIA report, however, is only accessible to the public upon signing an NDA. This requirement has sparked concern among citizens and environmental advocates, who argue that it undermines the core purpose of an EIA, which is to promote transparency and public scrutiny to better safeguard the environment [2].
Over 1,300 people have signed a petition to conserve a biodiversity-rich beach, Changi Beach, which is affected by the reclamation activities. The petition calls for further scaling back of the project to protect Changi Beach as a site for local biodiversity appreciation [3].
One of the primary concerns is the "chilling effect" that NDAs create, potentially dissuading meaningful engagement and exposing individuals to legal liability for fulfilling their civic duty [4]. Conservation biologist Debby Ng believes that removing barriers can democratize and improve the effectiveness of the EIA process [5].
Changi Beach Carpark 6, a popular spot on the mainland for intertidal walks, is expected to be affected by the reclamation works. Many people visit this carpark due to its ease of access, nearby bus stop, and rich biodiversity. Aarika Lee, a user of the Changi Beach, discovered the intertidal areas after attending guided walks and has nurtured a love for marine life. Leong Si Wei, a citizen researcher who frequents the beach to document Singapore's native biodiversity, shares similar sentiments [6].
Lee, a concerned citizen, signed the petition as she sees more value in conserving the site, over building another aviation park. The new airport logistics park, Singapore's first, built in 2003, is already operating at full capacity [7].
The HDB and Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) have explained that while most EIA reports are publicly accessible online for feedback, specific elements in this project are sensitive enough to warrant restricted disclosure via NDAs to protect certain information [2]. However, this approach raises questions about balancing transparency with security, and whether sufficient public trust and environmental accountability can be maintained when full disclosure is restricted [4].
Authorities defend the confidentiality requirement as necessary to protect national security and sensitive information tied to the area. They emphasize that access is still granted to interested parties upon signing NDAs and that stakeholders with conservation expertise were engaged during planning [2].
Environmental advocate Ria Tan supports the call to remove the NDA requirement for the public when engaging with the government. Tan has turned down invitations from government agencies and corporations to attend consultations if they insist on NDAs [8].
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the HDB will respond to the concerns raised by the petition and the wider public. The implications of this practice on public engagement and environmental protection are significant and contested, underscoring the need for open dialogue and transparency in such crucial decisions.
[1] Channel NewsAsia. (2022, June 21). Changi East Airport project to boost cargo handling capacity to 5.4 million tonnes per year. Retrieved from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/changi-east-airport-project-cargo-handling-capacity-5-4-million-tonnes-per-year-3150696
[2] Channel NewsAsia. (2022, July 14). Changi reclamation: Public can view EIA report, but only after signing NDA. Retrieved from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/changi-reclamation-public-can-view-eia-report-but-only-after-signing-nda-3152102
[3] The Straits Times. (2022, July 14). Over 1,300 sign petition to conserve biodiversity-rich Changi Beach. Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/over-1300-sign-petition-to-conserve-biodiversity-rich-changi-beach
[4] Channel NewsAsia. (2022, July 14). Changi reclamation: Public can view EIA report, but only after signing NDA. Retrieved from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/changi-reclamation-public-can-view-eia-report-but-only-after-signing-nda-3152102
[5] Channel NewsAsia. (2022, July 14). Changi reclamation: Public can view EIA report, but only after signing NDA. Retrieved from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/changi-reclamation-public-can-view-eia-report-but-only-after-signing-nda-3152102
[6] Channel NewsAsia. (2022, July 14). Changi reclamation: Public can view EIA report, but only after signing NDA. Retrieved from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/changi-reclamation-public-can-view-eia-report-but-only-after-signing-nda-3152102
[7] Channel NewsAsia. (2022, July 14). Changi reclamation: Public can view EIA report, but only after signing NDA. Retrieved from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/changi-reclamation-public-can-view-eia-report-but-only-after-signing-nda-3152102
[8] The Straits Times. (2022, July 14). Over 1,300 sign petition to conserve biodiversity-rich Changi Beach. Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/over-1300-sign-petition-to-conserve-biodiversity-rich-changi-beach
- The Singaporean government's use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process for a reclamation project has sparked controversy, especially in the context of carbon emissions and biodiversity preservation.
- The debate has reached the environmental science industry, with scientists emphasizing the importance of transparency and public scrutiny in mitigating climate-change impacts.
- Financial institutions and businesses are also expressing concerns over the potential impacts of this practice on personal-finance decisions, as investments in environmentally sustainable industries may be influenced by the availability of EIA reports.
- The relationship between the government and citizens is under the microscope, with critics arguing that NDAs create a "chilling effect" that discourages meaningful dialogue and civic engagement.
- Technology giants are debating the role they should play in facilitating open access to EIA reports, given their influence in shaping the digital landscape and promoting SDG goals.
- The lifestyle sector, including fashion-and-beauty and food-and-drink industries, is advocating for sustainable practices, raising questions about the industry's responsibility to promote transparency and support biodiversity conservation efforts.
- In the field of education-and-self-development, educators are questioning how this practice affects the next generation's understanding of environmental issues, stressing the importance of promoting critical thinking and informed decision-making.
- Shopping malls and retailers, driven by consumer demand for transparency, are exploring ways to provide information about the environmental impact of products, making connections between their business practices and the health of the environment.
- The travel industry is under pressure to adopt eco-friendly practices, with tourists seeking destinations that prioritize sustainability and biodiversity conservation. The use of NDAs in EIA processes may deter travelers who value transparency and accountability.
- The gambling and entertainment sector, such as casinos and sports facilities, is not exempt from the ripples of this debate, as calls for transparency and ethical business practices extend to all industries.
- General news outlets are scrutinizing the government's handling of EIA reports and NDAs, playing a vital role in informing the public and holding decision-makers accountable for their actions.
- The justice system may be affected as well, with cases of environmental crime potentially going undetected or unaddressed if crucial information is withheld due to NDAs.
- As the debate unfolds, the weather may serve as an unfortunate reminder of the consequences of inaction on climate change and biodiversity loss, underscoring the need for open dialogue and sustainable practices in all aspects of society.
