THE CHANGING PHYSICAL LANDSCAPE OF THREE SOUTHERN ISLANDS
SEE HUEI HUEI RACHEL
SEE HUEI HUEI RACHEL
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Abstract
This academic exercise examines the different forms and patterns of landuse on three southern islands of Singapore: Sentosa, St Johns and Kusu. The changing landuse over time has altered the physical landscape of these islands periodically.
The physical environment of the islands has provided ideal conditions for the development of the coastal settlements, agriculture, strategic locations for military and other institutional developments, and more recently, for recreational and tourism. Sections of the natural environment, where physical conditions proved to be unfavourable for development, were preserved. The extent of preservation varied depending on the intensity of landuse in the different periods of development.
The forms and intensity of disturbance displayed variations in the different periods with the post 1970 period having the greatest impact on the physical environment. The common forms of anthropogenic disturbance: vegetation clearance and modifications, alterations to the relief and drainage pattern and construction of infrastructure were intensified. In addition, new patterns were introduced, namely reclamation and other associated forms of modifications to the coastline. Consequently, the recent environmental impacts are significantly more complex and serious. At the same time, remnants of the old physical environment survives, mostly preserved for recreation and tourism or because they were not feasible to be developed.
The above scenario is likely to change, following the decision to further intensify the use of the islands for recreational, residential and commercial development. Therefore, considerable insight needs to be given to the utilization and management of the islands’resources, before even more alteration is inflicted on the natural landscape.
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1994
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