Integrating the Environment in Urban Development: Singapore as a Model of Good Practice

How has Singapore managed rapid economic development while enhancing environmental quality for its citizens? The answer lies in a variety of good practices that the city-state has employed in both environmental planning and management. This working paper begins by reviewing three historical phases of environmental planning on the island. Then, the current approach to environmental management is presented, consisting of regulatory measures, planning controls, economic incentives, and encouragement of public awareness and participation. Next, specific sets of environmental good practice are elaborated in the fields of land use, transportation, water resource management, waste management, environmental health, air pollution control, nature conservation, noise control, and support for environmental businesses and regional co-operation. Finally, challenges for the future are identified and lessons for environmental planning and management are drawn.