NEA-MediaCorp Semakau Run

National Environment Agency launches a commemorative book to celebrate Semakau Landfill’s 10th Anniversary

To mark the 10th anniversary of Singapore’s only offshore landfill, NEA launched a commemorative book, entitled “ Habitats in Harmony:

The Story of Semakau Landfill” on 8 August 2009. The 120-page book, was unveiled by Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources at NEA’s 3rd Semakau Run, which aims to raise funds in support of the work of environmental and charity groups.





The book, which took nine months to complete, is NEA’s first chronology of the natural history and development of Semakau Landfill. It provides an insight into the planning, design and construction of the world’s first-of-its-kind offshore landfill, as well as Singapore’s waste management strategies.



It also showcases the success of NEA in striking a harmonious balance between managing the country’s disposal needs and preserving the natural habitats on the landfill. More than 780 species of plants and
animals can be found in five natural habitats of Semakau, namely: the mangroves, grasslands, seagrass meadows, inter-tidal reef flats and coral reefs.



In addition, more than 100 rare or threatened species have been found at Semakau Landfill. These include some found nowhere else in Singapore. During the making of the book, surveys on the landfill discovered two butterfly species – the Two-spotted Line Blue and Pale Palm Dart – that are new records for Singapore.


Hypolycaena Thecloides



Knobbly Sea Star


Great-billed Heron


Fiddler Crab

“To conserve this rich biodiversity and prolong the lifespan of our
only landfill, it is important that everyone plays their part to
minimise the waste to be disposed of by practising the 3Rs - Reduce,
Reuse and Recycle,” said Mr. Andrew Tan, CEO of NEA.

The commemorative book is priced at S$24.90, and is available at the
NEA’s Customer Service Centre on Level 2 of the Environment Building
and Semakau Landfill. Visitwww.nea.gov.sgfor a preview or download
amazing pictures that are featured in the book.