Singapore, roughly the size of New York City, said in July it was looking to clear two-thirds of the 23-hectare (57-acre) Maju Forest, an expanse of green in the island's west, to build more public housing.
The announcement triggered an outcry.
More than 49,000 people signed two petitions, urging the government to build on brownfield land, such as golf courses and former commercial and institutional sites, and redevelop older public housing estates at higher densities. More than 700 residents signed a letter to their member of parliament urging Maju Forest to be saved. On Sunday, about 2,000 people joined a rally to show their support for nature and biodiversity, organizers said.
A view of the skyline in Singapore, Sept. 17, 2024. Photo by Reuters
"Stop spending the land (Singapore) can never get back," read one of the petitions.
