BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
Protecting Biodiversity And Natural Habitats
2022 has fast-tracked international recognition of the interconnectedness of all ecosystems and protection of biodiversity in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. In December 2022, CDL kickstarted a review of our Biodiversity Policy, closely following international developments such as the launch of a Global Biodiversity Framework1 and industry consultations for disclosure frameworks like the Task Force for Nature-related Financial Disclosures. Our Biodiversity Policy is dedicated to promoting biodiversity protection and urban greenery across our operations, and complements Singapore’s “City in Nature” vision. It also takes reference from national frameworks, such as the Biodiversity Impact Assessment (BIA) guidelines introduced by URA and National Parks Board (NParks) in October 2020.
CDL remains steadfast in upholding our longstanding commitment to minimising and mitigating the impact of our developments on natural habitats and protecting wildlife biodiversity. With increasing international consensus that climate and biodiversity issues should be viewed as one, CDL’s Future Value 2030 Sustainability Blueprint, which is aligned with the UN SDGs, includes Goal 15: Life on Land.
In Singapore, all land use is controlled and allocated by the URA, which ensures quality living, development, and sustainability of Singapore’s existing green landscape. CDL’s development projects are housed within the land allocated by URA and hence, none of our projects are located in protected areas.
Urban greenery and landscaping are hallmarks of CDL’s developments. All of CDL’s new residential developments devote more site area for landscaping and communal facilities than mandatory softscape requirements. Since 2010, CDL has been voluntarily conducting BIA2 on greenfield sites before construction where applicable, and environmental mitigation measures are undertaken where necessary. In 2022, there were no sites located within or adjacent to protected areas. There was therefore no material biodiversity risk identified.
#OnlyOneEarth: Palais Renaissance Planted 500 Trees in the “Palais Forest”
on World Environment Day 2022
Visit https://bit.ly/palaisforest to view the Palais Forest map.
Palais Renaissance, an exclusive retail mall on Orchard Road owned and managed by CDL, launched Palais Forest, a consumer-focused initiative to plant 500 trees in a Sumatra reforestation project in partnership with eco-tech company Green Steps Group. The eco-campaign aims to give shoppers the chance to give back to the environment, whilst helping to take climate action (SDG 13). The Palais Forest campaign ran in conjunction with World Environment Day. In line with the theme, “Only One Earth”, Palais Renaissance’s efforts supports Green Steps’ goal to protect and heal the Earth through its reforestation initiative.
1 | Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) met at COP15 to determine the post-2020 global biodiversity framework, which is meant as a global strategy for jointly safeguarding nature and securing our common future. IUCN Issues Brief, November 2022. |
2 | BIA determines if any plant or animal of national conservation importance exists at the intended development site. |