Mandai: Balancing Development and Nature
This Urban Systems Study describes how inter‑agency planning, public engagement with stakeholders like nature groups, and the efforts of the private sector helped to mitigate impacts on the nearby Central Catchment Nature Reserve.
Last updated 12 June 2026
Mandai: Balancing Development and Nature
The development of Mandai Wildlife Reserve is an example of Singapore’s broader challenge of balancing the use of its limited land resources with the need to also protect its nature reserves. The five‑decade evolution of Mandai’s wildlife attractions—from the Singapore Zoo to newer developments like the Bird Paradise and Rainforest Wild Adventure—is a journey of how leisure, education, and tourism objectives were pursued alongside environmental commitments.
This Urban Systems Study describes how inter‑agency planning, public engagement with stakeholders like nature groups, and the efforts of the private sector helped to mitigate impacts on the nearby Central Catchment Nature Reserve. It also underscores the importance of collaborative, science‑based approaches in achieving development goals while protecting natural ecosystems.
“Mandai will offer a truly distinctive nature experience. It will give visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature and wildlife in a wide variety of ways. And it will become a leading destination for nature both in Singapore and throughout the region.
We hope in time to come, Mandai will be a place where Singaporeans and tourists alike can get up close with nature; learn about our rich biodiversity and conservation efforts. And importantly, create many more new and fond memories here.”
Lawrence Wong, then Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance