Mandatory Elements of NParks Biodiversity Impact Assessment Guidelines, Justification for Deviations, Independence of Compliance Reviews and Strengthening Mandatory Requirements

Miss Rachel Ong asked the Minister for National Development (a) which elements of NParks' Biodiversity Impact Assessment (BIA) Guidelines are mandatory, if any; (b) how deviations are justified and assessed; (c) who reviews BIA adequacy and compliance with mitigation and monitoring measures; (d) whether such reviews are independent of developers and consultants; and (e) whether the Government will consider making key elements mandatory.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: Under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) framework, where an EIA is required, developers must consult relevant technical agencies on the scope of the EIA. Developers and their appointed consultants also conduct targeted engagements with nature groups and technical experts to seek input on the scope and findings of the studies

To provide developers and industry professionals with greater clarity on how to assess the impact of development works on biodiversity, the Biodiversity Impact Assessment (BIA) guidelines were published in 2020 and updated in May 2024. The National Parks Board works closely with the developers and their appointed consultants to review the adequacy of biodiversity studies, drawing reference from the BIA guidelines and taking into account the feedback from the nature groups and relevant stakeholders.