Indonesia’s contested land reclamation projects

Bali Plastic Pollution

There are more than 15 planned reclamation projects across Indonesia, including a $3 billion project to build artificial islands in the middle of Benoa Bay in Bali. This proposed reclamation has spawned one of the largest environmental movements in Indonesia’s history.

Indonesia’s Protest Generation And Biggest Punk Band Are Fighting Land Reclamation

The protest, last summer, was just the latest surrounding a planned development that will “reclaim” 700-plus hectares of land from Benoa Bay, and its adjacent mangrove swamps, at the eastern end of Bali’s international airport, to create a number of Dubai-esque islands, hosting villas, luxury hotels, a golf course, and possibly even an amusement park.

Jurong Island Reclamation Works Set for March 15

Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has informed the shipping, harbour craft and pleasure craft communities in Singapore’s waters that the reclamation of Jurong Island (Phase 4) and construction of jetty off Temasek Fairway will take place from 15 March to 14 August 2013.

Jamaica’s Land Reclamation and Coral reefs Damages

The problem-plagued Historic Falmouth Port has been plunged into a fresh round of controversy as green lobbyists are insisting that 20 hectares of coral and seagrass cover have been damaged due to the development.

Land Reclamation at Rotterdam, Netherlands

The Port of Rotterdam is already Europe’s biggest port, but the Maasvlakte 2 Land Reclamation Project will triple its container capacity in one bold stroke. Stretching 3 miles beyond the former coastline, Maasvlakte 2 will be as large as Midtown and Downtown Manhattan combined.

Indonesian fishermen, activists fear loss of marine life, islands as sea-sand exports resume – South China Morning Post

Panoramic view of Pari Island taken from the east side (by Lucky Christiawan, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia).

The last time dredging vessels came to Rupat Island, the Indonesian island’s coast was pillaged for its sea sand, says fisherman Eriyanto, who saw his income shrivel as the seabed – and the ecosystem it shelters – was scooped up for sale.
Now, the 36-year-old from Suka Damai village fears worse is yet to come, after President Joko Widodo last month lifted a 20-year-old ban on sea-sand exports….

Reclamation: A flawed solution – Beneath the Sands ERC

Centara Three Island Reclamation Project(by Maldives Transport & Contracting Company CC BY-SA 1.0 via Wikimedia).

A deep dive into the rationale behind some of Asia’s reclamation projects, the toll they take on our environment and communities, and the search for more sustainable alternatives.

Reclamation is seen as a solution for countries to deal with increasing land demands, by expanding their territory and rehabilitating previously uninhabitable lands or seas. Yet, the process guzzles an alarming amount of sand, causing massive environmental damage as well as a rise of transnational criminal syndicates trading in illegal sand..