Understanding Singapore's Land Reclamation Activities

Land reclamation, or the creation of land by filling in bodies of water, is a significant practice in Singapore's urban planning and development. This article seeks to explore the justifications for Singapore's land reclamation activities, particularly in the context of international waters, and whether such reclamation extends the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

What Is Land Reclamation?

Land reclamation involves the conversion of water bodies into land for various purposes such as expanding urban areas, developing new real estates, and enhancing agricultural productivity. Singapore, being a small island nation, relies heavily on land reclamation to meet its growing population's demands for space and infrastructure.

Land Reclamation in Singapore

Singapore has been actively engaged in land reclamation projects since the early 1960s, converting vast areas of sea into usable land. These projects have been instrumental in the city-state's rapid urbanization and development over the decades. According to Singapore's Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), the total land reclamation area as of 2021 stands at around 30,000 hectares, contributing significantly to the country's land area.

International Waters and Territorial Jurisdiction

International waters refer to areas of the ocean beyond national jurisdiction. Under international law, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), coastal states can claim certain maritime zones to which they have sovereign rights and jurisdiction. The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is one such maritime zone that extends up to 200 nautical miles (approximately 370 kilometers) from the baseline of the coast of a state.

Singapore and Its Territorial Waters

Singapore is an island nation surrounded entirely by territorial waters of other nations where it does not have direct access to international waters. Consequently, most of Singapore's land reclamation activities occur within its own territorial waters, including its territorial seas, contiguous zone, and EEZ.

Joint Ventures and Reclamation

One of the notable joint ventures involving land reclamation is the proposed project between Singapore and Malaysia. This collaboration aims to create more land between the two countries without necessitating mutual justification. Should the project proceed, it would benefit both nations by enhancing their land capabilities and potentially addressing shared infrastructure challenges. However, the reclamation would still occur within each nation's territorial waters and not in international waters.

Legal Aspects and Extending EEZ

The justification for land reclamation in Singapore primarily stems from two legal aspects: urban development and the expansion of land area. While these reclamation activities within territorial seas can influence the overall land area utilized, they do not automatically extend the EEZ beyond the existing 200 nautical miles stipulated by UNCLOS. The EEZ is calculated based on the territorial sea, which in Singapore's case is its own coastal area and internal waters.

Conclusion and Future Implications

In conclusion, Singapore's land reclamation activities are justifiable under international law, primarily as part of its sovereign rights within territorial waters. These projects do not extend the country's EEZ beyond the 200 nautical miles stipulated by UNCLOS. The balance between urban development and maritime space management is crucial for the sustainable growth and development of Singapore while respecting international legal frameworks.