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The Singapore Greening Vision is a nation-wide long-term urban sustainability plan aimed at bringing greenery into the developed environment. The policy, initially referred to as the "Garden City" vision, sought to enhance living conditions within the city through the presence of greenery and a clean environment.^[1]

The policy subsequently evolved into the "City in a Garden" vision which redesigned Singapore as a city integrated into a garden. The vision focused on nature conservation, park connectivity, and neighbourhood participation in greenifying spaces.^[2] Initiatives implemented included the development of park connectors, nature parks, and public green spaces with the purpose of integrating nature into urban spaces.^[2]

The greening policy is now moving towards the “City in Nature” vision under the Singapore Green Plan 2030.^[2] The approach aims to extend the restoration of nature into urban environments and enhance urban green space continuity while addressing challenges related to climate change.^[2] Singapore’s efforts in urban greening have received international recognition, though some observers have noted the distinction between managed greenery and natural conservation.

The "Garden City" vision was introduced by then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew on 11th May 1967, with the objective of transforming Singapore into a city filled with greenery and a clean environment.^[1] The initiative was intended to improve the quality of life of its residents while presenting Singapore as a well-organized and attractive destination for visitors and foreign investment. It was predicted that a green and litter-free environment would contribute to Singapore's economic growth and social progress.^[3]

The initial phase of the "Garden City" vision involved a tree-planting program, led by the Parks and Trees Division to establish tree-lined streets and bring greenery to the city.^[4] Inspired by observations of tree-lined boulevards in cities abroad, Lee Kuan Yew directed efforts to green Singapore and integrate plants into urban infrastructure.^[3][5] By the end of 1970, over 55,000 new trees had been planted.^[6]

To sustain momentum, Tree Planting Day was restarted in 1971 as an annual event, encouraging participation from students, grassroots leaders, and residents.^[7] In 1975, the Parks and Trees Act was enacted to mandate government agencies such as the Housing and Development Board (HDB) and the Jurong Town Corporation (JTC), as well as private developers, to set aside space for greenery in new developments.^[8] The spaces included housing estates, roads, and car parks.

By the mid-1970s, creation of parks became a key focus of the "Garden City" initiative. The program sought to create recreational spaces for residents and build green spaces for ventilation in built-up areas.^[9] The Parks and Recreation Department, formed in 1976 replacing the Parks and Trees Division, oversaw the expansion of parks and green spaces. By March 2014, the total area of parks and green spaces had increased from 879 ha in 1975 to 9,707 ha. In the same period, the number of parks also grew from 13 to 330.^[10]

In the 1990s, various efforts were made to enrich the "Garden City" initiative. The Parks and Recreation Department was reconstituted into the National Parks Board (NParks) in July 1996.^[4] The change marked a shift towards greater urban greenery management. Park connectors were developed linking different parks and nature reserves were established to safeguard Singapore’s natural heritage.^[11] Community campaigns, such as the Clean and Green Week and Community in Bloom, were launched to encourage public participation in greening initiatives.^[12] In 1998, Singapore officially introduced the "City in a Garden" vision as the next phase of its greening policy.^[13]

During the 2000s and 2010s, Singapore evolved from a "Garden City" to a biophilic "City in a Garden."^[14] The main elements of the vision included a city seamlessly integrated within a large garden rather than one with gardens scattered throughout the urban landscape.^[14] A key component of this vision was the development of world-class gardens.

Singapore is home to two prominent gardens: the Singapore Botanic Gardens, founded in 1859, and Gardens by the Bay, opened in 2012. The Singapore Botanic Gardens has received international recognition, including Time Magazine’s “Asia’s Best Urban Jungle” award and a three-star rating by the Michelin Green Guide.^[2] In July 2015, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.^[15]

Gardens by the Bay, on the other hand, showcases advancements in horticulture, beautiful gardens and plant species, further reinforcing Singapore’s commitment to its greening initiatives.^[2]

Singapore's shift from a "City in a Garden" to a "City in Nature" is guided by the Singapore Green Plan 2030. The Singapore Green Plan 2030 is a national initiative aimed at tackling the global challenge of climate change and building a sustainable future.^[16] The transformation into a City in Nature is guided by five key strategies: the extension of nature park networks, intensifying greenery in gardens and parks, restoring nature into the urban environment, strengthening connections between green spaces and improving animal welfare management.^[17] These efforts are overseen by NParks, which collaborates with various stakeholders, including governmental agencies, businesses, and community organizations.

Singapore’s four nature reserves, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Central Catchment Nature Reserve, Labrador Nature Reserve, and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve serve as the country’s major ecosystems.^[17] To protect these reserves from the impacts of urbanization, NParks is committed to expanding Singapore's network of nature parks. As part of this plan, 200 hectares of new nature parks are set to be established by 2030.^[18] The nature parks will act as buffer zones and provide complementary habitats for local plants and animals.^[18] These parks also serve as recreational spaces for the public while minimizing human impact on nature reserves.

The development of parks and gardens are incorporating nature-based designs and an increasingly diverse selection of native plant species, aiming to emulate Singapore’s natural forests. This approach enhances biodiversity and allows visitors to experience a more natural environment.^[19] Additionally, therapeutic environments are being introduced to support individuals with mental and physical health conditions, and nature playgardens are being developed to encourage children to connect with nature through play and exploration.^[19]

Singapore has been incorporating greenery into the built environment through initiatives such as skyrise greenery, including vertical gardens and rooftop gardens, softening urban infrastructure and improving the air quality.^[17] NParks is also working to increase natural shade in industrial estates, with the goal of tripling the number of trees to reduce urban heat and enhance the aesthetic nature of these areas.^[19]

To enhance connectivity, multi-tiered planting along roads known as Nature Ways, is being implemented to create a forest-like environment that links various green spaces.^[2] This initiative is to cool urban streets and improve the comfort of pedestrians. The Park Connector Network is also being expanded to ensure more communities have direct access to green spaces.^[2]

Animals play an integral role in Singapore’s ecosystem and community life. Companion animals provide social and emotional benefits, while wildlife contributes to biodiversity and ecological balance.^[17] The Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), a division under the National Parks Board (NParks) is responsible for ensuring the health, welfare, and management of both domesticated animals and wildlife in urban environments.^[17]

The City in Nature initiative is supported by various community programs that promote public participation. The Friends of the Parks initiative encourages community involvement in management of parks. Other programs, such as the Community in Nature initiative and the OneMillionTrees movement, aim to conserve and enhance Singapore’s green spaces through tree planting and habitat restoration.^[2] The Community in Bloom program further encourages participation in urban gardening among residents.

Community in Nature (CIN) is a national initiative in Singapore aimed at engaging the public in the conservation of the country’s natural heritage. Launched in September 2011, the initiative aligns with the National Parks Board (NParks)' City in Nature vision.^[20] The programme seeks to foster responsible care of the natural environment through public participation in biodiversity conservation, habitat enhancement, and nature education.^[20]

The OneMillionTrees Movement is an initiative in Singapore aimed at planting one million trees over a ten-year period.^[21] Launched in April 2020, the movement is part of Singapore’s broader efforts to enhance its urban environment and resilience to climate change.^[21] NParks currently plants approximately 50,000 trees annually, and the initiative aims to scale up these efforts.^[21]

Friends of the Parks is made up of local communities representing stakeholders, volunteers, and other members of the park ecosystem.^[21] These communities are engaged in various ground-up initiatives. They include public education, environmental conservation efforts, and the organization of recreational activities.^[21] Volunteers work alongside park authorities to co-coordinate events, provide feedback on park designs, and implement programs aimed at encouraging responsible use of parks.

As of today, there are 14 active Friends of the Parks communities in Singapore, with thousands of volunteers involved in various activities. These community groups have contributed to improved park designs and enhanced recreational opportunities by facilitating engagement sessions, co-organizing events, and promoting sustainable park practices.^[21]

Community in Bloom (CIB) is a gardening initiative under NParks in Singapore. Launched in 2005, the program aims to foster a gardening culture, foster civic ownership, and encourage community stewardship by facilitating the establishment and development of community gardens across the country.^[22]

Since its inception, the Community in Bloom program has registered over 2,000 community gardens across Singapore, engaging more than 48,000 gardening enthusiasts.^[22] The initiative supports gardeners through competitions, educational workshops, and the CIB Ambassador Programme, which encourages experienced gardeners to mentor new participants and advocate for urban gardening.^[22]

Critics argue that the government’s approach has followed a top-down approach, focusing on the aesthetics of greenery and environmental infrastructure rather than genuine ecological conservation.

Singapore’s green transition has been characterized by a highly centralized and state-managed approach. The government has led large-scale urban greening initiatives, expanding on parks, green spaces, and environmental infrastructure.^[23] However, critics argue that these efforts primarily reflect a utilitarian perspective rather than an inclusive or ecological one.^[23]

Some environmentalists also contend that Singapore’s environmental policies prioritize the beautification of nature over conservation or preservation. They argue that the greenery in the city-state is largely man-made, consisting of transplanted trees, groomed gardens, and urban parks rather than preserved natural habitats.^[23][24] A critic has pointed out that the inclusion of roadside trees and landscaped parks as “nature” is misleading, as these are formed by deliberate human intervention rather than the natural ecosystems.^[23]

Critics have also highlighted the lack of public involvement in environmental decision-making. Singapore's environmental policies have largely been planned and implemented through government agencies, with limited engagement from non-governmental organizations (ENGOs) and the civil society.^[23][24] The government retains extensive control over environmental initiatives, which some argue has led to a narrow focus on projects that align with economic development priorities rather than community-driven goals.^[23]

While Singapore has been praised for its efforts in the development of green infrastructure, critics argue that these initiatives have come at the expense of biodiversity conservation.^[23] The emphasis on environmental engineering and technology-driven solutions has overshadowed concerns about the preservation of natural habitats.^[23] Some environmental issues, such as transboundary air pollution and climate change mitigation, have only now gained increasing attention.