SPINS-Eco

Shore Protection with Integrated Nature-based Solutions 

─ Eco

SPINS-Eco aims to enhance the coastal protection potential of mangrove, seagrass, coral and macroalgae establishments by optimizing their growth conditions along artificial coastal protection structures. In particular, we aim to fill the knowledge gap to understand the biophysical requirements of mangrove, seagrass, coral, and macroalgae establishments in Singapore through field observations and laboratory experiments. 

To understand the preferred biophysical conditions of mangrove forests, multi-site field sampling was conducted to collect biophysical data on existing mangroves. For seagrass, we are pioneering a biodegradable seagrass substrate stabilizer to overcome one of the main challenges in seagrass restoration—unstable sediments that hinder seagrass fragment establishment. For corals, 3D design was applied to construct multiple types of breakwaters to assess their ability to facilitate coral growth and quantify the wave attenuation potential. We have also tested the feasibility of using low carbon ‘green concrete’ to encourage algal growth on future breakwaters. This project will contribute to Singapore’s national coastal protection agenda and simultaneously help Singapore to fulfil its climate change mitigation efforts. Additionally, the knowledge acquired and technology developed can be transferred to partner agencies and private industries to strengthen Singapore’s coastal defences and ecosystem resilience.