The mangrove forests in Pulau Ubin face several threats such as:

• Human Intervention (Land reclamation, building of structures)
• Climate Change
• Soil Erosion

These factors are 3 major pressing issues resulting in the degradation of mangrove trees.

In 1819, primary mangrove area covered 33% of Pulau Ubin (Sha & Tan, n.d). The area has now reduced to 18.9% due to human intervention, such as land reclamation, and the building of man-made structures such as campsites. Other threats to the mangrove forest include climate change. With sea levels increasing approximately 0.05m over the past 15 years and predicted to further rise between 0.24m to 0.65m by 2100, current mangrove ecosystems may submerge underwater. The increase in average temperatures in Singapore also poses a threat to species that are sensitive to changes in temperature.

Furthermore, as mentioned in The Straits Times article dated 24 August 2014, Pulau Ubin’s northern coastline is quickly being eroded by tides and currents, which could eventually displace coastal forest and mangroves. Currently, studies are still undergoing in order to design appropriate restoration measures and erosion control measures.

Evidently, the main threats to the Mangrove forest are natural threats which may not be stopped but their impact can be lessened. With interventions to sustain Chek Jawa, it is possible to conserve the mangrove forests and other species that depend on it’s ecosystem.