Urbanization is a worldwide phenomenon that has led to an increase in the number of people living in cities. As a result, the demand for housing, infrastructure, and services has risen, leading to the growth of cities.

However, urbanization has also brought with it several challenges, such as pollution, congestion, and a strain on resources. Therefore, it is imperative that cities adopt sustainable urban development practices to ensure their longevity and well-being.

One such city that has been successful in adopting sustainable urban development practices in Singapore. Singapore is a city-state with a land area of 728 square kilometers and a population of about 5.7 million.

With a population density of about 7,800 people per square kilometer, it is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Singapore's lack of natural resources and limited land space make urban development extremely challenging.

However, over the past 50 years, Singapore has made urban environmental management and urban beautification an important development strategy, rising to the level of national strategy and achieving remarkable results.

One of Singapore's key initiatives is the "City in a Garden" goal. The National Parks Board of Singapore has proposed a new concept called "City in Nature," which aims to integrate the city into nature, mitigate the negative impacts of urbanization and climate change, and enhance the livability of the city.

To achieve this goal, Singapore is further developing naturalized urban gardens and parks. These parks, gardens, and playgrounds will allow residents to get closer to nature and promote health and well-being.

As part of this initiative, Singapore's urban parks and gardens will be transformed to introduce more selected native species into the city, further enhancing the level of urban biodiversity and enriching urban species types.

These measures are beneficial to the growth of Singapore's native species population, such as dragonflies, butterflies, rhinoceroses, and otters.

These naturalization-based measures will also benefit Singapore's resilience in addressing the challenges of sea-level rise and inland flooding due to climate change and mitigating the urban threat of flooding in the Marina waterfront.

Another key initiative is the focus on a higher quality of life environment for all ages, building child-friendly and age-friendly communities. The planning and design of new towns will be more smart and sustainable, driven by technology to bring residents a more accessible and natural environment for their well-being.

Some residential projects will be integrated with urban greenery and rooftop gardens, driving Singapore's evolution from a "garden city" to a "city in a garden" step by step.

Singapore is also promoting inclusive communities by encouraging walking and cycling and prioritizing mobility over car movement whenever possible. This approach not only reduces traffic congestion but also promotes a healthier and more active lifestyle.

Urban regeneration is another key initiative of Singapore's sustainable development mission. The focus is on the efficient use of land, revitalization of historical spaces, regeneration of human memory, and reinvention of social vitality.

Preserving the memories of the city and its citizens, past and present, is essential in perpetuating the city's cultural heritage and identity. However, navigating the delicate balance between heritage preservation and economic development is also essential.

Singapore has successfully adopted sustainable urban development practices to address the challenges of urbanization.

Its initiatives such as "City in Nature," focus on a higher quality of life environment, and urban regeneration is excellent examples of sustainable urban development practices.

As cities continue to grow and face new challenges, it is crucial to adopt such practices to ensure their longevity and well-being.