When Singapore became a sovereign state in 1965, the fledgling nation faced very similar problems as most other developing countries: high unemployment, low standard of living, and poor environmental conditions. In a scant four decades, it has become the 6th wealthiest country in the world in terms of per capita GDP and has managed its environment so well that it is now considered to be one of the best in the world. In this remarkable book, Tan Yong Soon authoritatively and objectively analyses how the environmental conditions were radically transformed within this period, and the enabling conditions which made this extraordinary transformation possible. This book will unquestionably make all Singaporeans proud of their environmental achievements, and at the same time enable other countries, both developed and developing, to learn many lessons from a most remarkable success story. This book is a must read for any individual interested in environment-development issues. —Prof Asit K. Biswas, President, Third World Centre for Water Management, Mexico and Distinguished Visiting Professor, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Singapore.

Water has been dubbed the "oil of the 21st century" because of its increasing global scarcity. In Southeast Asia, water resources have been strained by the greater demand from different sectors such as agriculture, industry and domestic users. This situation is only likely to worsen in the future if active measures are not taken now. Is there a standard framework that can be adopted to promote cooperation in the use of water among countries? Could clearer institutions in river basins provide the backdrop for a more effective water management strategy in Southeast Asia? Does private sector involvement or privatization resolve some of the "public good" woes of water management? How does a sense of security and ownership enhance sustainability measures in a country? How have civil groups been able to promote effective water management in a country? How have water shortages been overcome in a predominantly urban city state? How have water pollution problems been resolved? Is there a potential for water conflicts in the years to come? What are some of the issues involved in sustainable watershed management?This publication draws from regional and country studies of the Mekong Basin, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines to understand the political and socio-economic dynamics involved in water management. It is a must read for anyone interested in water management issues in the region, understanding the past and present and also looking to future trends.

With its low incomes, lagging social indicators and widespread poverty, eastern Indonesia epitomizes the problems of development in Indonesia. The challenge is to advance the economy. But this means more intensive use of natural resources, placing pressure on the region's unique ecosystems. This book explores the trade-offs and synergies between development, social concerns and the environment in Papua, Maluku and East Nusa Tenggara. It is written by leading scholars and experts on the region. They investigate the dilemmas of fishing in eastern Indonesia's seas, the strategies and challenges for mining and forestry, and the efforts to tackle biodiversity conservation and climate change. The book lays out the challenges for development, public administration and public health in Papua. It maps Maluku's road to recovery from conflict. And it examines ways to alleviate poverty in the desperately poor province of East Nusa Tenggara. The book provides an overview of the economy of each of these provinces, making it an essential resource for anyone interested in the challenges of development and environment in eastern Indonesia.