The Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands, Inc.

The Treepreneur Project aims to minimise the degradation of the Arayat-Candaba watershed through restoration of habitats of important flora and fauna in upland ecosystems. Increasing the awareness and appreciation of local populations on the importance of the Arayat forest cover in the maintenance of the ecosystem integrity of the Arayat-Candaba Watershed is an important part of the project. Particularly, the tree-preneurs were trained to grow backyard nurseries and maintain plantation enrichment sites.

Constructed wetlands are a “natural” way of treating sewage. Constructed wetlands – or so called Green Filters – are an appropriate technology for areas where land is available or inexpensive, population density is very low and skilled labour is missing. Green Filters are artificial, plant based wastewater treatment systems that can be described as water channels whose surface is covered with aquatic plants or a natural system of floating macrophytes.

The Las Piñas – Parañaque Critical Habitat and Eco-tourism Area (LPPCHEA), a Ramsar Treaty wetland of international importance and home to up to 80 bird species including the vulnerable Philippine Duck, is to become host to an ecological-friendly, ‘green’ and sustainable Wetland Centre. This learning and education centre will serve as a scientific research, recreational, and education centre where residents of Metro Manila and of other regions can learn about the local, national, and global importance of wetlands in the country.

The SCPW presents projects and research conducted in urban wetlands pioneering action and inputs to policy to help conserve urban wetlands through sustainable and wise use. Six projects implemented with various partners are discussed with topics on wetland offsetting, integration of wetlands into tourism planning, wetlands as natural treatment systems, engaging citizen science as a CEPA (communication, education, participation, and awareness) tool, designing urban waterfronts as wetland learning centres, and mapping of vulnerable wetlands.