The Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands, Inc.

The Candaba Wetlands and Mount Arayat are considered ecologically important areas.  Both ecosystems are habitats of endemic and endangered flora and fauna. The degradation of the Arayat uplands would also mean the deterioration of the habitat of waterfowls and migratory birds of the swamplands.  Addressing the conservation issues of the uplands would also help address the degradation of the swamplands.  Rehabilitation and conservation of resources of the Arayat-Candaba watershed is of great importance, not only to the flora and fauna, but also to the local people.  Conserving the upland and swampland resources could eventually conserve its biodiversity.

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.