ABOUT
Macabebe's Wetland Center
RATIONALE
Nestled along the Manila Bay coastline the Pampanga River, “Macabebe,” directly translated to “surrounding rivers,” is a municipality that owes its importance to the bodies of water that envelop it. Particularly in Barangay Consuelo is the Macabebe Mangrove Area, a coastal area of significant ecological importance due to its rich biodiversity and valuable ecosystem services that provide the locals its livelihood of fishing and aquaculture.
Mangroves play a crucial role in coastal communities, moreover the ecosystem. As the breeding ground for both marine and terrestrial organisms, these plants serve as habitats for a diverse range of species such as birds (e.g. black-headed bunting, Chinese egret, Philippine duck), crustaceans (e.g. greasyback shrimp, river prawn), and fish (e.g. Nile tilapia, common carp, gourami, Asiatic catfish).
Since they typically reside near shores, mangroves act as natural barriers against coastal erosion, storm surges, and tsunamis. They also filter pollutants, absorb excess nutrients, and trap sediments, helping to improve water clarity and quality. Yet, mangroves face threats of pollution such as industrial discharge and improper waste disposal, and climate change such as rising sea-levels and ocean acidification.
The proposed wetland center for the critical Macabebe Mangrove Area in Barangay Consuelo, Macabebe, Pampanga, Philippines will be designed to conserve its existing diverse ecosystem mainly composed of mangroves and provide an educational access for ecotourism in the area. With the effort to integrate conservation and community development and involvement, this structure is designed with the intent to sustain both the people of Barangay Consuelo, Macabebe and its natural environment in the long term.
AGENDA
By focusing on preserving the environmental, social, and economic value of the Macabebe Mangrove Area, the project aims to develop the area by maintaining a balance between economic growth, social connection, and environmental responsibility to ensure its long-term viability. With this in mind, the project hopes to propose natural infrastructures to enhance the quality of life for both the locals and tourists, thereby fostering economic growth and community development.
OBJECTIVES
-
To conserve the existing ecosystem of Macabebe Mangrove Area.
-
To create programs for locals to coexist with their native mangroves.
-
To provide an educational alternative learning environment on the conservation of mangroves.
