SCPW president Arch. Celestino Ulep leads a
discussion on nature-based architecture during the fourth SCPW Wetland Center
Design Symposium. Photo from SCPW
As the world celebrated the International Day
for Biological Diversity 2023, SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) joined the
Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands, Inc. (SCPW) hosted the
fourth SCPW Wetland Center Design Symposium on May 29th at the MAAX Building in
the Mall of Asia Complex.
Bannering the theme "Build Back
Biodiversity: Wetland Centers and Nature-Based Architecture," the hybrid
symposium featured presentations centered on fostering knowledge and awareness
about wetland conservation and innovative design approaches.
SCPW president Ar. Celestino Ulep leads the
opening of the Wetland Center Design Symposium
SCPW president Ar. Celestino Ulep opened the
symposium by sharing his optimism on how collaboration and embracing
nature-based architecture can pave the way towards creating a future where
wetlands thrive and biodiversity flourishes.
Notable experts in the field also graced the
event, sharing their insights and experiences including Chris Rostron, the
global manager of Wetland Link International, and Alex Hughes of Wildfowl &
Wetlands Trust in London, UK. The guest speakers kicked off the discussion by
sharing about the pivotal role of Wetland Centers as a tool for Communication,
Capacity Building, Education, Participation, and Awareness (CEPA) in wetland
conservation efforts.
Arch. Ulep, meanwhile, engaged the audience by
introducing the concept of nature-based architecture, highlighting the
importance of prioritizing sustainability and harmony in design by creating
structures that seamlessly integrate with the natural environment.
Meanwhile, Arch. Aaron Lecciones, SCPW Special
Projects Officer, made a detailed visual presentation on the Las
Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) Design Team's experience. He highlighted
the challenges and triumphs of designing a wetland park, serving as a source of
inspiration for aspiring designers and architects.
Esteemed partners, including Ms. Rida Reyes
Castillo of SM Prime, Dr. Arvin Diesmos of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity,
Mr. Laudemir Salac of DENR-Region 3, and Arch. Gleo Raymundo of UAPSA graced
the event to show their full support for this endeavor.
"It is an honor and privilege on the part
of SM to partner with the SCPW and UAPSA in realizing its common goal of
protecting ecosystems, particularly wetlands, by inspiring the youth to engage
and take action on the socio-civic and economic issues in their communities by
finding workable solutions towards building a sustainable future," SM
Prime AVP and Head of Marketing, PR, and Communications Rida Reyes Castillo
said.
