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.
SM Prime AVP and Head
of Marketing, PR, and Communications Rida Reyes Castillo
Castillo further
emphasized that environmental protection and nature conservation are integral
pillars of SM Prime's sustainability campaign and that they believe in the
power of cultivating the younger generation’s devotion to building a
sustainable future.
The symposium
concluded with a comprehensive discussion on the rules and guidelines of the
design competition, followed by an open forum and exchange of ideas among
participants.
The symposium also
marked the beginning of the highly anticipated 4th SCPW Wetland Center Design
Competition, which aims to create a platform for talented students in the field
of construction and design to showcase their skills and ingenuity and encourages
them to address environmental challenges through sustainable solutions.
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