SM Prime Holdings Inc., an advocate for wetlands conservation, joined the Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands Inc. (SCPW) as it hosted the 4th SCPW Wetland Center Design Symposium last May 29, 2023 at the MAAX Bldg, Mall of Asia Complex. This coincided with the International Day for Biological Diversity 2023.
This year's 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 Arch. Celestino Ulep opened the symposium by sharing his opinion on how collaboration and embracing nature-based architecture can pave the way towards creating a future where wetlands thrive and biodiversity flourishes.
Experts who graced the event includes Chris Rostron, global manager of Wetland Link International; and Alex Hughes of Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust in London. They shared their insights and experiences about the pivotal role of Wetland Centers as a tool for Communication, Capacity Building, Education, Participation, and Awareness (CEPA) in wetland conservation efforts.
Meanwhile, Arch. Ulep introduced 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.
Arch. Aaron Lecciones, SCPW Special Projects Officer, presented a detailed report on the Las Pinas-Paranaque Wetland Park 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.
Other partners attended the event and gave their full support are 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.
"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," said Rida Reyes Castillo, SM Prime AVP & Head of Marketing, PR and Communications. She also 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 which was followed by an open forum and exchange of ideas among the attendees. 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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