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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