Ecological Restoration

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Examining the current state of the site in Barangay Conseulo reveals a dearth of ecopark ambiance. The approach to both the mangrove area and Municipal Annex lacks compelling features to captivate visitors.

Introducing Coastal Landscaping along the pathway leading to the Visitors Center serves to augment visitor engagement. Moreover, the presence of a nursery facility offers an educational opportunity for patrons to delve into the intricacies of mangrove life cycles, starting from seedlings. Furthermore, visitors can actively participate in the ecological restoration agenda by partaking in tree planting activities.

A well-designed entrance can enhance visitors' appreciation of the wetland ecosystem's beauty and ecological significance (Kuo et al., 2018).

By setting the mood effectively, wetland parks can inspire a sense of stewardship and environmental responsibility among visitors, ultimately contributing to conservation efforts (Clayton et al., 2017).

REFERENCES: Clayton, S., Fraser, J., & Burgess, C. (2017). The impact of interpretive signage on the conservation attitudes and behavioural intentions of urban park visitors. Applied Environmental Education & Communication, 16(2), 148-157

Nursery

The transformation and change in elevation of the building for the nursery, following DENR's recommendations in the Mangrove Management Handbook, aim to establish distinct zones for different stages of mangrove seedling development. By placing the preparation area near the entry point for activities such as seed preparation and potting, and locating the

hardening and seedling areas further away, the layout minimizes distractions for the seedlings and facilitates a progressive movement of activities. This organization ensures efficient workflow, optimized conditions for seedling growth, and minimal disruption, ultimately promoting successful mangrove management within the nursery environment.

BUILDING MORPHOLOGY

Implementing Space Efficiency. Rectangular layouts maximize interior space utilization, providing more floor area, which equates to more working space for the locals and more seed beds for the mangrove seedlings. This efficiency allows for optimal organization of spaces, furniture placement, and circulation pathways within the space.

Application of Function Management. The transformation and change in elevation of the building for the nursery, following DENR's recommendations in the Mangrove Management Handbook, aim to establish distinct zones for different stages of mangrove seedling development.

Following Site Needs. The suggested design plan for the building, elevated on stilts and oriented towards the boardwalk, takes advantage of the site's existing layout with water bodies flanking both sides. This configuration aims to establish a secure and functional area where local residents can effectively care for the mangrove ecosystem while ensuring their safety.

Further Configurations. According to DENR's Mangrove Management Handbook, structures such as sheds made from local materials like bamboo and nipa are considered appropriate for mangrove nurseries. In the seedling area, the roofing arrangement varies to reflect the growth of the seedlings over time. During the first week, the seedlings are protected from the sun, but as they grow and reach the fourth week, they are gradually exposed to sunlight in preparation for field planting.

Wetland ecosystems are among the most biologically diverse habitats on Earth, offering a wide array of ecological services such as flood control, water purification, and carbon sequestration (Mitsch and Gosselink, 2015). However, wetlands face numerous threats from human activities, including habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change (Davidson, 2014). To address these challenges, Bankauan Wetland Park employs nurseries as integral components of its management strategies.

By cultivating indigenous flora, nurseries support biodiversity conservation efforts by providing a source of plants for ecological restoration projects (Craft, 2018). Native plant species are well-adapted to local environmental conditions and play essential roles in maintaining the ecological integrity of wetland ecosystems (Zedler, 2000).

REFERENCES: Craft, C. (2018). Wetland Restoration: Flood Pulsing and Disturbance Dynamics. Cambridge University Press; Davidson, N. C. (2014). How much wetland has the world lost? Long-term and recent trends in global wetland area. Marine and Freshwater Research, 65(10), 934-941; Mitsch, W. J., & Gosselink, J. G. (2015). Wetlands (5th ed.). John Wiley & Sons; Zedler, J. B. (2000). Progress in wetland restoration ecology. Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 15(10), 402-407.

With an estimated 27 sqm seedling bed, accommodating appropriate bag sizes for api-api and bakauan species, which typically reach readiness for selling or field planting every 6-8 months, the nursery can expect to yield approximately 200-300 seedlings within this timeframe.

This projection highlights the potential output of the nursery's operations, indicating a steady supply of healthy mangrove seedlings for commercial purposes or ecosystem restoration efforts, depending on the nursery's objectives and market demand.

REFERENCE: Admin, E. (2018, August 20). Species highly recommended for planting. Institute of Environmental Science for Social Change. https://essc.org.ph/content/view/10

Coastal Landscaping

In the terms of the coastal landscaping, the center has employed common bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) and caballero (Delonix regia). The pre-existing common bamboo on-site acts as a sound buffer for the mangrove-protected area and serves as supplementary and maintenance material throughout the site, given its use as the primary construction material. It also give a sense of mystery to the users, preventing them to be overwhelmed by the whole site.

Caballero, recommended by environmental science for social change, is recognized for its tolerance to coastal environmental characteristics. This flora yields "pangam" or "karanga" oil, commonly used in the tanning industry. Furthermore, its oil possesses insecticidal and antibacterial properties. Both floras hold the potential to foster a livelihood industry for the community, aligning with one of the principal goals of the wetland center.

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