Attenuating the Negative Effects of Aerotropolis: Sustainable Preservation of Taliptip Mangrove Eco-Park in Bulacan

International Journal of Agriculture & Environmental Science

© 2024 by SSRG - IJAES Journal

Volume 11 Issue 5

Year of Publication : 2024

Authors : Dennis L. Estacio

10.14445/23942568/IJAES-V11I5P106

How to Cite?

Dennis L. Estacio, "Attenuating the Negative Effects of Aerotropolis: Sustainable Preservation of Taliptip Mangrove Eco-Park in Bulacan," SSRG International Journal of Agriculture & Environmental Science, vol. 11,  no. 5, pp. 40-47, 2024. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23942568/IJAES-V11I5P106

Abstract:

Mangrove Eco-parks are critical to conserving biodiversity and marine species in coastal communities. The Bulakan Mangrove Eco-park, located in Taliptip, Bulakan, Bulacan, is one of the best examples. The Bulacan Mangrove Eco-park is an important protected area in the province of Bulacan because it covers more than half of the population of mangrove forests in the province of Bulacan and because it provides a wide range of ecosystem and economic services, particularly its rich mangrove biodiversity, which helps regulate floods, saltwater intrusions, and serves as a storm surge barrier for the coastal communities. Furthermore, the Bulakan Mangrove Ecopark provides aesthetic services such as tourism, education and knowledge about the importance of mangroves and cultural traditions. However, despite the minor degradation of Taliptip's environment, the Taliptip Mangrove Eco-Park remained resilient until the government proposed an Aerotropolis, also known as the New Manila International Airport (NMIA), funded by San Miguel Corporation. This multi-million Airport complex will be located in the coastal fishpond of Taliptip, Bulakan, Bulacan, approximately 200 kilometers away from Manila. Even though the aforementioned reclamation project does not include the eco-park in its master plan, it will indirectly impact the eco-ecosystem park's physical condition. The study aims to understand the upcoming aerotropolis's adverse effects and propose possible solutions that can help mitigate the upcoming environmental change through preservation and resiliency. To achieve the study's goal, the researchers first analyze the current condition of the Bulakan Mangrove Eco-park before evaluating potential solutions and recommendations for the site using S.W.O.T analysis. Site visits were also included, revealing that the eco-park is degrading due to the late Typhoon Haiyan and the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in poor maintenance of the eco-park. Through conveying solutions that can lessen the negative impact of the upcoming aerotropolis, the analysis of the adverse effects was first conducted by conducting interviews with conservation advocates, eco-park caretakers, and connected local government units. Secondary source findings were also included, such as hazard assessments from environmentalists and advocates. According to the AGHAM (Advocates of Science and Technology for the People, Center for Environmental Concerns) study and the National Institute of Geological Science Hazard Assessment, the impact of aerotropolis was guaranteed to sprawl and degrade the physical environmental condition of the Eco-park and adjacent environs. The reclamation project will contribute to the area is on going ecological damage, causing a chain reaction that will harm the physical and environmental condition of the Eco-park and the marine life roaming around it, particularly the migratory birds, which include endangered species that must be protected. The assessment of the gathered information leads to the conclusion that the Bulakan Mangrove Eco-park is truly endangered and unprepared for the upcoming development in the eco-adjacent park area. Using the information gathered, the researcher develops architectural solutions that can help mitigate the negative impact of the aerotropolis on the Bulakan Mangrove Eco park.

Keywords:

Aerotropolis, Mangrove eco-park, Sustainable preservation, Taliptip.

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