Protecting, enhancing our riparian systems for flood attenuations
(Conclusion)
Given the pressures on riparian zones and their importance to people and the environment, effective strategies are needed to conserve and restore these ecosystems.
Role of landscape architecture
Landscape architecture can be part of the multi-faceted efforts geared toward sustainable management of riparian systems. They can work with other professionals, local communities, government agencies, and environmental organizations to help enhance the ecological integrity of riparian zones while meeting the needs of urban populations.
Strategies may differ across sites, but generally, landscape architects can help in the restoration of degraded riparian zones through projects like revegetation, re-establishment of eroded bank erosion control and wetland restoration for water filtration, flood attenuation, and habitat creation.
They can also help in stormwater management by integrating surface water runoff and flood mitigation measures, as well as blue green infrastructure including storm water detention and retention basins, permeable surfaces and floodplain restoration to allow natural flooding process.
Landscape architects can further lend their expertise in sustainable land use planning, designing accessible and resilient riparian access, among others.
Natural edges
At present, the government’s standard for armoring river edges is to provide concrete revetments. However, the massive flooding seen in recent months showed that these cannot withstand consecutive weeks of typhoons. It’s about time that we bring back the natural edges of our river systems.
Thankfully, the government is now pursuing river edge developments that veer away from traditional waterfront projects.
Pasig River Rehabilitation Project. This includes the creation of parks, promenades, and waterfront developments along the river. The goal is to revitalize the river and its surrounding areas, improving the quality of life for residents and restoring the river’s ecological health. The general idea was to reclaim the legal setbacks along the banks of the Pasig River and transform these into open spaces that can be enjoyed by all.
La Mesa Eco Park. Located in Quezon City, the La Mesa Eco Park is an example of a designed water edge that has restored the natural ecosystem of the La Mesa Watershed. The park includes walking trails, picnic areas, and wildlife observation points, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the watershed while promoting environmental education and conservation.
Ilo-ilo Esplanade. The Iloilo River Esplanade is a promenade and linear park along the Iloilo River, created as part of the Iloilo River Rehabilitation Project. It is the longest and largest linear park in the Philippines. It aims to foster biodiversity, store carbon by mangroves and provide protection from possible flood damages.
The National River Park Corridor in New Clark City. The National River Park Corridor is part of a broader effort to integrate sustainability and ecological protection into urban development. It will be part of a 10-km riparian system of the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. One of its key features is the employment of gabion systems to stabilize its edges. The project also includes restoring natural habitats, planting of native vegetation, and constructing blue green infrastructure such as bioswales, rain gardens, and permeable pavements to manage stormwater, reduce flood risks, and improve water quality. The project also includes pedestrian walkways, bike lanes, and recreational spaces.
Innovative solutions
Riparian systems are essential to the ecological and economic stability of the Philippines. These systems provide a wide range of ecosystem services–from water quality regulation to flood mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and economic opportunities. The protection and sustainable management of these systems are crucial for the well-being of the country’s population.
Landscape architecture offers innovative solutions for the restoration and conservation of riparian zones, integrating ecological, social, and aesthetic concerns in the design of riverfront areas.
As the Philippines continues to face environmental challenges, the role of riparian systems in maintaining ecological balance and supporting human livelihoods cannot be overstated. It is imperative that we prioritize the protection and restoration of these critical areas, working together to safeguard the health of the country’s watersheds and rivers for future generations.
References:
Philippine Statistics Authority (2015). Philippine River Basins and Watersheds. https://psa.gov.ph; Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Clark Development Corp.; “Principal River Basins of the Philippines”, Published by the National Water Resources Board, October 1976; https://cagayanvalley.da.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/DA-RFO-02-CY-2019-Annual-Report-As-of-OCtober-15-2020.pdf
The author is a registered landscape architect with a practice of more than 25 years. He is the managing partner of SGS Designs Landscape Architecture. He is also a senior lecturer in the University of the Philippines, College of Architecture for more than a decade. His experience in landscape ecological design has led him to design water sensitive sites that employs nature based solutions
