Rehabilitation of Arayat Watershed
for the Protection of Candaba Wetlands
The Candaba Wetlands and Mount Arayat are considered ecologically important areas. Both ecosystems are habitats of endemic and endangered flora and fauna. Mt. Arayat tributaries drain into the Pampanga River which bisects the whole Candaba swamp area. Sediments from soil erosion on the mountain find its way into the Candaba swamp contributing to its eutrophication. The average depth of the swamp is only 1-2 meters deep, thus making it very vulnerable to sedimentation. The degradation of the Arayat uplands would also mean the deterioration of the habitat of waterfowls and migratory birds of the swamplands. Addressing the conservation issues of the uplands would also help address the degradation of the swamplands. As such the two different ecosystems cannot be separated from each other.
Rehabilitation and conservation of resources of the Arayat-Candaba watershed is of great importance, not only to the flora and fauna, but also to the local people. Conserving the upland and swampland resources could eventually conserve its biodiversity.
more about the Treepreneur Project >>
Payouts for Treeprenuers
Seedling Production –
Each Treepreneur who participated in the development of backyard nursery sowed 400 forest-tree species and 100 fruit-tree species for a ratio of 4:1. The project bought the good quality seedlings at a pre-agreed price, payment of which were in kind such as rice, groceries, school supplies and uniforms, and other basic household needs.
Enrichment Planting, Care and Maintenance –
Each Treepreneur has a half-hectare plot assigned to him where he will plant the seedlings. He was tasked with the care and maintenance of the seedlings (weed, fertilize, replant when a seedling dies) in his assigned plot. For his effort, he was paid monthly in kind such as rice, groceries, school supplies and uniforms, and other basic household needs.
Implementors and Partners –
