Rapid urbanization in Metro Manila has increasingly disconnected communities from nature while limiting opportunities for recreation, environmental learning, and mental restoration. Located in Quezon City, the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center offers an important opportunity to reverse this trend. Through forest healing facilities, experiential learning programs, ecosystem services valuation, and community capacity-building, the project is transforming the park into a model for nature-based wellness and urban biodiversity conservation. The path forward involves scaling this approach across urban parks and protected areas, institutionalizing sustainable financing through Payment for Ecosystem Services, and integrating cultural ecosystem services into urban planning and climate-resilience policies.

For our Areas of Work, please click HERE.