Evaluation of the Proposed Management Solutions for Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park using Vulnerability Assessment and Multicriteria Decision Analysis

Abstract

The Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) in Manila Bay is the 1st critical habitat and the 6th Ramsar site in the Philippines due to the presence of threatened species of birds and also the last mangrove frontier in Metro Manila. In 2019, it was classified as a national park under the eNIPAS Act. The government has done many conservation measures inside the LPPWP since 2007. However, the overall condition of the wetland is still unsatisfactory with a trend toward deterioration. This paper aims to assess the vulnerability of LPPWP to climate change and anthropogenic activities and recommend solutions to improve management of the LPPWP by using the combined approach of Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) and Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA). CRVA characterized LPPWP’s terrain using geographic information system and the baseline and projected climate using online databases and web-based online tools. Results of the CRVA showed that storm surge, tsunami, typhoons, sea-level rise, and flooding brought by climate change; and pollution, garbage deposition, and reclamation activities in the nearby areas caused by anthropogenic activities are the major threats to LPPWP. CRVA validated that the proposed solutions initially laid out in the draft Vulnerability Assessment Report prepared in 2014 are still applicable to the current situation. Using MCDA through combined entropy method-TOPSIS approach, the proposed solutions are then scored against criteria and ranked through expert evaluation carried out by independent scientists. Top management options resulted from the MCDA include mangrove restoration, increasing density of deep-rooted trees, building additional security outpost, intensive information and education campaign, eco-tourism with an entrance fee, manual cleaning of garbage, and allowing fishing in the sustainable zone. Management options that require investment such as materials recovery facility, pollutant filtration system and construction of structural buffer walls are at the bottom of the ranking. MRF is acceptable only if done outside the protected area. The study recommends integrating into the Final Plan, currently, under preparation, the top management solutions resulted from the MCDA and the additional solutions suggested by experts. It also suggests including in the Final Plan a logical framework and the missing sections in the draft Plan.