ENHANCING ECOSYSTEM SERVICES AND BIODIVERSITY THROUGH ESTABLISHMENT OF GREEN SPACES: A CONCEPT DESIGN FOR PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, PALAWAN PROVINCE, PHILIPPINES

Abstract

The importance of Urban Green Spaces (UGS) in providing human benefits in the form of Ecosystem Services (ES) is gaining popularity in many cities across the world. This specific role of UGS, especially its perceived importance in the urban environment, has compelled many governments to enhance, increase, or more so develop new UGS in their jurisdictions. However, cities like Puerto Princesa City in the Philippines are riddled with challenges in developing new green spaces primarily because land space, particularly in urban areas, is limited. Users perceptions and attitudes towards UGS is a vital piece of information that could serve as a rational justification for introducing additional green spaces in urban areas. Understanding the roles of UGS in providing ES to people provides critical insights for governments on how to design optimal green spaces in cities. This study aims to contribute to the formation of knowledge by generating relevant and useful information that could purposely support local initiatives for UGS.

The main objective of this research is to understand how residents value the ecosystem services benefits provided by parks and other green spaces. Specifically, this study analyzes the perception, attitudes, and the preferences for UGS of the residents of Puerto Princesa City. Some challenges, issues, and concerns uniquely attached to UGS in Puerto Princesa are also addressed. A simple concept design/ set of ideas is proposed at the end of this dissertation.

Results from a valuation survey conducted as part of this research reveal that respondents have a strong recognition of the ecosystem services generated by UGS. Among the ecosystem services they have placed high values were species conservation, wastewater management, wildlife habitat, flood abatement, and groundwater recharge. However, this is different in the case of urban parks where cultural services were perceived as most important. Respondents also feel satisfied with the parks and other green spaces in the urban areas of Puerto Princesa although a relatively low patronage has been observed. Respondents are positive to the idea of providing additional UGS and interested to see more natural looking parks such as forest parks. Further, insights from the key interview also reveal important issues confronting UGS in Puerto Princesa which include lack of developable lands for green spaces, institutional concerns i.e. planning, lack of support from officials, poor statutory compliance, lack of practical knowledge, and increasing densities of buildings and impervious areas.

Considering city resident’s perception and attitudes towards UGS, this study strongly views that establishing more UGS in Puerto Princesa offer long-term benefits to local communities through enhancing the ecosystem services and biodiversity in the city. From the results of this study, provision for additional UGS in the city is recommended.