Botanical Garden rising in Clark

MANILA, Philippines - A P500-million botanical garden and ecotourism park is set to rise in Clark Green City following an agreement inked between state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA and the Earth Day Network Philippines Inc. (EDNPI) and the Fern and Nature Society of the Philippines Inc. (FNSPI).

BCDA president and chief executive officer Arnel Paciano Casanova said the agreement covers the development and management of all of the Clark Green City Green Forest Reserve and the Clark Green City Green Infrastructure, specifically the areas designated as botanic garden, ecotourism park, green spaces and greenways.

“We welcome this partnership as it will allow us to fulfill our vision of a green and ecologically healthy Clark Green City,” Casanova said.

Under the agreement, EDNPI and FNSPI committed to invest a minimum of P495.2 million for the development of the botanical garden, restoration of 200 hectares of forest land, preparation of the project management plan, and the management and administration of the project.

The BCDA, meanwhile, will provide and construct the support infrastructure facility within the project area.

EDNPI is the lead non-governmental organization for the celebration of Earth Day in the Philippines and is engaged in programs and activities that promote environmental citizenship.

FNSPI, on the other hand, is a non-governmental organization advocating the establishment of Botanic Gardens following international standards in the Philippines to promote the conservation and ethnobotany of Philippine native trees and plants and educating the public about their importance and uses.

Clark Green City is BCDA’s 9,450-hectare development within the Clark Special Economic Zone in Tarlac.

It is envisioned as the country’s first smart, green and disaster-resilient city that will showcase the country’s capability to build a sustainable and modern city.