鈥楩east from the Forest鈥� celebrates Philippine Biodiversity at La Mesa Ecopark
Nature enthusiasts and advocates came together for the recently concluded “Feast from the Forest: A Taste of Biodiversity,” an event held at La Mesa Ecopark to celebrate the International Day of the Forests (IDF). Organized by MAD Travel, in partnership with Manila Water Foundation, the event highlighted the rich biodiversity of the Philippines while promoting sustainable livelihood and conservation efforts. This year’s celebration of IDF, themed “Forests and Food,” emphasized the importance of these initiatives.
Nature enthusiasts and advocates came together for the recently concluded “Feast from the Forest: A Taste of Biodiversity,” an event held at La Mesa Ecopark (LME) to celebrate the International Day of the Forests (IDF).
Organized by MAD Travel, in partnership with Manila Water Foundation, the event highlighted the rich biodiversity of the Philippines while promoting sustainable livelihood and conservation efforts.
This year’s celebration of IDF, themed “Forests and Food,” emphasized the importance of these initiatives.
Attendees enjoyed a curated tasting experience featuring locally sourced coffee, tea, and honey, showcasing the unique flavors of the country’s most biodiverse regions. Through storytelling and discussions, participants gained insight into the environmental challenges faced by these communities and the role they can play in preserving nature.
Beyond the tasting, guests embarked on an eco-walk through La Mesa Ecopark, where they engaged in tree-planting activities to contribute to ongoing reforestation efforts.
Proceeds from the event will support the redevelopment of the ecopark and MAD Travel’s sustainability initiatives.
“The event successfully fostered a deeper appreciation for nature, uniting individuals in their commitment to environmental preservation. As reforestation and conservation continue to be pressing global issues, Feast from the Forest served as a powerful reminder of how small actions can make a significant impact,” said Murphy Amparo, Operations Manager of La Mesa Ecopark.
The La Mesa Ecopark plays a crucial role in preserving the health of the La Mesa Dam and its water sources, which aids in ensuring water supply availability for Metro Manila, through forest conservation, sustainable practices, and environmental stewardship and education.
Additionally, LME promotes food security and enhances biodiversity by maintaining a balanced ecosystem. It also serves as a buffer zone, protecting the Dam from encroachment.
LME is home to numerous Philippine endemic trees such as Molave, Narra, Namio, Antipolo, and Pili.
It may be recalled that Manila Water Company (MWC), in partnership with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and the Quezon City Government, successfully opened the La Mesa Ecopark to double down on promoting environmental stewardship.
Under the supervision of the Manila Water Foundation, the management of the ecopark aims to contribute to UN Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs: SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
