Thursday, May 01, 2008 CHI to develop nature park in Cebu watershed
SEVENTY-one hectares of land within a watershed area in the Ayala Heights project is set to be launched as a nature park by middle of 2008.
“It’s (going) to be like a science laboratory,” said Jaime I. Ayala, Cebu Holdings Inc. (CHI) chairman of the board.
But considering the geographical conditions of the area, the company enlisted the services of Ove Arup, a global design and consulting firm, to check the whole area and come up with ways on how to ensure safety. Ove Arup will be submitting the report this year.
The project, called Ayala Nature’s Park, is in line with the company’s thrust on environmental preservation.
Ver dela Cerna, CHI corporate communications manager, said that through its Ayala Heights Nature Park Foundation, the company has tapped various nongovernment organizations to assist in the project. The company has also tapped the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as its government partner.
Dela Cerna added that the nature park will feature a number of exotic and indigenous tree species while facilities will cater to what the public, especially the academe, needs.
He also mentioned during a press conference yesterday that the park will have a camping area and a hiking trail while food and drinks to be served in the park will be from produce of plants and trees planted in the area. (DME)
