ECOLOGICAL COOLING NETWORK PLANNING FOR THE BONIFACIO GLOBAL CITY WATERSHED THROUGH BIOTOPE MAPPING

This study assesses the ecological structure of the 979.12-hectare Bonifacio Global City sub-watershed in Metro Manila and develops an Ecological Cooling Network Plan to address rising land surface temperatures and fragmented vegetation in a highly urbanized environment. Biotope mapping identified twenty-one (21) biotopes and fifty-one (51) units derived from land cover, landform, and soildata. These were evaluated using the Period of Development (D), Area (A), Rarity (R), and Habitat (H) criteria to determine their ecological and cooling value. Built-up biotopes dominated the landscape, occupying more than ninety-four percent (94%) of the total area, while green biotopes such as Level Green Spaces, Undulating Green Spaces, and Rangelands accounted for only small, scattered patches. These remaining vegetated areas were classified as cooling cores due to their relatively high cooling value, while the Pasig River corridor and its vegetated segments functioned as cooling corridors linking isolated patches. Heat-intensive built-up zones with limited vegetation were designated as priority areas for cooling interventions.Management strategies included Creative Management for areas requiring the introduction of vegetation,Improvement Management for biotopes with moderate cooling potential, and Conservation Management for the few high-value green spaces. The Ecological Cooling Network Plan proposes the expansion of cooling nodes, enhancement of vegetated corridors, and strengthening of connectivity across the sub-watershed. The study highlights the importance of biotope mapping and remote sensing in understanding thermal patterns and guiding nature-based planning to improve urban resilience in rapidly developing districts.