From Waste to Oasis: Restoring the Life of a River and a Community
Transforming polluted waterways into healthy ecosystems is our passion. There is nothing better than seeing flowers bloom in places that used to be heavily polluted. We have recently been working on cleaning up a contaminated canal in Manila, Philippines. We hope that you enjoy the photos and success stories from this recent project. May these images fill you with hope for the New Year.
LATEST NEWS: 4 NEW BIOMATRIX WATER STRIDERS INSTALLED IN THE PACO CANAL MANILA.
Phase 2a of the Paco Canal bioremediation strategy was completed in November. This installation of 4 new river striders was assembled in just one week and the islands are already helping to improve the water quality and reduce bad odours. The Water Striders were developed specially for narrow and shallow waterways. BW team members Galen Fulford, Lisa Shaw and Eric Molloy worked together with the Paco River Warriors, ABS CBN and the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission to complete the installation.
SUCCESS STORY: QUALITY OF LIFE IMPROVES FOR RESIDENTS OF PACO AS THE CANAL IS CLEANED.
Today the Paco canal is unrecognizable from how it was just a year and a half ago, when it was clogged with garbage and sewage. Today the residents enjoy living next to the canal. The children play along the walkways and in the evenings people have picnics and parties along the riverbanks.
BEFORE
AFTER
WATER STRIDER IN THE PACO CANAL
SUCCESS STORY: FUN RUN GENERATES SUPPORT FOR RIVER REHABILITATION
On November 20th there was a massive fun run to support the rehabilitation of the Pasig River. Over 86,000 people participated in the run and it helped to generate funds, awareness and support for the river clean up.
ABOVE: A Group of runners pass by the Biomatrix Water Active Island Installation in the Paco Market.
ABOVE: Lisa Shaw and Galen Fulford at the Run For the Pasig River Event.
ABOVE: Biomatrix signage along the canal helped runners and visitors to learn about the Active Islands.
SUCCESS STORY: RIVER WARRIORS HELP TO KEEP THE CANALS CLEAN
The River Warriors are local residents of the Paco Area who have undergone a training to help protect the Pasig River. There are over two hundred River Warriors and they have been an essential part of the clean-up effort. The River Warriors have worked with Biomatrix to install the Active Island Reactors.
ABOVE: River Striders being assembled on site.
ABOVE: River Warriors celebrate the successes in Paco Canal.
