Fore Karst: A Biotope-focused planning approach for the ecological management of Susong Dalaga, Quirino

Conventional planning approaches that prioritize built-up areas and rapid urbanization for economic growth and social security, instead of the environment and the ecological services they provide have consistently been problematic in maintaining sustainability. Because of this, there is a growing need to shift from the conventional to a greener approach. The research argues that an ecological management approach is a viable choice of approach in protecting the ecological integrity of the landscape, especially in biotopes where ecological services are sought-after, such as the karst system Susong Dalaga found in Cabarroguis, Quirino Province. This approach is done by identifying the different biotopes to find the existing relations, services, and underlying issues of the place. In assessing the items mentioned earlier, the research finds that the natural systems are slowly dwindling due to the expansion of agriculture and built-up areas. Each biotope is then assigned with an appropriate approach, and with the consultation of the stakeholders, policies are then strategized for specific functions. It is hoped that the study would help push the application and integration of ecological management approach, and green approaches and principles in general, to future urban planning projects in the Philippines.