SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION RESEARCH CENTER

Preserving endangered species as that of a sea turtle has also been a primary concern of environmentalist and the community where they thrive.  it is the endeavor of Foundation University Department of Architecture students to utilize their skill in design to come up with the design and build project.  

Construction is fully underway to finish the project as soon as possible so that it may be put to use.  Though the team is really encountering challenges in the construction phase because the structure is built on a remote island  which is a boat ride from the mainland of Negros Occidental.  Bamboo is the main material to be used in this structure to make it sustainable and easily replaced through wear and tear.  And because this material  is susceptible to insects,  it has to be treated and submerged in the ocean for at least 30 days before it can be used.  Once the bamboo has completed the treatment process, it can already be used for construction and the material can last for years.

Mobility on the other hand is also challenging because of the boat ride to and  from the mainland.  Water current also affects the travel not to mention typhoons that threaten the area.  However,  all of these cons are being superseded by the passion of protecting the environment and the endeangered sea turtle species through extensive research which can already be done once the facility is ready.

The Sea Turtle Conservation Research Center Project is located in barangay Danjugan, Cauayan, Negros Occidental, a 43 hectare island wildlife and marine sanctuary that is rich in bio-diversity.  it has five lagoons with lush mangrove forests, lush limestone, vast seagrass beds and coral reefs. It is reachable by a 20 minute small boiat ride from the mainland.

The locals in the Danjugan community continue to protect this rich sanctuary and needed a research center in that volunteer researchers, scientists and the community volunteers that guard the island has a place to stay to minimize the expense of traveling to and from the mainland.

Foundation University architecture students developed a design and build program to contribute to the non-profit eco-tourism project of this island.  The project has finally broke ground and commenced construction.  It is in its early stages of construction done by the students themselves with some help from the Danjugan community volunteers.