Philippine village builds nature based flood defences using bamboo and shells

Residents of Pamarawan village in the City of Malolos, Philippines, are using nature based solutions including bamboo, shells, and husks to protect their community from severe flooding. Mongabay reported that the coastal fishing village has long struggled with floodwaters inundating its streets during the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat. [1]

The natural defences are designed to withstand strong waves that batter the village during typhoons. According to Mongabay, local residents previously faced floodwaters that regularly swept over the streets during severe storms, threatening homes and local infrastructure. [1]

The Philippines is an archipelagic nation in Southeast Asia consisting of approximately 7,641 islands in the western Pacific Ocean. The country faces recurring seasonal weather events and tropical storms across its main geographical regions. [2]

By utilizing locally sourced materials such as bamboo, shells, and coconut husks, the community aims to create sustainable barriers to reduce wave energy and lessen the impact of future typhoons. [1]