From Irisan Dumpsite to Irisan Eco‐Park, Baguio City: An Ecological Status Report on a Former Open‐Dumpsite Under Mid‐Remediation in the Tropics

ABSTRACT Rehabilitation of open dumpsites in tropics is a major problem among developing countries but there are now on‐going efforts to transform them into ecological parks. However, the monitoring data on the ecological recovery from these efforts are still not yet reported which makes the case of Irisan Eco‐park (an infamous former dumpsite) interesting. This study documented the plant diversity, heavy metal and management perspectives in the area. A total of 89 plant species under 81 genera and 44 families were recorded with greater species richness and diversity in the human managed area compared to the naturally growing area. Lead, arsenic and copper values in the area were lower than established standard while zinc, iron, manganese and cadmium were higher. Dominant plants such as Cenchrus purpureus and Tithonia diversifolia recorded the highest Zn and Cu; Cuphea hyssopifolia and T. diversifolia for Fe; and, Saccharum spontaneum for Mn and Al. The study also recorded lesser studied heavy metals such as niobium, zirconium, yttrium, strontium, rubidium, vanadium and titanium that have limited mention in available literature. Majority of the respondents (63%) observed the continuous monitoring activities of the Baguio LGU in the former dumpsite such segregation, composting, reusing, recycling, reducing and clean‐up of wastes. Observed advantages of the eco‐park include environmental cleanliness, environmental restoration, improved image of the community, eco‐tourism improvement, and playing area for children and all residents. This study is one of the few available literatures that integrates plant diversity, heavy metal analysis and management perspective to have holistic view on the environmental condition of a former dumpsite turned eco‐park; hence, shedding light on the dynamics of former dumpsites under mid‐remediation in the tropics.