JJSF steps up to assist Cooperative Water Infrastructure & Permaculture Gardens in the Phillipines!

[Ayni Bahay] Cooperative Charter

The Jacquelyn Jestine Sanders Foundation is so pleased to step up to the plate and assist the Ayni Bahay community in their pursuit of a vibrant and capable self sufficent cooperative in the Phillipines!

Disclaimer: Draft Concept for Cooperative Charter – Ayni Bahay Case Study

This document is being shared as a draft concept to foster discussion and ongoing consultation within the community. The proposal outlines a potential cooperative model using the example of Ayni Bahay in the Philippines, which serves as an ideal case study for fostering collaboration around critical community needs like water services and agricultural cooperation.

At this time, the charter remains in the planning stage, and the direction of the project is fully in the hands of the Ayni Bahay cooperative members. This draft aims to offer conceptual guidance, drawing from the promising initiative at Ayni Bahay, while recognizing that the plans are still evolving based on ongoing community consultation. Our goal is to support the local community’s vision and inspire broader cooperative development through this example.

Read all about the Ayni Bahay projet on their facebook page: Facebook

I. Purpose and Vision

The Ayni Bahay Cooperative (“the Coop”) is founded to provide sustainable water infrastructure to the Ayni Bahay community in the Philippines. The Coop’s aim is to collaboratively produce clean water, support local food production, and foster eco-tourism. Key to this mission is the development of services buildings that meet the daily water needs of the community, using natural and sustainable methods like rainwater harvesting and constructed wetlands.

By protecting local water sources, producing food, and promoting the use of ecological practices, the Coop will provide both immediate benefits to residents and attract eco-conscious tourists. Community members will benefit from shared profits and participation in the cooperative’s sustainable practices, while tourists will engage in hands-on learning and volunteer opportunities.

II. Core Principles

  1. Sustainability: Focus on rainwater harvesting, water conservation, and sustainable agriculture.
  2. Collaboration: Empower both local residents and eco-tourists to work together toward common goals.
  3. Water and Food Security: Provide a consistent, clean water supply and support food production.
  4. Profit Sharing and Work Participation: Share profits from the sale of food and eco-tourism products equally among the Coop members in exchange for participation.
  5. Eco-Tourism: Engage tourists in sustainable practices and provide education on water and food management.
  6. Environmental Stewardship: Prioritize ecological preservation, including the use of phytoremediation, biodegradable products, and responsible greywater recycling.

III. Water System Infrastructure

1. Water Demand and Usage

  • Each family within the Coop will be encouraged to adopt frugal water usage habits, with an estimated consumption of 100 liters per day per family.
  • This includes water for drinking, cooking, washing, and showering.
  • With 100 families served per services building, the estimated daily water demand will be 10,000 liters.

2. Rainwater Harvesting and Storage

  • The Philippines experiences heavy rainfall but in a seasonal pattern, meaning significant water storage is needed during the dry months.
  • Each services building will be designed to capture and store rainwater for use throughout the year.
  • To ensure water security during the dry season (lasting roughly 2 months), a storage capacity of 600,000 liters will be required per services building.
  • This capacity will provide water for the estimated needs of 100 families over 60 days, or 10,000 liters/day.

3. Constructed Wetlands for Water Storage and Filtration

  • The constructed wetland will serve as a dual-purpose feature, functioning as a storage unit and natural water filtration system.
  • A wetland covering 1,200 square meters at 50 cm depth will be sufficient to store and treat water.
  • A slightly larger wetland of 1,500–2,000 square meters could provide a buffer, ensuring water availability during extended dry spells.
  • These wetlands will be designed as Coop Gardens, carefully managed as productive water gardens that both produce food and clean water.
  • The wetland system will include phytoremediation plants like water chestnuts and water hyacinths to naturally filter water and make it drinkable.

4. Ecological Water Filtration and Phytoremediation

  • Phytoremediation will play a key role in water purification. Plants like water hyacinths, lotus roots, and water chestnuts are known for their ability to absorb toxins and contaminants from the water, resulting in cleaner, drinkable water.
  • Water hyacinths, in particular, are extremely effective at removing pollutants, including heavy metals and organic matter, making them an ideal choice for the constructed wetlands.
  • The filtered water will be directed to storage for drinking and household use, while greywater from showers and washing stations will be recycled back into the wetland system.

5. Greywater Reuse

  • Greywater from showers and washing stations will be treated in the wetlands and reused in the gardens, supporting the growth of water plants and other food crops.
  • This recycling system will reduce water waste and ensure a sustainable cycle of water usage.
  • To ensure the integrity of the groundwater, only biodegradable, ecological soaps will be used at the washing stations.

IV. Services Building Design

  • Each services building will be equipped to serve 100 families, with designated stations for drinking water, washing, and showering.
  • The buildings will be self-sufficient, with their own rainwater collection, filtration, and storage systems. No central infrastructure is required, though multiple buildings will be constructed to accommodate the entire community.
  • These buildings will be designed with eco-tourists in mind, providing educational signage and opportunities for visitors to learn about water management.
  • the JJS Foundation sees this Community as a perfect example in designing cooperative water infrastructure that can be replicated to other communities! We are interested and engaged!

V. Coop Gardens and profitable Wetlands Agriculture

1. Cooperative Wetlands Agriculture

  • The constructed wetlands will not only provide water filtration but will also produce food crops such as water chestnuts, lotus roots, and edible plants.
  • The wetland area will be known as the Coop Garden, carefully managed to produce both food and clean water, with no use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
  • Locals and eco-tourists will work together to grow and harvest crops, sharing in the produce and contributing to community sustainability.
  • Lotus Flowers, Hyancinth, and Water Chestnuts are great food crops that thrive in wetlands!

2. Water Hyacinths for Remediation and Weaving

  • Water hyacinths will play a crucial role in the Coop Garden, both in cleaning water and as a material for crafting eco-friendly products.
  • Hyacinths are well-known for their role in phytoremediation, helping to naturally cleanse water of impurities.
  • The fiber from water hyacinths can be harvested and used to create woven goods such as baskets, hats, and bags, which will be sold to tourists as souvenirs of their eco-tourism experience.
  • This creates an opportunity for locals to generate additional income from eco-friendly crafts while engaging tourists in sustainable practices.

VI. Eco-Tourism and Community Engagement

1. Revival of Eco-Tourism

  • Eco-tourism will be a vital aspect of the Coop, with tourists participating in workshops and volunteer activities centered around water management and sustainable agriculture.
  • The Coop will provide tours of the water systems and wetlands, allowing tourists to learn about the importance of water conservation and phytoremediation.

2. Roles for Eco-Tourists

  • Volunteer Participation: Tourists can assist with maintaining the constructed wetlands, harvesting crops, or working in the greywater gardens.
  • Workshops and Educational Programs: Visitors will have the opportunity to attend workshops on topics such as water conservation, permaculture, and the use of water hyacinth fibers in crafting.
  • Support through Donations and Purchases: Tourists will be encouraged to support the Coop through donations or by purchasing woven products made from water hyacinth, as well as food and other locally produced goods.

VII. Cooperative Structure and Membership

1. Membership

  • Local Families: Families within the community can become Coop members by participating in the care of the wetlands, services buildings, and gardens.
  • Tourists: Eco-tourists who contribute through volunteering or purchasing Coop products may also be granted honorary membership.

2. Profit Sharing

  • Profits from the sale of woven goods, crops, and eco-tourism activities will be shared among local Coop members, with a portion reinvested in maintaining the infrastructure.

3. Responsibilities

  • Each member is expected to contribute regularly to maintaining the water systems, wetlands, and gardens. Members will be assigned roles based on skill sets, such as water system maintenance, crafting, or workshop facilitation.

VIII. Financial Sustainability

  • Income generated by selling woven products, crops, and tourist experiences will be used to maintain water infrastructure and support the Coop.
  • Regular financial reporting and transparency will ensure that all members understand how the profits are shared and reinvested.

IX. Environmental Stewardship

  • All activities of the Coop will be designed with the environment in mind, using phytoremediation, biodegradable soaps, and water recycling systems.
  • By fostering a culture of environmental education and participation, the Coop will demonstrate the importance of sustainable living practices to both locals and visitors.

X. Conclusion

The Ayni Bahay Cooperative will provide the community with the water security it needs, along with opportunities for sustainable food production, eco-tourism, and environmental preservation. This charter outlines a holistic approach to clean water, community engagement, and profit-sharing that will foster both immediate and long-term benefits for the entire Ayni Bahay community.

Next Steps

  1. Refinement of Water Filtration Systems: Engage water management experts to further develop the constructed wetland and phytoremediation details.
  2. Community Feedback: Involve the local community to refine the cooperative structure, ensuring it meets their needs and encourages participation.
  3. Pilot Program: Build a prototype services building with a smaller-scale constructed wetland to test feasibility and gather data.
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