Question & AnswerQ&A (DENR ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2010-16)
The Adopt-A-Wildlife Species Program (AAWS Program) is established pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 9147, also known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
The program aims to ensure the perpetuity of threatened species and their habitats, promote biodiversity conservation, prevent species extinction, encourage private sector participation, and raise public awareness on environmental protection.
Private individuals or entities, Local Government Units (LGUs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Peoples' Organizations (POs), civil society groups, and other interested parties can participate as Adopting Entities or Individuals.
The MOA is a written agreement between the DENR (through PAWB or regional office), the Adopting Entity/Individual, and the Implementer, specifying the terms for in-situ conservation of a selected threatened wildlife species.
The program prioritizes wildlife species that are listed in the attached Program's List of Priority Threatened Species based on the IUCN Red List, CITES list, and National Lists of Threatened Species covered by duly issued Administrative Orders.
They can directly implement conservation projects, provide financial resources to implementers, or make direct financial contributions to existing or new conservation projects recognized by the DENR.
The DENR Regional Executive Directors for projects within their jurisdiction and the Secretary of the DENR for projects covering more than one political region or with national scope.
They must submit a letter of intent, a project proposal, letters of support from concerned sectors, and an organizational profile or curriculum vitae if an individual.
The PMET conducts periodic monitoring and evaluation of the projects, submits reports and recommendations to the PAWB Director or Regional Executive Directors, and ensures project compliance and effectiveness.
Tax exemptions include allowable deductions from taxable income and exemption from donor's tax pursuant to Section 34 of R.A. 9147 and Republic Act 8424 (the National Internal Revenue Code).
Such violations or non-compliance can be grounds for cancellation of the Certificate of Adoption, following due process.
Funds must be transferred through a Deed of Donation, receipts and certifications must be issued, fund disbursements and utilizations must be documented and reported monthly, and the DENR office verifies the correctness of fund use before issuing a Certificate of Actual Financial Contribution.
Yes, non-threatened species may be adopted for special valid reasons upon approval by the DENR through the PAWB or the concerned Regional Office.
Semi-annual reports must be submitted regularly by the DENR Regional Offices to the DENR Secretary with copies furnished to the PAWB, and consolidated reports by PAWB to relevant authorities.