Question & AnswerQ&A (DENR ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2008-17)
The main objective of DENR Administrative Order No. 2008-17 is to provide the criteria in the identification and procedures in the delineation and/or demarcation of management zones within protected areas.
DAO 2008-17 applies to all protected areas under the National Integrated Protected System (NIPAS) except those protected areas already covered by specific enabling laws prior to the issuance of the Order.
Delineation refers to the actual ground survey of the boundaries of protected areas and/or its management zones using GPS or other applicable surveying instruments/technologies to come up with a map of the area.
Demarcation is the establishment of boundaries of a protected area and/or management zone using viable markers or monuments, buoys for marine areas, and known natural features or landmarks, as a result of actual ground delineation.
DAO 2008-17 reduces the nine categories of management zones in the previous DAO to two classifications: Multiple Use Zone (MUZ) and Strict Protection Zone (SPZ).
Activities allowed in the MUZ include settlement, traditional and/or sustainable land-use such as agriculture, agroforestry, other income-generating or livelihood activities, recreational tourism, educational or environmental awareness activities, and installations like renewable energy, telecommunications and electric power generation facilities.
All human activities are prohibited in the SPZ except for scientific studies and ceremonial or non-extractive use by Indigenous Cultural Communities or Indigenous Peoples.
SPZ may include remaining natural vegetation representative of the biogeographic zone, habitats of threatened or endemic wildlife, and areas needing restoration to maintain ecological integrity.
The Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) leads the team created by the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) for site assessment.
Public notification using various communication means is conducted, followed by public consultation meetings where stakeholders are presented with the proposed zones, and any conflicts are resolved through alternative dispute resolution methods.
Delineation is conducted using GPS or other suitable survey instruments and involves placing markers or monuments, including mooring buoys for marine areas.
NAMRIA or Regional Survey Composite Teams under the RED are involved for land areas, and the Philippine Coast Guard is involved for marine areas.
PAMB creates a team composed of the PASu, LGU representatives, and community members to monitor the identification and delineation of MUZ and SPZ, and the Chairperson updates the DENR Secretary through PAWB about implementation.
Geologically hazardous areas within SPZ or MUZ are identified and measures to mitigate geological risks like erosion, landslides, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions are incorporated into the Protected Area Management Plan (PAMP).
For protected areas with existing management zones, the PAMB through PASu shall initiate a review of the Strict Protection Zone using the criteria in Section 5 and conduct delineation in accordance with Section 6 after consultation with affected stakeholders.
DAO 2008-17 takes effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation and submission of a copy to the Office of National Administrative Register (ONAR).