Question & AnswerQ&A (PCSD Resolution NO. 13-481)
The Guidelines are enforceable within public lands for all terrestrial, wetland, and aquatic areas outside protected areas established under the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act (RA 7586), as well as privately owned lands where threatened species may be found.
Critical habitats refer to areas defined under Section 3 paragraph (u) of PCSD Administrative Order No. 12, series of 2011.
Nominating entities include groups such as NGOs and POs, individuals such as private landowners or tenurial instrument holders, or other private persons who initiate a request or action from PCSD or LGU for the declaration.
The presence of threatened species is the primary consideration in determining areas to be established as critical habitats, based on the best scientific data available.
Considerations include: species listed in PCSD Resolution No. 10-413 and DAO 2004-15; areas used by threatened species for key activities; presence of man-made pressures; priority biodiversity conservation areas; among others.
Procedures include nomination by LGU or other entities, validation of threatened species presence, population estimates and habitat assessment, community consultation, boundary delineation, submission of technical reports, PCSD approval and declaration, LGU ordinance adoption, boundary demarcation, and inclusion in ECAN Map and MCLWUP.
The Composite Team is created by the PCSD Executive Director and includes PCSD technical personnel, LGU representatives, DENR field staff, and may include experts from the private sector, academe, NGOs, and others as necessary.
Designated critical habitats may be managed by the concerned LGU or nominating entity under PCSD supervision. The PCSD may enter into MOAs with LGUs, POs, NGOs, Indigenous Communities, private sector, or tenure holders for management.
It must include objectives, key management issues, management strategies and activities (like monitoring, community organizing, habitat rehabilitation), zonation schemes, and administration guidelines.
Collection and utilization are governed by provisions of PCSD Administrative Order No. 12, series of 2011 and other relevant rules and regulations.
Prohibited acts, penalties, and adjudication procedures follow the provisions under Chapters VI and VII of PCSD Administrative Order No. 12, series of 2011.
The Guidelines took effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in a newspaper of national circulation and upon deposit to the Office of the National Administrative Register (ONAR).