Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 1412)
The purpose of Proclamation No. 1412 is to establish the Las Piñas-Parañaque area as a Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area to protect and sustainably manage the important coastal lagoon ecosystems and their biodiversity, particularly the waterbird populations.
The coastal lagoon of Las Piñas and Parañaque within Manila Bay is the primary body of water protected under this proclamation.
The area covers 175.307 hectares with a perimeter of 8,133.6875 meters, as specified in the technical description section.
The Philippines has signed and adopted policies from the Ramsar Convention on the Conservation of Wetlands.
An area must host at least 1% of the population of any waterbird species in the East Asian Flyway or significant percentages (e.g., 10%) of particular species' populations.
The globally threatened Chinese Egret and the Philippine Duck, along with 25 other rare and uncommon species of waterbirds, are specifically mentioned.
The Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (RA 9147, 2004) and Executive Order 578 (2007) are cited as relevant laws for establishing critical habitats.
Biodiversity impact assessment must be integrated into Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Risk Assessment processes when managing and protecting critical habitats.
EO 111 establishes guidelines and a national program for ecotourism development, management, and protection of identified tourism sites, including critical habitats.
The proclamation took effect immediately upon signing on April 22, 2007.