QuestionsQuestions (DENR ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2013-12)
It is issued pursuant to Republic Act No. 7586 (NIPAS Law), Sections 4 and 5 of Executive Order No. 192 (DENR reorganization), consistent with Executive Order No. 533 (Integrated Coastal Management Strategy) and Executive Order No. 797 (Coral Triangle Initiative National Plan of Action as primary framework for marine/coastal related plans and programs).
SCREMP aims to: (1) implement sustainable management through conservation, protection, and rehabilitation; (2) contribute to food security and improve coastal communities’ well-being; (3) promote public awareness and environmental consciousness (including climate change mitigation); (4) enhance positive values among youth and partners via shared responsibility; and (5) develop sustainable financing mechanisms through payment for ecosystem services.
It shall be implemented in NIPAS Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) nationwide, in locally-managed MPAs (LMMPAs), and in identified marine Key Biodiversity Areas (mKBAs) with potential for establishment as MPAs.
It defines mKBAs as globally significant marine sites for biodiversity conservation used by government, donors, NGOs, the private sector, and other stakeholders as a tool for expanding the protected area network and targeting conservation actions on the ground.
It is described as a comprehensive and integrated system of collecting and analyzing information for management planning and reporting in coastal and marine environments.
The Order lists: (5.1) Habitat and Vulnerability Assessments; (5.2) Coral Reef Rehabilitation and Protection; (5.3) Social Mobilization and Development; (5.4) MPA Establishment, Strengthening and Networking; and (5.5) Sustainable Livelihood Interventions.
It includes: (1) resource assessment including threats (land- or marine-based); (2) mapping/delineation of coral reef boundaries (using GPS and NAMRIA geo-reference); (3) marking delineated boundaries with buoys/markers; (4) establishing/managing a database adopting IIMS; (5) preparing a coral reef ecosystems management plan consistent with existing MPA management plans and ICM plans and including protection/rehabilitation measures; and (6) implementing SCUBA diving training for field implementers.
It is a practical enforcement/operational measure to clearly identify coral reef ecosystem boundaries for monitoring, protection, and rehabilitation activities.
The component includes: surveying coral reefs across coral cover categories; establishing protection measures (e.g., floating monitoring sites, regular patrols); implementing rehabilitation measures (e.g., stock enhancement, deploying artificial reef structures); regular documentation/reporting; implementing the UNEP Green Fins Code of Conduct and other science-based technologies; and conducting maintenance, monitoring, and evaluation.
Using line intercept transect coral cover estimates: Category 1 Poor (>0 to 10%); Category 2 Fair (11–30%); Category 3 Good (31–50%); Category 4 Very Good (51–75%); and Category 5 Excellent (76–100%).
Strategies include: (7.1) Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns; (7.2) Social Mobilization and Convergence; (7.3) Harmonization of Initiatives; and (7.4) Capacity Building and Strengthening of field implementers. IEC campaigns are meant to increase stakeholder understanding and participation, instill social/environmental responsibility using science-based information and technologies, and coordinate with DepEd/CHED/SUCs consistent with RA 9512 for environmental education.
RA 9512, an act promoting environmental awareness through environmental education.
It requires enjoining active involvement of LGUs, MPA management bodies/networks, private sector, civil society groups, and other partners; LGUs/MPA bodies should allocate adequate manpower and revenues, and the private sector/civil society/diving groups and other NGAs should be mobilized to participate via a convergence approach.
DENR Regional Offices, through the Coastal and Marine Management Division (CMMD), take the lead in regional implementation with technical assistance and guidance from PAWB-CMMO, and they may engage stakeholders as partners.
They must be implemented in coordination with DA-BFAR, DOST, academic and research institutions, concerned LGUs, and registered NGOs/POs.
Deployment must be reviewed and evaluated by DENR-PAWB in coordination with DENR-EMB, DA-BFAR, DOT, DOST, DOTC-PCG, DND, DILG, concerned LGUs, and partner academic institutions. DENR-EMB’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and review results can influence issuance of permits for coastal development that may negatively impact coral reef ecosystems.
Short-term (2013–2015): design ecological and socio-economic structure; pilot sites. Medium-term (2013–2017): define gaps in NIPAS MPA management implementation and report M&E progress. Long-term (2013–2020): strengthen livelihood enterprises and sustainable financing mechanisms in sites.