Scope and Coverage
- Applies to all protected areas under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act.
- Excludes protected areas governed by specific enabling laws prior to this Order.
Definitions
- Delineation: Actual ground survey to determine boundaries using GPS or other surveying technologies, resulting in a map.
- Demarcation: Physical establishment of boundaries using markers, monuments, buoys, or natural landmarks following delineation.
Rationalization of Management Zones
- Amends previous categorization from nine to two management zones:
- Multiple Use Zone (MUZ): Areas for settlement, traditional and sustainable land-use activities, agriculture, agroforestry, recreation, tourism, educational and environmental awareness, and certain installations (e.g., renewable energy, telecommunications).
- Strict Protection Zone (SPZ): Natural areas with high biodiversity value, closed to all human activities except scientific studies and non-extractive cultural uses. Includes habitats of threatened species and areas designated for restoration.
Criteria for Identification of Management Zones
- Strict Protection Zone criteria include:
- Remaining natural ecosystems representative of the biogeographic zone (e.g., lowland forests, coral reefs).
- Habitats of threatened or endemic wildlife essential for their life cycle.
- Areas needing restoration to maintain ecological integrity.
- Zones not meeting SPZ criteria are classified as MUZ, with possible sub-zoning during management plan formulation.
Procedure for Identification, Delineation, and Demarcation
- Identification Process:
- Site assessment by a team led by the Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) including members from prior assessment teams, local government, and communities.
- Evaluation of biological, physical, socio-economic features, and prevailing land uses.
- Use of scientifically accepted methods and collection of quantifiable data.
- Development of indicative maps showing MUZ and SPZ extents and allowable activities.
- Public Participation:
- Notification via assemblies, notices, printed materials, and radio.
- Public consultations to discuss proposed zones.
- Conflict resolution through alternative dispute resolution methods.
- Delineation/Demarcation:
- Use of natural markers and permanent man-made monuments (minimum 15cm x 15cm x 60cm).
- Marine areas marked with mooring buoys adjusted for bathymetry and substrate.
- Markers' positions recorded via GPS or similar technologies.
- Coordination with NAMRIA, Regional Survey Teams, and Philippine Coast Guard for marine areas.
Monitoring and Evaluation
- The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) will establish a monitoring team including PASu, local government, and community representative.
- Regular reporting to the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources through the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB).
Geological Hazard Considerations
- Identification of geologically hazardous areas within SPZ or MUZ (e.g., erosion, landslides, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions).
- Incorporation of risk mitigation measures in the Protected Area Management Plan (PAMP).
Transitory Provisions
- Existing protected areas with management zones to have their SPZ reviewed and realigned according to amended criteria.
- Delineation to follow based on updated identification.
Repealing Clause
- This Order supersedes previous inconsistent issuances.
Effectivity
- Takes effect fifteen (15) days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
- Copy to be submitted to the Office of National Administrative Register (ONAR).