Definition of Key Terms
- Critical habitats: Defined under Section 3 paragraph (u) of PCSD Admin Order No. 12.
- Ecosystem: Dynamic complex of plants, animals, microorganisms, and their environment interacting as a functional unit.
- Endemic species: Defined under Section 3 paragraph (bb) of PCSD Admin Order No. 12.
- Foraging: Searching and exploiting food resources critical to animal survival and reproduction.
- Nominating Entity: Groups or individuals initiating requests for critical habitat declaration.
- Species richness: Number of species per unit area.
- Threatened species: Critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable species as per IUCN Red List or PCSD's list, with amended definition.
- Wetlands: Areas where water controls environment and associated life, including marshes, peatlands, coastal zones, and marine areas up to six meters deep at low tide.
General Considerations for Establishment of Critical Habitats
- Presence of listed threatened species (per PCSD Resolution No. 10-413 and DAO 2004-15).
- Areas used for breeding, spawning, nesting, roosting, foraging of threatened species.
- Man-made threats such as logging, mining, squatting, agriculture, tourism.
- Priority conservation areas identified by national biodiversity programs and key biodiversity areas.
Procedures for Establishment of Critical Habitats
- Nomination by LGUs or other entities through resolution or letter request.
- Validation of threatened species presence by a composite team.
- Population estimates and rapid habitat assessments including wildlife status, vegetation, land use, existing tenurial instruments, threats, and mapping.
- Community consultation with local stakeholders; written consent from private landowners may suffice.
- Boundary delineation on the ground based on community maps and natural features.
- Submission of consolidated technical report and recommendations to PCSD.
- PCSD declaration of critical habitat via resolution or proclamation.
- LGU adoption through ordinance.
- Boundary demarcation with permanent markers.
- Inclusion of critical habitat in Municipal ECAN Zones Map and Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan.
Composite Team Composition
- Composed mainly of PCSDS technical personnel, LGU representatives, DENR field staff, and invited experts.
- Responsible for assessments and consultations with relevant agencies.
Management of Critical Habitats
- Managed by LGUs or nominating entities under PCSD supervision.
- PCSD may enter into MOAs or partnership agreements with management entities.
- Management responsibility for tenurial instrument holders or private lands with PCSD supervision.
- Delegation of management to qualified groups or individuals via MOA.
Preparation of Critical Habitat Management Plan (CHMP)
- Jointly developed by PCSD, LGUs, and nominating entities.
- Plan components include objectives, key issues, management strategies, zonation schemes, and administration.
Collection and Utilization of Biological Resources
- Governed by PCSD Administrative Order No. 12, series of 2011 and other related regulations.
Prohibited Acts, Penalties, and Adjudication
- Subject to prohibitions, penalties, and adjudication procedures under Chapters VI and VII of PCSD Administrative Order No. 12, series of 2011.
Adoption of Other Relevant PCSD Administrative Order No. 12 Provisions
- Relevant provisions are adopted as integral parts of the guidelines.
Effectivity
- Guidelines take effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of national circulation and deposit with the Office of the National Administrative Register at UP Law Center, Diliman, Quezon City.