Creation of the National Ecotourism Development Council (NEDC)
- NEDC is the central policy-making body for ecotourism.
- Composition: Secretaries of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources, Interior and Local Government, Trade and Industry, Finance, National Economic and Development Authority, Education, Culture and Sports, plus representatives from private sector and NGOs.
- Chaired by the Department of Tourism; co-chaired by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
- May invite other sector representatives as necessary.
Supporting Committees: NESC and REC
- National Ecotourism Steering Committee (NESC): Composed of high-ranking officials from DOT, DENR, Department of Interior and Local Government, private sector, and NGOs; tasked with strategy development and program approval.
- Regional Ecotourism Committees (REC): Composed of regional directors, technical officers, private sector, NGO, and local government representatives; responsible for regional project evaluation and implementation.
- Chairmanships rotate every three years between DOT and DENR on a notational basis.
Functions and Responsibilities of NESC
- Formulate national ecotourism strategies and programs.
- Recommend policies, guidelines, and programs for development and promotion.
- Review and approve major project proposals.
- Devise accreditation and incentives mechanisms.
- Ensure community consultations incorporating cultural values.
- Provide technical and financial assistance to communities.
- Supervise and monitor policy and program implementation.
- Undertake other related necessary activities.
Functions and Responsibilities of REC
- Review, evaluate, approve, and monitor regional ecotourism projects.
- Implement Council-formulated policies and programs.
- Identify networks of ecotourism sites within the region.
- Recommend region-specific ecotourism plans and activities.
Secretariat Support
- Establish the Ecotourism Technical Working Group to provide technical and administrative assistance to NEDC and NESC.
- Request support from various government agencies as needed.
National Ecotourism Strategy Formulation
- Develop an integrated management plan to ensure comprehensive, sustainable ecotourism development.
- Address identified issues and recommend feasible solutions.
- Include consultations with environment, tourism stakeholders, indigenous peoples, and affected local communities.
National Ecotourism Program
- Support and complement the National Ecotourism Strategy.
- Include key areas: development and protection of ecotourism sites; product enhancement; environmental education and information campaigns; community stewardship and livelihood support.
Funding and Financial Mechanisms
- DENR and DOT allocate funds from regular budgets for NEDC operations.
- NEDC empowered to generate funds and receive grants, donations, or aids.
- Establishment of an Ecotourism Fund to finance ecotourism programs and activities.
Repealing Clause
- All conflicting executive orders, circulars, rules, and regulations are repealed or modified to conform.
Separability Clause
- If any part of the order is declared unconstitutional or invalid, unaffected provisions remain effective.
Effectivity Clause
- The order takes effect immediately upon issuance.