Functions and Responsibilities of the Ecotourism Committees
- NESC formulates and develops national strategies and programs for ecotourism promotion.
- Recommends policies, guidelines, reviews and approves major ecotourism projects.
- Designs accreditation and incentive mechanisms for projects.
- Ensures community consultations to integrate cultural values in ecotourism.
- Provides technical and financial assistance to ecotourism communities.
- Supervises and monitors implementation of ecotourism policies and projects.
- REC reviews, evaluates, approves, and monitors regional ecotourism projects.
- Implements national policies and programs at the regional level.
- Identifies regional ecotourism sites, recommends plans, and performs other Council-prescribed activities.
Secretariat Support and Technical Assistance
- NEDC to create an Ecotourism Technical Working Group to provide technical and administrative support.
- The Council may seek assistance from other government agencies for program development and implementation.
Formulation of the National Ecotourism Strategy
- NEDC tasked with preparing an integrated National Ecotourism Strategy.
- Strategy aims to provide a comprehensive management plan addressing sustainability issues.
- Developed in consultation with environment and tourism stakeholders including indigenous peoples and affected local communities.
Establishment of the National Ecotourism Program
- A supporting National Ecotourism Program developed to operationalize the strategy.
- Covers development, management, and protection of ecotourism sites.
- Includes product enhancement, environmental education and information campaigns.
- Incorporates support programs for community stewardship and livelihood development.
Funding and Budgetary Provisions
- DENR and DOT to allocate funds from their regular budgets for NEDC operations.
- NEDC authorized to generate funds through appropriate financial mechanisms.
- Funds collected placed in a dedicated Ecotourism Fund for financing programs and activities.
- Empowered to receive aids, grants, and donations.
Repealing and Separability Clauses
- Repeals or modifies existing executive orders, circulars, rules, and regulations inconsistent with this Order.
- Invalidity of any specific provision does not affect the remainder of the Order.
Effectivity
- The Order takes effect immediately upon issuance on June 17, 1999.