Designation of Wilderness Areas Within Timber Concessions
- At least five percent of the total forest land area within each timber concession, excluding mossy and protection forests, is declared Wilderness Areas.
- The Director of Forest Development must notify affected timber license holders in writing about these areas with guidelines for identification.
- If license holders fail to act within 60 days, the Director proceeds to identify the areas and implement necessary actions.
National Security and Special Wilderness Areas
- Forest lands within a 45-kilometer radius from Palanan Point, Isabela, and other identified areas reserved for national security are declared Wilderness Areas.
- Boundaries of these areas should be defined using natural boundaries and identifiable landmarks.
Wilderness Areas for Disputed Timber License Areas
- Areas disputed between timber license holders that are not currently exploited are also declared Wilderness Areas.
Establishment of Greenbelts Near Population Centers
- Greenbelts must be established, maintained, and preserved near or surrounding barrios, municipalities, and cities.
- All forms of development within Greenbelts are strictly controlled.
- Other government agencies are mandated to assist in developing and maintaining these Greenbelts.
Proclamation and Governance of Wilderness Areas and Greenbelts
- The Minister of Natural Resources, based on recommendations from the Director of Forest Development, is tasked with submitting boundaries of Wilderness Areas and Greenbelts to the President for official proclamation.
- Occupancy or use of Wilderness Areas is prohibited except for the construction of foot trails, pathways, or structures intended to facilitate public recreation.
- Developmental activities in Greenbelts must be strictly controlled and comply with a comprehensive development plan.
Authority for Implementation
- The Minister of Natural Resources and the Director of Forest Development, together with other government agencies, have the authority to promulgate and adopt necessary rules and regulations for effective implementation of this instruction.