State Policy on Natural Resources
- Section 2 declares the State's policy to protect, develop, and conserve natural resources.
- The policy supports implementation of environmental plans to preserve and enhance natural resources while pursuing socioeconomic goals.
- Emphasis on sustainable development through proper conservation, utilization, and development to ensure continued optimum yields.
Philosophy of Sustainable Development
- The SEP promotes sustainable development aimed at improving the quality of life for present and future generations.
- It balances development and conservation activities to protect life-support ecosystems and rehabilitate exploited areas.
Environmental Critical Areas Network (ECAN)
- Section 7 establishes ECAN, a graded system of protection and development control covering all Palawan.
- ECAN includes tribal lands, forests, mines, agricultural areas, mangroves, coral reefs, seagrass beds, and surrounding seas.
- Objectives of ECAN:
- Forest conservation and protection
- Watershed protection
- Biodiversity preservation
- Protection of tribal people and culture
- Sustainable yield maintenance
- Protection of rare and endangered species and habitats
- Providing areas for environmental research, education, and training
- Facilitating tourism and recreation
Governance and Implementation
- Section 16 designates the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) as the governing and implementing body for the SEP.
Republic Act No. 9147: Wildlife Conservation
- Enacted July 30, 2001, RA 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act) declares a State policy to conserve wildlife resources and habitats for sustainability.
- Section 4 assigns PCSD as lead implementing agency for Palawan in line with RA 7611.
Joint DENR-DA-PCSD Administrative Order No. 01 (IRR of RA 9147)
- The IRR prescribes the procedures and guidelines for implementing RA 9147 nationwide.
- Many provisions require specific application and detailed guidelines within Palawan.
Approval and Issuance of PCSD Administrative Order No. 12
- PCSD Resolution No. 11-423 adopts Administrative Order No. 12, providing detailed guidelines for implementing RA 9147 and the Joint DENR-DA-PCSD AO No. 01 in Palawan.
- This order specifies rules tailored to Palawan's unique environmental and administrative context.
Distribution and Publication of Resolution and AO No. 12
- The resolution mandates distribution of copies to concerned government agencies for information and mandated action.
- It also requires publication in a newspaper of general circulation and submission to the Office of the National Administrative Register (ONAR) for compliance with legal publication requirements.
Legal and Administrative Effect
- The PCSD, through Administrative Order No. 12, ensures coordinated and effective implementation of wildlife conservation laws in Palawan.
- It harmonizes national laws with local governance frameworks to support sustainable environmental management and conservation efforts in the province.