Sustainable Forest Management EO 318

State forestlands are to be identified, classified, and demarcated on the ground, constituting permanent forest estate unless changed by Congressional act.
Forestlands are categorized primarily for production or protection, both under formal management schemes.
Conversion of forestlands for non-forestry uses is allowed only through Congressional act and agency recommendations.

Forest and forestland development includes coastal forests and aims for highest and widest public benefit.
Rehabilitation of open, denuded, degraded, and fragile forestlands is a priority.
Slope stabilization and protection to prevent floods, landslides, and ecological disasters are emphasized.
Tree parks, regreening, and roadside planting of forest species are prioritized to mitigate urban air quality degradation and global warming.

CBFM is the primary strategy for forest conservation and development, including joint ventures and production sharing.
It emphasizes collaboration among national government, LGUs, local communities, CSOs, and private entities.
Respect for indigenous peoples’ rights to ancestral lands and local cultural values is mandated.

The government promotes a stable investment environment to develop efficient, globally competitive, and environmentally friendly forest-based industries.
Policy incentives and support packages encourage private forest development and deregulation of privately planted trees.
Development of high-value tree crops and non-timber products in various lands and home gardens is promoted.
Incentives also encourage co-management involving national, local governments, CSOs, and private sectors.

Mechanisms shall be developed for proper valuation and fair pricing of forest products and services, including water and eco-tourism.
Proceeds from forest use must be plowed back locally, regionally, and nationally to finance forest protection, rehabilitation, and development.
Environment and natural resources accounting principles and watershed ecosystems as spatial units are to be institutionalized.
Innovative financing approaches like securitization, bonds, and collaborative investments to support sustainable forestry are encouraged.
Government investment prioritizes critical watersheds and areas that reduce poverty and inequity.

Good governance principles such as transparency, accountability, and participatory decision-making are mandated at all government levels.
Collaboration among DENR, NGAs, LGUs, forestry organizations, communities, CSOs, academic institutions, and stakeholders is promoted.
Forestry administrative systems and research institutions are to be modernized.
Academic and scientific programs support policies and technologies for sustainable forest management under watershed ecosystem management and CBFM frameworks.
Human resources development, forestry extension services, and stakeholder capacity building are emphasized.
LGUs shall incorporate forest land use plans into comprehensive land use plans with national agency assistance.
Networks and linkages locally and internationally for sustainable forest management are to be strengthened.

The DENR shall formulate implementing rules, regulations, procedures, guidelines, and priority actions within 180 days in coordination with all relevant bodies.