Definition of Terms
- Allowable Zones: Management zones permitting sustainable development/resource use.
- Community-Based Program (CBP): Program enabling communities to manage and conserve resources within protected and buffer zones.
- CBP Area: Specific segments of allowable zones for CBP activities aligned with PAMP.
- Community Resource Management Plan (CRMP): Plan detailing sustainable resource management by PACBRMA holders.
- Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF): Trust fund for financing NIPAS projects.
- Mangrove Reserves: Protected mangrove areas proclaimed before NIPAS Act enactment.
- People's Organization: Organized community groups for collective action and benefit-sharing.
- Prior Vested Rights: Legitimate claims or privileges over land/resources by law, contract, or tradition.
- Protected Area Community-Based Resource Management Agreement (PACBRMA): 25-year agreement (renewable) granting tenure to communities.
- Protected Area Management Plan (PAMP): Plan covering establishment rationale, boundaries, zoning, and allowable uses.
- Tenured Migrant Communities: Groups occupying protected areas for at least 5 years before designation.
- Restoration: Planting indigenous/endemic species to return original vegetation types.
- Watershed: Designated watershed areas proclaimed before NIPAS Act.
Scope and Coverage
- CBP provides opportunities for communities to manage and protect protected areas and buffer zones.
- Tenure instruments limited to multiple use, sustainable use, and buffer zones.
- Protection/restoration in other allowable zones allowed if aligned with PAMP.
Creation of the PAMB-CBP Committee
- PAMB to establish a CBP Committee for all CBP-related matters.
- Committee includes DENR Regional Technical Director for PAWCZMS (chair), Local Management Units, and selected PAMB members.
- Appointments made by Regional Executive Director.
Stages of CBP Implementation
- Four stages: Preparatory, PO formation and tenure provision, Planning, Implementation.
Preparatory Stage
- IEC campaign to raise awareness led by RTD for PAWCZMS, CENRO, PASu.
- Institutional linkages to foster sectoral collaboration.
- Identification of CBP areas by PAMB and PASu using SRPAO, RBI, and PAMP.
- Processing conflicting claims via RED-created arbitration group; decisions by RED.
PO Formation and Security of Tenure
- Communities assessed and organized for resource management.
- Assistance from PASu, CENRO, LGUs, NCIP (for indigenous peoples) to form POs.
- Registration assistance with appropriate agencies.
- PACBRMA as tenurial instrument issued to POs for 25 years, renewable.
- Application requires registration, list of officers, members, and endorsements.
- RED approves applications up to 15,000 hectares; larger areas endorsed to DENR Secretary.
Planning Stage
- PACBRMA holders prepare CRMP describing resource management strategy.
- CRMP consistent with PAMP; includes 5-year activity plan if resources are to be extracted.
- Indigenous peoples may submit ADSDPP as alternative.
- CRMP reviewed and affirmed by PAMB and RED.
Implementation Stage
- Execution of CRMP and 5-year plans.
- Enhancing organizational capacity and economic viability.
- Ensuring benefits flow fairly to PO members.
Community-Based Forest Management Agreements in Protected Areas
- Existing CBFMAs in watersheds/mangroves continue provided compliance with PAMP.
- RED and RTD monitor and assist implementation.
- Inventory of existing CBP activities to determine status.
Monitoring and Evaluation
- PAMB, PASu, and CENRO oversee compliance with PACBRMA terms.
- Biannual reports by PASu to Regional Office; periodic evaluation by RTD.
- RED submits biannual report to DENR Secretary.
- PAWB monitors nationwide implementation, drafts policies, maintains database.
Termination or Cancellation of PACBRMA
- Grounds include: violation of terms, environmental laws, unauthorized land use, or national interest determination.
- RED leads investigation with the RTD; may suspend agreement during inquiry.
- Nullified agreements require turnover of developments to PAMB.
Fund Allocation
- DENR responsible for funding CBP implementation.
- Fees collected from CBP accrue to the Integrated Protected Area Fund.
Separability Clause
- Invalidity of any provision does not affect the remainder of the Order.
Repealing Clause
- This Order modifies previous rules and repeals inconsistent memoranda and circulars.
Effectivity
- Immediate effect upon publication in a national newspaper.