Scope and Coverage
- Applies to all signs, buildings, facilities, and infrastructure within multiple-use and buffer zones of protected areas and ecotourism zones.
- Defines categories of signs: administrative, directional, interpretive, restrictive.
- Lists permissible infrastructure: information centers, gates, ticket booths, guard stations, view decks, boardwalks, lodging, toilets, parking, trails, camping, material recovery, water facilities.
Definitions
- Administrative sign: information on protected area boundaries and facilities.
- Built-up trail: improved pathway.
- Directional sign: symbols indicating locations and directions.
- Façade: building front facing public space.
- Facilities: man-made structures like trails, camps, water supply, fences.
- Foot trail: naturally formed path.
- Infrastructure: structures with specified material, purpose, lifespan.
- Interpretive sign: communicates stories or messages to enhance visitor understanding.
- Landscaping: modifying visible land features aesthetically or practically.
- Marker: indicates location, boundary, or distance.
- Protected Area Information Board: a large administrative sign at entry points.
- Restrictive sign: limits activities or access.
- Sally port: gate barrier controlling vehicle entry/exit.
- Sign: any visual presentation for information or advertisement.
Procedures for Establishing Uniform Signs
- Signs must meet safety, convenience, and aesthetic standards.
- Messages limited to 10 information items.
- Specifications for each sign type include size, materials, colors, fonts, installation height.
- Administrative signs include protected area boards, boundary markers (monuments, buoys, alternative markers).
- Directional, interpretive, and restrictive signs follow prescribed color schemes and font types.
Design and Specification of Buildings and Infrastructure
- Compliance with relevant national laws including the Building Code, Environmental Impact Statement requirements, and accessibility laws.
- Design principles: low cost operation, harmony with natural environment, minimal landscape alteration, suspension of floors on flat terrain.
- Construction rules: maximum building height 10 meters, combination of traditional/modern technologies, limited excavation depth.
- Material uses: indigenous, durable, fire-resistant, with concrete and steel when necessary.
Specific Facility Designs
- Information Centers: for management and visitor services, strategically located within multiple-use zones.
- Entrance/Exit Gates: vehicle and pedestrian control, with specified widths and clearance.
- Ticket Booths: for ticket issuance and identification collection.
- Guard Stations: security observation points.
- View Decks: allow visitors scenic views without harming landscape.
- Boardwalks: elevated paths over sensitive areas, designed per environmental conditions.
- Lodging/Cottages: visitor accommodations with specified room and facility requirements.
- Toilets: designed for accessibility, with proper sanitation depending on location.
- Parking Areas: sized according to vehicle types and accessibility standards.
- Trails: designed for safety, environmental protection, and visitor enjoyment, limited width.
- Camping Facilities: located away from drainage, near sanitation facilities.
- Landscaping: promotes natural aesthetics using native plants, water recycling.
- Solid Waste Management: includes separate containers, material recovery facilities, compost pits, and coordination with local governments for waste disposal.
- Energy Conservation: emphasizes low-energy lighting, solar and biogas, passive ventilation and lighting.
- Water Supply: sourced from natural springs, rainwater, or mechanical pumps; designed for drinking and general use.
Monitoring
- Protected Area Superintendent (PASU) conducts periodic monitoring alongside local offices and stakeholders.
- Monitoring parameters set by the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau.
Transition and Compliance
- Existing infrastructure may be maintained but repairs must comply with current standards.
- Non-compliance penalized according to existing laws.
Legal Provisions
- Separability clause ensures that invalid provisions do not affect the rest of the Order.
- Repeals inconsistent rules and regulations.
- Becomes effective 15 days after public dissemination and acknowledgement by the National Administrative Register.