State Policy on Natural Resources
- Protect, develop, and conserve natural resources.
- Support environmental plans that also pursue socioeconomic development.
- Promote sustainable development through conservation and utilization.
- Enforce a total commercial logging ban on forest resources.
- Create institutional machinery including fiscal and financial programs.
- Encourage broad societal participation in resource management.
Definitions Key to the Act
- "Palawan" defines the geographic scope.
- "Sustainable development" means improving quality of life while balancing environmental protection.
- "Natural resources" includes ecosystems and useful materials.
- "Tribal land areas" pertain to indigenous cultural minorities.
- "Environmentally critical areas" require special conservation.
- Participation means inclusive involvement from grassroots to policy levels.
- "Conservation" and "Ecology" clarify resource use and ecosystem relationships.
- "Commercial logging" means profit-driven logging of old growth forest.
- "SEP," "ECAN," and "EMES" denote specific programs and systems under the Act.
Adoption of the Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP)
- SEP is the comprehensive sustainable development framework for Palawan.
- Guides local governments and agencies in environmental planning and implementation.
SEP Philosophy
- Focuses on sustainable development balancing conservation and growth for current and future generations.
- Features ecological viability by protecting ecosystem cycles.
- Emphasizes social acceptability through participatory processes.
- Adopts integrated approach for holistic problem solving and coordination.
Legal Effects of SEP
- Serves as guideline framework incorporated into Regional Development Plan of Region IV.
- Mandatory coordination and alignment of local and national government projects with SEP.
Environmentally Critical Areas Network (ECAN)
- A graded protection and development control system covering all resource types in Palawan.
- Enforces total ban on commercial logging in maximum protection zones.
- Protects watersheds, biological diversity, tribal peoples and their culture.
- Maintains sustainable yields and protects endangered species and habitats.
- Designates areas for research, education, and tourism.
ECAN Main Components
- Terrestrial: Mountainous and ecologically important lowlands.
- Coastal/marine: Entire coastline and open sea area with fisheries and tourism.
- Tribal ancestral lands: Traditionally occupied areas by cultural minorities.
Terrestrial Component Management and Zonation
- Divides into zones:
- Core zone for strict protection and minimal tribal traditional uses.
- Buffer zone subdivided into restricted use, controlled use, and traditional use areas with regulated activities.
- Multiple or manipulative use zone allowing modified land uses with strict integration and control.
Coastal/Marine Zone Management
- Simplified zonation reflecting unique geography and community-based management.
- Core zone prohibits human activity (sanctuaries and ecosystem reserves).
- Multiple use zone permits fishery, tourism, research, and rehabilitation activities.
Tribal Ancestral Lands Management
- Applies graded control with strong cultural consideration.
- Involves consultative processes and cultural mapping to address material and cultural needs.
Management Outside Ecologically Critical Areas
- SEP extends management to other resource areas including lowlands, fisheries, timber, mines, and tourism planning.
Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation (EMES)
- Systematic data generation to track environmental status changes.
- Identifies adverse trends and crisis; recommends solutions and assesses plan implementation.
Environmental Research Program
- Supports accurate planning and problem solving.
- Includes physical, biological, policy, and socioeconomic research.
Environmental Education and Extension
- Public information and education to shift away from destructive practices.
- Training programs for NGOs, business, and community leaders.
- Enhances community organizing and complements formal education.
Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) Creation
- Governs and implements SEP, under Office of the President.
- Composed of local government officials, national agency representatives, and community leaders.
- Has elected Chairman and Vice-Chairman.
Council Quorum and Compensation
- Majority of members constitute a quorum.
- Members entitled to per diems constrained to four meetings per month.
Powers and Functions of the Council
- Formulate policies and ensure alignment with local plans.
- Coordinate with government agencies and private sectors.
- Raise funds from domestic and foreign sources.
- Recommend legislation.
- Delegate functions except non-delegable ones by law.
- Employ staff on merit, enforce the Act, and perform related functions.
Conversion of PIADPO to PCSD Staff
- PIADPO becomes PCSD Staff serving as professional support.
- Transfers personnel, funds, assets, and obligations to PCSD Staff.
- Executive Director of PCSD Staff leads operations and is ex officio Council member.
Appropriations
- Initial funding from PIADPO's current fiscal budget.
- Ongoing funding included in annual General Appropriations Act.
Separability Clause
- Unconstitutional provisions do not invalidate the remaining Act provisions.
Repealing Clause
- Repeals laws inconsistent with this Act.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect upon approval.