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(NAR) VOL. 19 NO. 3 / JULY - SEPTEMBER 2008

[ DENR ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2008-17, September 08, 2008 ]

AMENDING SECTION 10 OF DAO NO. 25 SERIES OF 1992 AND PROVIDING CRITERIA IN THE IDENTIFICATION AND PROCEDURES IN THE DELINEATION AND/OR DEMARCATION OF MANAGEMENT ZONES WITHIN PROTECTED AREAS



Pursuant to Republic Act No. 7586 otherwise known as the National Integrated Protected System Act (NIPAS Act) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, and to rationalize the designation of management zones within protected areas. Section 10 of DAO 25, series of 1992 is hereby amended.

Section 1- Objectives. This Order aims to provide the criteria in the identification and edures in the delineation and/or demarcation of management zones within protected areas.

Section 2. Scope and Coverage. This Order applies to all protected areas under the MipAS except for those protected areas which have already been covered by specific nabling laws prior to issuance of this Order.

Section 3. Definition of Terms. As used in this Order, the following terms shall mean:

Delineation - refers to the actual ground survey of the boundaries of protected areas and/ or its management zones using Global Positioning System (GPS) or other applicable surveying instruments/technologies to come up with a map of the area.

Demarcation - refers to the establishment of the boundaries of a protected area and/or management zone using viable markers/monuments, bouys in case of marine areas, and known natural features/landmarks, among others, as a result of the actual ground delineation.

Section 4. Rationalization of Management Zones. Section 10 of DAO 25, S. of 1992 is hereby amended to reduce the nine (9) categories of management zones enumerated therein to two (2) classifications:

4.1 Multiple Use Zone (MUZ)

MUZ are areas or zone for settlement, traditional and/or sustainable land-use, including agriculture, agro forestry, and other income generating or livelihood activities may be allowed consistent with the Protected Area Management Plan of the protected area.

The zone includes, among others, areas of high recreational tourism, educational or environmental awareness values and areas consisting of installation allowed under existing Guidelines and of national significance/interest such as facilities/structures for renewable energy, telecommunications and electric power generation, among others.

4.2 Strict Protection Zone (SPZ)

SPZ are areas or zone consist of natural areas with high biodiversity value, closed to ALL human activities except for scientific studies and/or ceremonial or non-extractive use by the Indiginous cultural communities/indigenous peoples.

It may also include habitats of threatened species, or degraded areas that have been designated for restoration and subsequent protection, even if these areas are still various of regeneration.

Section 5. Criteria in the Identification of Management Zones. The following criteria e used in the identification of management zones:

5.1 Areas that are intended for strict protection zones may include any or a combination of the following:

5.1.1
Remaining natural vegetation or ecosystems representative of the biogeographic zone (such as lowland forest, coral reefs, seagrass beds and old qr mangroves);
 
5.1.2
Habitat of wildlife, either threatened or endemic to the area, necessary in part or wholly to complete their life cycle; and/or
 
5.1.3
Areas that would need restoration or rehabilitation to maintain the ecological integrity of the Strict Protection Zone once restored.

There can be more than one Strict Protection Zone in protected areas with a diversity of ecosystems with ecological niches.

5.2 All areas that do not fall within the criteria for Strict Protection Zone shall be considered Multiple Use Zone. Sub-zonification of the multiple use zone may be done during the formulation of the protected area management plan.

Section 6. Procedure in the Identification/Designation and Delineation and/or Demarcation of Strict Protection Zone (SPZ) and Multiple-Use Zone (MUZ).

6.1 Identification. The following activities shall be undertaken in the identification of SPZ and MUZ:

6.1.1
Site assessment. A team headed by the Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) shall be created by the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) to undertake the assessment and delineation of the SPZ and MUZ. The team shall preferably be composed of the members of the teams that conducted the Protected Area Suitability Assessment (PASA). Survey and Registration of Protected Area Occupants and Resources Profiling (SRPAO), and representatives from the PAMB, concerned Local Government Units and affected local communities.
 
 
The assessment shall be done to evaluate the various biological, physical and socio-economic features as well as the prevailing land uses within the protected area. Assessment shall include on-site observation and collection of primary date including focus group discussions with the concerned local government units and affected local communities. It shall take into account the results of the PASA, socio-economic and demographic studies, and the current projects in the area. Scientifically accepted methodologies and those employed in the Philippine by reputable field biologists shall be adopted in the assessment of flora and fauna. The data shall be quantifiable and can be used to compare information temporally and spatially. The output of this activity is an indicative map of the protected area showing the extent of the strict protection zone multiple use zone including the allowable activities in each zone.
 
6.1.2
Public notification and coordination. This shall be done using various mean information campaign such as but not limited to barangay assembly posting of notices in conspicuous places, interpersonal/interactive communication, distribution of flyers and other printed materials and radio plugs.
 
6.1.3
Public consultation. This is intended to present and discuss with the stakeholders the proposed management zones. Consultations shall be done after the assessment before any physical development shall be undertaken. Any conflict that may arise during the consultation shall be resolved using appropriate alternative dispute resolution methods.

6.2 Delineation and/or Demarcation. The following shall be considered in the delineation/ or demarcation of the MUZ and SPZ:

6.2.1
As much as practicable, delineation and demarcation shall be done using natural markers or observed points shall be monumented with 15cm x 15cm x 60cm monuments and mooring buoys in case of marine areas. The mooring buoy system and spacing to be adapted shall depend on the bathymetry of the area and bottom substrate.
 
 
The positions of such markers may be observed and recorded using Global position System instruments or other suitable survey instruments.
 
 
Natural boundary markers may be augmented by strip planting using indigenous forest tree species and man-made permanent markers. Interpretive signs using materials that would blend with the natural setting may also be installed as boundary markers.
 
6.2.2

The ground delineation/demarcation may be done in close coordination with NAMRIAor existing Regional Survey Composite Team under the RED and in the case of marine areas, establishment and installation of deeper and bigger buoy system shall be in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard.


Section 7. Monitoring and Evaluation. The PAMB shall create a team composed of the PASu, LGU and a representative from the community to monitor the identification and delineation/demarcation of MUZ and SPZ. The Chairperson of PAMB shall update the Secretary, through PAWB on the implementation of this Order.

Section 8. Geologically hazardous areas. These are areas susceptible to erosion, and slide, earthquake, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and other geological events which may be identified within the SPZ or MUZ. Measures to mitigate and reduce risk to public safety from geological hazards should be incorporated in the PAMP.

Section 9. Transitory Provision. If appropriate, for protected areas with existing Management zones, the PAMB through the PASu shall initiate the review of the SPZ and following the criteria provided in Section 5 of this DAO in consultation with affected stakeholders , after which the delineation shall commence in accordance with Section 6 hereof.

Section 10. Repealing Clause. This Order supersedes all other issuances inconsistent

Section 11. Effectivity. This Order shall take effect (15) days after its publication in news Paper of general circulation and a copy thereof submitted to the Office of National Administrative Register (ONAR).

Adopted: 08 Sept. 2008

(SGD.) JOSE L. ATIENZA, JR.
Secretary
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