A. III.

c PROTECTED AREAS, WILDLIFE AND COASTAL ZONE

MANAGEMENT
This Program deals with the management of an Integrated Protected
Areas System, conservation of biological diversity and genetic resources,
protection of wildlife sanctuaries and conservation and propagation of the
endangered Philippine flora and fauna. It also deals with the management of
coastal and marine resources in the country.

A. III. c. 1 Protected Area Management

The main concerns of this Program are the identification, delineation

and management of areas that would fall under the National Integrated
Protected Areas System (NIPAS). This therefore involves activities related
to the protection of resources within national parks, wildlife sanctuaries
and other areas considered to become part of NIPAS.

As part of the Program, ecotourism development in protected areas

was crafted to make it a viable tool for sustainable development within the
recreation zones specified in the protected area management plan. As a
form of sustainable tourism within a natural and cultural heritage area,
multi-stakeholder participation is ensured. In addition, protection and
management of natural resources; culture and indigenous knowledge and
practices; environmental education and ethics; and economic benefits are
fostered and pursued for the enrichment of host communities and
satisfaction of visitors.

A. III. c. 2 Development and Maintenance of the Ninoy Aquino Park

and Wildlife Center in Quezon City

The Project aims to develop and maintain the Ninoy Aquino Parks and
Wildlife Center (NAPWC) as the transition between urban ecosystem and
natural forest ecosystem in order to promote consciousness on the value
and importance of natural heritage. Likewise, it aims to develop the park
into a premier ecological destination and people’s center in Metro Manila.
NAPWC also maintains Wildlife Rescue Center (WRC) where confiscated
and donated wildlife were temporarily kept for custody, medical treatment
and/or later released.

A. III. c. 3 Development and Rehabilitation of Hinulugang Taktak

National Park in Antipolo, Rizal

Hinulugang Taktak in Antipolo, Rizal can be considered by many, as

one very important landscape in Rizal with its once refreshing view of its
waterfall and legendary nature. Now threatened by the perennial problems
of human encroachment and environmental pollution caused by land
estates development and establishment of piggeries and factories within
the surrounding areas, the DENR is tasked to rehabilitate the area and
protect it from further degradation.

The Project, with the guidance of a comprehensive management plan,

aims to preserve the beauty of the landscape through enrichment planting,
installation of architectural structures and vegetative measures and the
installation of recreational facilities in strategic sites to enhance balance
distribution of visitors throughout the park.

A. III. c. 4 Development and Rehabilitation of the Mt. Apo National

Park

Mt. Apo National Park is identified to be one of the important protected

areas in the country being a natural habitat to a number of wild floral and
faunal species, including the world famous Philippine Eagle. The forest
cover of the said park is rapidly depleted due to human activities.

The Program intends to rehabilitate the degraded portions of the park

through the establishment of vegetative measures and construction of
structural measures as well as protect and preserve the remaining forest
resources through intensive IEC and involvement of the local communities
and local government units.

A. III. c. 5 Philippine Raptors Conservation Project

The Project is designed to prevent the extinction of the highly

endangered and unique Philippine Eagle, and other equally important
birds of prey such as hawks, kites, and sea eagles. It complements and
supplements the researches being conducted in Davao with an off-site
focus of operation in Luzon and the Visayas regions. The Project operates
through captive breeding, field researches, which include the assessment
of the remaining eagle habitats and inventory of current wild population,
and information dissemination program.

A. III. c. 6 Pawikan Conservation Project

The Project is a response to conserve the dwindling marine turtle

population in the country. It is responsible for the formulation and
implementation of conservation and protection policies, management and
propagation schemes and massive information and education program to
ensure the survival and growth of the country’s marine turtle resources.
A. III. c. 7 Tamaraw Conservation Project

The Project is designed to prevent the extinction of the Tamaraw,

which is endemic to Mindoro, and to protect and conserve its habitats. It
carries out captive breeding experiments, habitat characterization,
maintenance of the Tamaraw Gene Pool in San Jose, Mindoro and public
awareness campaign program. The Project also provides livelihood
opportunities to local communities within the province of Mindoro.

A. III. c. 8 Operation and Maintenance of the Crocodile Farm Institute

in Irawan, Palawan

The Crocodile Farm Institute (now known as Palawan Wildlife Rescue

and Rehabilitation Center) is a joint undertaking between the Government
of the Philippines and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
which aims to conserve the two (2) endangered species of crocodile in the
Philippines, namely: the Crocodylus mindorensis (Philippine Crocodile)
and the Crocodylus porosus (Saltwater Crocodile); and to contribute to
socio-economic well-being of the local communities through the promotion
of sustainable farming technology developed at CFI.

A. III. c. 9 Biodiversity Conservation Program

This Program deals with the conservation of biological diversity and

genetic resources as mandated by the Wildlife Resources Conservation
and Protection Act. Thus, implementation of said Act and its IRR was
strengthened through the creation of Regional Wildlife Management
Committee (RWMC) and deputation of Wildlife Enfocement Officers
(WEOs) to seize illegally traded wildlife and to arrest violators of the Act
subject to existing laws, rules and regulations on arrest and detention.

It also includes the protection and management of ecosystem such as

caves and wetlands found within the country. Activities to be undertaken
include assessment of caves, preparation of draft proclamation for said
caves as part of the protected areas and identification of wetland sites
critical to biodiversity conservation efforts.

A.III.c.10 Tarsier Conservation Project

The Project deals on the protection and conservation of tarsier and its
habitat. With this objective, the activities include assessment of wildlife
population and habitat, conduct information dissemination campaign and
maintenance of facilities.
A. III. c. 11 Management of Coastal and Marine Resources

The Program aims to integrate all efforts related to the protection,

conservation and management of coastal communities and other
stakeholders. It involves activities such as resources assessment,
community organizing, resource protection, conservation and IEC
including provision of technical assistance to Local Government Units
(LGUs) on rehabilitation of mangroves.