DENR Administrative Order No. 08 of 2012 declaring the coastal area of Carmen, Agusan del Norte as critical habitat for marine turtles

Republic of the Philippines Depart tnent of Environment and Natural Resources Visayas Avenue, Dilinlan, Quezon City Tel Nos. (632) 929-66-26 to 29 (632) 929-62-52 929-66-20 . 929-66-33 to 35 DENR Administrstive Order No. 2012- 08 SUBJECT: DECLARING THE COASTAL AREA OF CARMEN, AGUSAN DEL NORTE AS CRITICAL HABITAT FOR MARtNE TURTLES Pursuant to Section 25 of Republic Act No. 9147, otherwise known as the "Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act", Rules 25.1-25.5 of Joint DENR-DA-PCSD Administrative Order No. 01, Series of 2004, the implementing d e s and regulations of RA 9 1 47, and DENR Memorandum Circular No. 2 of 2007 "Guidelines on the Establishment and Management of Critical Habitat", and in order to protect the habitat and population of the threatened marine turtles along with other species of fauna and flora, the Coastal Area of Carmen covering the coastal Barangays of Vinapr, Gosoon, San Agustin, Cahayagan and Tagcatong located in the Municipality of Carmen, Province of Agusan del Norte is hereby declared as a Critical Habitat and shall be known as the "CARMEN CRITICAL HABITAT". Section 1. Technical Description The C m e n Critical Habitat covers a total area of 5,756.20 hectares as indicated on the herein attached area map which forms an integral part of this Order as Annex "A", subject to private rights if there be any, and to ground survey and delineation which is particularly described as folIows: Section 2. Ground Truthing The DENR-CARAGA shall undertake ground truthing of the above-said coordinates the soonest time possible. Natural topographic features of the area, vegetative cover or permanent markers shall be used as boundary monuments/indicators. Section 3. Management of the Carmen Critical Habitat The Carmen Critical Habitat shall be managed by the DENR-CARAGA in partnership with the local government units of Carmen and/or other concerned organizations. The Regional Executive Director may enter into a Memorandum of Agreement or Partnership Agreement with the cooperating parties. Alternatively, the concerned Regional Executive Director may delegate the management of the critical habitat to LGU-Carmen through a similar instrument. The DENR-CARAGA and its partnerls shall: 1. Ensure that existing ecosystems in the critical habitat are preserved and are kept in a condition that will support the perpetual existence of marine turtles and associated naturally occurring fauna and flora; 2. Ensure that developmental activities within or in the periphery of the Critical Habitat undergo the necessary assessment processes so as to safeguard the ecological integrity of the area; and, 3. Ensure the enforcement of all applicable environmental laws, including strict implementation of Section 27 (c) of RA 9147 governing prohibited acts within critical habitats, such as: a) dumping of waste products detrimental to wildlife; b) squatting or otherwise occupying any portion of the critical habitat; c) mineral exploration and/or extraction; d) burning; e) logging; and, f) quarrying. Section 4. Critical Habitat Management Plan The DENR-CARAGA and its partnerls, shall jointly prepare and cause the implementation of a Critical Habitat Management Plan addressing: a) management objectives; (b) key management issues; c) site management strategies and activities such as but not limited to habitat protection, rehabilitation, community organkimg, promotion of environmental education and awareness, ecotourism, and other developmental activities towards the sustainable management of the area; and, d) administration, among others. In the event that the DENR-CARAGA opt to delegate the management of the critical habitat to LGU-Carmen, the Region shall ensure provision of necessary technical assistance to said LGU and set scheme to monitor and evaluate implementation of the CHMP, in collaboration with other stakeholders. Section 5. Effectivity This Order takes effect fifteen days after publication in a newspaper of national circulation and acknow1edgement by the Office of the National Administrative Registry (ONAR). PmbBicati@a: Malaya loreaber 30, 2012 Aokm~wledge8amt: UP h w Center 2 Deeomber 5, 2012