The National Wetlands Action Plan for the Philippines 2011-2016

Philippine Copyright © 2013 Department of Environment and Natural Resources Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part and in any form for educational or non-profit purposes without special permission from the copyright holder provided acknowledgement of the source is made. DENR-PAWB Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center Compound Quezon Avenue, Diliman 1101 Quezon City, Philippines Tel. (+632) 924-6031 Fax. (+632) 924-0109; (+632) 925-8950 planning@pawb.gov.ph http://www.pawb.gov.ph ISBN Printed and bound in the Philippines First Printing: 2013 For citation purposes, this publication may be entered as Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources, 2013. The National Wetlands Action Plan for the Philippines 2011-2016 ii iii I. Introduction to Wetlands in The Staple Food of Filipinos ........................................... 1 A. Rice, fish and water: A Taste of the Wetlands ................................................................ 2 B. What is a wetland ............................................................................................................ 2 1. Definition of Wetland Types ................................................................................... 2 a. Inland Wetlands b. Coastal Wetlands c. Human-made Wetlands 2. What we get out of them: A Table of Wetland Benefits ........................................... 3 II. The Process: Arriving at the NWAPP 2011-2016........................................................... 5 III. Pamana, The Invaluable Philippine Wetlands ............................................................... 6 A. Philippine Inland Wetlands ............................................................................................ 7 1. Lakes ........................................................................................................................ 8 2. Rivers and River Basins ........................................................................................... 9 3. Swamps, Marshes and Peatlands .............................................................................. 10 B. Philippine Coastal and Marine Wetlands ....................................................................... 12 1. Mangrove Forests ..................................................................................................... 12 2. Seagrass Beds ........................................................................................................... 13 3. Coral Reefs ............................................................................................................... 13 C. Human-made Wetlands ................................................................................................... 14 D. Caves ............................................................................................................................... 15 IV. Relevant Laws and Policies Affecting the Management of Philippine Wetlands .................................................................................................................................. 16 V. Conservation Strategies Employed ................................................................................... 19 A. Designation as Wetland of International Importance ..................................................... 19 B. Establishing Conservation Areas.................................................................................... 19 National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Identification of Biodiversity Conservation Priorities Designation of Critical Habitats Establishing Marine Protected Areas C. Recognizing Best Practices through Conservation Awards ........................................... 21 D. Other Conservation Programs and Projects ................................................................... 21 E. Existing Management Plans and Initiatives ................................................................... 23 VI. Prevailing Issues & Trends in Philippine Wetlands ...................................................... 24 A. Policy-related Issues........................................................................................................ 24 B. Inland Wetland Issues ..................................................................................................... 24 C. Coastal and Marine Wetland Issues ................................................................................ 26 Endnotes ............................................................................................................................................ 27 References ....................................................................................................................................... 29 iv The National Wetland Strategy and Action Plan ................................................................ 32 A. Vision for the NWAPP 2011-2016, Mission Statement, Aim, Objectives ...................... 32 B. Thematic Areas and Goals .............................................................................................. 32 1 Thematic Area 1: Wetlands Policy ........................................................................... 32 2 Thematic Area 2: Inland Wetlands .......................................................................... 33 3 Thematic Area 3: Coastal and Marine Wetlands ..................................................... 33 4 Thematic Area 4: Enabling Strategies ..................................................................... 33 C. Outcomes ........................................................................................................................ 33 D. Guiding Principles .......................................................................................................... 33 Ownership Collaborative Partnership Linkages to Regional and International Initiatives The Three Pillars of Sustainable Development The Precautionary Principle Informed decision-making Application of adaptive management Upholds the Constitutionally-guaranteed right and responsibility E. Strategic Action .............................................................................................................. 34 F. Priority Wetlands in the NWAPP 2011-2016 .................................................................. 34 G. Proposed Implementation Mechanism: Creation of a National Wetlands Committee .................................................................. 35 Tabulated NWAPP (2011-2016) ................................................................................................ 36 Thematic Area 1 ................................................................................................................... 36 Thematic Area 2 .................................................................................................................... 40 Thematic Area 3 ................................................................................................................... 46 Thematic Area 4 ................................................................................................................... 52 NWAPP Estimated Budget ........................................................................................................ 58 Annex A. Priority Wetlands for the NWAPP based on conservation priorities of the PBCP and the KBAs (terrestrial and marine) ........................................................................ 61 Annex B. Recommended Additional Priority Wetlands (from Regional Consultations) ......... 63 Annex C. Prioritization Based on Conservation Investments ..................................................... 65 Annex D. List of Participants ........................................................................................................... 67 Acronyms ........................................................................................................................................... 69 Photo Credits ....................................................................................................................................... 76 v Table 1. Ecosystem Services Provided by or Derived from Wetlands ....................... 3 Table 2. Developing the NWAPP 2011-2016 ........................................................................ 5 Table 3. List of conservation and research priority areas for inland waters ............ 7 Table 4. Major Swamps/Marshes in the Philippines ......................................................... 11 Table 5. Some Recent Policies and Legislations Relevant to Philippine Wetlands ........................................................................................... 17 Table 6. Wetland-related Functions Across Government Agencies ............................ 18 Table 7. Other Wetland-related Conservation Programs and Projects ...................... 22 Table 8. Existing Management Plans ..................................................................................... 23 Table 9. NWAPP 2011-2016 Priority Wetlands .................................................................... 33 Figure 1. Wetland Types .............................................................................................................. 2 Figure 2. Major River Basins in the Philippines................................................................... 10 vi This nation’s life-sustaining inheritance includes a treasure trove of wetlands that ensure freshwater reserves and nourish fisheries that supply more than half of its exponentially growing population’s protein requirements. To exercise inter generational responsibility over the Filipino people’s invluable pamana is to rise to the challenge of addressing the myriad concerns of these invaluable ecosystems. The National Wetlands Action Plan of the Philippines for 2011 to 2016 was developed in a series of multi-stakeholder consultations nationwide to update and climate-proof the last action plan released almost a decade ago. As a way of acknowledging their contribution, each and every representative of agencies and organizations, as well as private individuals, who participated in this extensive undertaking are named in the crafting of this final document (Annex D). At no time, for a nation situated right in the world’s typhoon alley, has it been most urgent to press on for the restoration, rehabilitation and promotion of the wise use of its wetlands. For wetlands are the beneficent natural superstructures that also provide, among many others, ecological services like stabilization of the shoreline, flood control and prevention of green house gas release. Through the NWAPP 2011-2016, wetland-related concerns that cut across the jurisdiction of several government agencies at the national, provincial and local levels are guided with a national framework that identifies priorities and data gaps, delineates responsibilities and expected outcomes—and most of all—enables stakeholders. Its institutionalization, through the creation of a multi-stakeholder National Wetlands Committee, is sought so that funds may be sourced and a monitoring, evaluation, and reporting framework is set in place to ensure that the activities are implemented and the outcomes achieved. The development and implementation of the NWAPP 2011-2016 is in keeping with international commitments to Conventions and Treaties such as Convention on Biological Diversity, Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna, United Nations Convention on Combating Desertification, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Theresa Mundita S. Lim Director, Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau vii Wise Use of Wetlands The wise use of wetlands is the maintenance of their ecological character, achieved through the implementation of ecosystem approaches, within the context of sustainable development. –Ramsar Convention It was made clear in the report on impacts, adaptation and vulnerability to climate change by the International Panel on Climate Change that species extinction rates increased by a factor of 1,000 over the last century, paving the way for the greatest wave of mass extinction of animal species in 65 million years. It is projected that by 2100, the Earth’s remaining species may likely be extinct. The proactive mitigation of climate change and its impacts as well as the advancement of adaptation measures consistent with the goal for sustainable development, requires informed policy-making and implementation at the national and local levels. The National Wetland Action Plan for the Philippines (NWAPP), integral to the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016, serves as the guiding document for the country to promote and implement strategies and actions for the wise use of its wetlands, which include its lakes and rivers, caves, mangroves, peatlands, seagrass, and corals. The typical Filipino diet of rice and fish and a drink of water—products of three types of wetlands—gives a taste of the wetlands that is all but "invisible" as a living ecosystem both in the general public's attitude and in policy-making. Many regulations impacting wetlands do not make direct reference to them but are spread over access to natural resources, jurisdictions over territory and management, or the prohibition of certain acts bound to site specific areas. Thus to address physical, chemical and biological pollution of the country's wetlands require remedial policy work at the national level, as well as rational and dutiful law enforcement at the local level. Other prevailing issues and trends include taking stock of the wetland resources' climate change capacities and vulnerabilities, narrowing down priority inland and coastal and marine wetlands, and capacitating stakeholders. The NWAPP is a framework of strategies and actions that harmonizes the work of government agencies and local government units as well as engages non-government organizations, business sector, small communities and the indigenous people for the management and wise use of the wetlands. The primary focus of interventions are along four thematic areas: 1) Wetlands Policy; 2) Inland Wetlands; 3) Coastal and Marine Wetlands; and, 4) Enabling Strategies. Notable in the NWAPP is the promotion of ecotourism as a conservation strategy that is characterized by inclusive growth of the basic sectors dependent on the wetland resources. Water and food security are the expected outcomes of concerted action to ease the pressure on the wetland ecosystem and improve its resiliency. An initial nine (9) inland wetlands as well as twenty-eight (28) coastal and marine wetlands identified during the nationwide multi-sectoral consultations are prioritized to optimize resources and achieve maximum impacts and outcomes from activities in the NWAPP. While the implementation partners at different levels of national agencies are already integrating their assigned tasks in their organizational work plan, activities beyond regular agency functions require funding. Thus, institutionalization is proposed through the creation of a National Wetlands Committee with oversight functions for the implementation of the NWAPP. As a program, the NWAPP 2011-2016 employs a localized approach to management and community-based participation, even as it is premised on the larger framework of sustainable development, the prevention of harm, and the continuity of a healthful ecology for the subsequent generation. It is a commitment to take responsibility for the continued enjoyment of the country’s wetland resources. The National Wetlands Action Plan for the Philippines 2011-2016 1 Wetlands are areas where the environment and the associated plant and animal life are mainly controlled by water. In the Philippines, wetlands refer to areas of marsh, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static, flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including area of marine water, the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six (6) meters.i While the notion and the term “wetlands” is not commonly used, its many products are staples in the dining table of many Filipino homes. Rice and Fish with Water: Staple Foods from the Wetland’s Bounty Rice – from Human-made Wetlands like the renowned Banawe rice terraces and other irrigated land or seasonally flooded agricultural land. The Bureau of Agricultural Resources Statistics reported in 2011 that 1.9 million hectares produced a total of 7.5 million metric tons of rice. Fish – from fresh, brackish or saltwaters of the Inland Wetlands, like Taal Lake or Coastal and Marine Wetlands like the Tubattaha Reefs in Sulu Sea. The total fisheries production worth P224.7 billion reported by Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in 2011 showed that among every 10 fish bought: almost 4 came from aquaculture; 3 from marine fishermen’s catch; over 2 from commercial fisheries, while less than half a fish came from inland fisheries. Water – collected from various freshwater Inland Wetlands resulting from 1000-2000 mm per year of runoff, as cited by Kho in 2005 from the annual Philippine rainfall of 1000 to 4000 mm as per the National Water Resources Board in 2003. The Environmental Management Bureau in 2007 reported that among the 611 classified inland water bodies, only 34% were suitable for water supply. 2 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources Figure 1. Wetland Types The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands recognizes three broad categories from the upland ridges to the reef as illustrated in Figure 1: 1. Inland Wetlands – Aquatic-influenced environments, sometimes referred to as freshwater and inland waters/waterbodies but also include brackish water located within land boundaries: inland deltas, rivers/streams/creeks including waterfalls, freshwater and brackish/alkaline lakes, peatlands, freshwater marshes and swamps. 2. Coastal/Marine Wetlands – Wetlands located within coastal watersheds: sea bays and straits, sea-grass beds, coral reefs, marine shores, sand bars, sandy islets, and dune systems, estuarine and deltas; mud, sand or salt flats; tidal marshes, mangrove swamps, coastal saline lagoon, and marine/ coastal caves. 3. Human-made Wetlands – Include fish and shrimp ponds, farm ponds, irrigated agricultural land, salt pans, dams and reservoirs, gravel pits, sewage farms and canals. Wetlands are ecosystems that support biodiversity and perform an array of ecoservices (Table 1). 1 Highland Lake 2 Swamps 3 Peatland 4 Water Impound (Rice Terraces) 5 Marsh 6 River 7 Irrigation (Rice Paddy) 8 Fishpond 9 Lake 10 Reservoir 11 Estuaries 12 Tidal Flats 13 Mangrove Forest 14 Seagrass Beds 15 Coral Reefs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 1213 11 13 14 15 Open Sea 15 The National Wetlands Action Plan for the Philippines 2011-2016 3 The continued enjoyment of the products and services of wetlands entail addressing a myriad of challenging concerns and acting with a sense of immediacy. It was made clear in the 2007 report on impacts, adaptation, and vulnerability to climate change by the International Panel on Climate Change that species extinction rates increased by a factor of 1,000 over the last century, paving the way to the greatest wave of mass extinction of animal species in 65 million years. Consequently, the Earth’s remaining species may likely be extinct by 2100. To proactively mitigate climate change and its impacts and to push for adaptation measures consistent with the goal of sustainable development, policy-making at the national and local levels require the best available scientific knowledge, including technical and traditional knowledge. The National Wetlands Action Plan for the Philippines (NWAPP), which is integral to the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016,ii serves as the guiding document for the country to promote and implement science-informed strategies and actions for the wise use of its wetlands. Food Production of fish, wild game, fruits, and grains Freshwater Storage and retention of water for domestic, industrial, and agricultural use Fiber and fuel Production of logs, fuelwood, peat, and fodder Biochemical Extraction of medicines and other materials from biota Genetic materials Genes for resistance to plant pathogens, ornamental species, and so on Climate regulation Source of and sink for greenhouse gases, influence local and regional temperature, precipitation, and other climatic processes Water regulation (Hydrological flows) Groundwater recharge/discharge Water purification and waste treatment Retention, recovery, and removal of excess nutrients and other pollutants Erosion regulation Retention of soils and sediments Natural hazard regulation Flood control, storm protection Pollination Habitat for pollinators Spiritual and inspirational Source for inspiration, many religions attach spiritual and religious values to aspects of wetland ecosystems Recreational Opportunities for recreational activities Aesthetic Many people find beauty or aesthetic value in aspects of wetland ecosystems Educational Opportunities for formal and informal education and training Soil formation Sediment retention and accumulation of organic matter Nutrient cycling Storage, recycling, processing, and acquisition of nutrients Source: Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005 It promotes ecotourism as a conservation strategy that ensures inclusive growth of the basic sectors dependent on the wetland resources, supports collaboration with stakeholders and partners to ease the pressure on the wetland ecosystem for water and food security, and engages decision-makers to improve the resiliency of the wetlands as the country’s beneficent superstructures for natural and cost-effective flood control as well as greenhouse gas sink to reduce risk and disaster, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The NWAPP 2011-2016 provides a framework of strategies and actions to harmonize the work of government agencies with common wetland related concerns at the national, provincial and local levels as well as to engage non-government organizations, the business sector, small communities and indigenous people, for the management and wise use of wetlands and their resources for the enjoyment of their benefits by the present and future generations. The National Wetlands Action Plan for the Philippines 2011-2016 5 Initiatives implemented since the last National Wetlands Action Plan in 1993 were reviewed through a national conference on wetlands and climate change, initiated by the Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands, Inc. and DENR-PAWB. Technical Working were then formed, representing the following focal areas of concern: 1) Freshwater Wetlands; 2) Marine and Coastal Wetlands; 3) Wetlands Policy; 4) Enabling Activities. Each group based its assessment on information compiled and consolidated from various sources; identified the threats and challenges and determined whether or not these were sufficiently addressed by national, regional or local plans; designated tasks, timetable, and output targets and indicators. The last two items were a concern over the 1993 NWAPP as the review showed that while many of the activities were implemented, the outcomes were not assessed. Moreover, strategies needed to be updated in the light of developments and issues resulting from climate change. Development of the NWAPP would proceed for the next 22 months in a series of stakeholder consultations (Table 2). Stakeholders and the groups they represent are identified in Annex D. Some Key Reference Materials Reviewed For The NWAPP 2011-2016 1. The 1993 National Wetlands Action Plan for the Republic of the Philippines 2. National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use and Protection of Philippine Peatlands 3. Philippine Technical Reports for the UNEP/GEF Project: Reversing Environmental Degradation Trends in the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand: Seagrasses, Corals, Mangroves, Wetlands 4. Proceedings of the First National Lake Congress on Philippine Lakes 5. National Ecotourism Strategy 6. Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Priorities 7. Key Biodiversity Areas 8. National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) 9. Integrated River Basin Management and Development Plan 10. Verde Island Passage Marine Corridor Management Plan Framework 11. Integrated Water Resources Management Plan Framework 12. Invasive Alien Species in the Philippines: Status, Challenges and Directions 13. Directory of Philippine Wetlands National Conference on Wetlands, Climate Change Adaptation and Biodiversity Conservation Dumaguete City 12-14 January 2009 Luzon Stakeholders Regional Consultation Antipolo City 11-12 November 2010 Visayas and Mindanao Stakeholders Regional Consultation Davao City 2-3 December 2010 Integration Writeshop Quezon City 6 January 2011 Ad-Hoc Technical Working Group Meetings September 2011 to December 2012 6 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources The right to a balanced and healthful ecology explicit in the 1987 Constitutioniv carries with it the moral duty of intergenerational responsibility: whereby the current generation is bound not only to refrain from blighting the environment but also to conserve and enhance it for subsequent generations.v If the right to a robust environment is not to be denied of anyone who breathes on the womb of this earth, then we can no more disown our responsibility than shear off our umbilical cord to what is our life-sustaining inheritance or pamana. The Philippine’s distinctive bio-geographical setting has endowed it with a natural wealth of wetlands. As an archipelago, the second largest in the world, it has a 36,289 sq km coastline and an estimated 2.2 sq km of archipelagic waters. Bounded in the north by the Bashi Channel, in the east by the Pacific Ocean, in the south by the Celebes Sea, and in the west by the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine islands lie within the major migration route of East Asian shorebirds and numerous other migratory waterbirds that makes it among the significant avian wintering areas as indicated in the country report in Ramsar’s 1989 Directory of Asian Wetlands. Its place in the Pacific ring of fire has produced a mineral-rich depository even among its sands and beaches, and most recently led to the explosive birth of a new crater lake in the aftermath of Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption in 1991. Geological studies cited by Hall’s 1998 study show that the Philippines had been separated from its neighbors by deep-sea channels for millions of years accounting for its biodiversity, evolving distinctly and separately from its neighbors sufficient for it to be rightly regarded as a separate biological region, as pointed out in Mallari et al. 2001 study. The National Wetlands Action Plan for the Philippines 2011-2016 7 A. Philippine Inland Wetlands Wetlands directly connected to groundwater regulate the quantity and quality of a vital source for drinking and agriculture. Rainwater runoff, streams, and rivers carry sediments and nutrients from fertilizers or even sewage effluent. Wetland vegetation filters lock up these contaminants in their leaves, stems and roots. These actions helps improve water quality by: 1) preventing build-up of toxic levels in groundwater used for drinking purposes and; 2) preventing eutrophication downstream, where high concentrations of nitrates and phosphates can cause the explosive growth of algae to trigger a competition for dissolved oxygen as well as block out light in water needed by other aquatic plants and animals to survive. This natural functions notably for inland wetlands, has proven to be more cost-effective than conventionally built water treatment plants Abulog River Apayao and Cagayan Bulusan Lake Sorsogon Cagayan River Cagayan and Isabela Jalaud River Capiz, Antique and Iloilo Abra River Abra, Mt. Province, Benguet, Ifugao and Ilocos Sur Lake Danao Leyte Agno/Amburayan River Mt. Province, La Union, Benguet, Ifugao, Tarlac, Nueva Vizcaya, Pangasinan and Ilocos Sur Ilog River Negros Oriental and Occidental Candaba Swamp Pampanga and Bulacan Twin Lakes Negros Oriental Umiray River Aurora, Quezon and Bulacan Lake Mainit Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte Kaliwa-Kanan River Quezon Lake Duminagat Misamis Occidental Laguna de Bay Laguna, Manila and Rizal Olangui River Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur Pasig River Manila and Rizal Lake Lanao Lanao del Sur Tadlak Lake Laguna Lake Napalit Bukidnon Taal Lake Batangas Agusan Marsh Agusan del Sur Pansipit River Batangas Pulangi River Bukidnon, Maguindanao and North Cotabato Seven Lakes of San Pablo City Laguna Agusan River Agusan del Norte and del Sur, Compostela Lake Nabua Camarines Sur Ligawasan Marsh North and South Cotabato, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat Lake Buhi/Lake Manapao/ Lake Katugday Albay and Camarines Sur Lake Sebu and Mt. Three Kings South Cotabato Coron Lakes Palawan Lake Maughan South Cotabato Lake Naujan Mindoro Oriental Lake Manguao Palawan for treating wastewater from industries, mining, and sewage. Moreover, floodplain wetlands such as lakes and freshwater marshes naturally store and slow down floodwater, helping to protect downstream areas from destructive flooding. According to the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Priorities (PBCP), the country has 216 lakes, 421 principal rivers, and 22 marshes, swamps and reservoirs. The biodiversity associated within these inland water ecosystems is critical to food security and livelihood through fisheries and other resources. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in its 2011 Philippine Fisheries Profile considers the following, according to fishery resources ,as the country’s Inland Resources: 1) Swamps 246,063 ha. with freshwater at 106,328 ha. and brackishwater at 139,735 ha.; 2) Existing fishpond 253,854 ha. with freshwater at 14,531 ha. and brackishwater at 239,323 ha.; 3) Other Inland Resources 250,000 ha. with lakes at 200,000 ha., rivers at 31,000 ha., and reservoirs at 19,000 ha. These inland wetlands host a multitude of organisms including 316 fish species of which 121 are endemic and 76 are threatened. It also harbors numerous species of waterbirds, aquatic plants and a majority of amphibians and semi aquatic species such as the highly endangered Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) as indicated in the 4th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (2009). Inland wetlands being mostly freshwater sources become congregating points for human settlements. Thus while it is the most accessed, it is also accorded the least attention among these type of wetlands of all ecosystem types. An Integrated Lake Basin Management and an Integrated River Basin Management have been developed for these inland wetlands. 1. Lakes Lakes have been defined as bodies of standing water surrounded by land (Palma 2005); an inland body of water that occupies a depression (Castillo, 2005); inland bodies of water with distinct basin or depressions that are formed by natural sinking and rising of land Guerrero (2001) as cited by Tanduyan et al. at the Second National Congress on Philippine Lakes (2011). Some of the major lakes in the country are: Laguna de Bay, Lake Lanao, Taal Lake, Lake Buhi and Naujan Lake. Laguna de Bay, the country’s largest lake with a total area of 3,813.2 sq km., is also one of Southeast Asia’s largest inland water bodies providing various products and services for the more than 13 million people that live in its lake basin. Lake Lanao in Lanao del Sur is one of 17 ancient lakes in the world (EMB, 2006) and the second largest freshwater lake in the country, a reservoir for the Agus hydroelectric power plants which generate 55-65% of Mindanao’s power (Greenpeace, 2007). Taal Lake is important for tourism because of its high scenic value, it is also home to the “tawilis” (Sardinella tawilis), an endemic fish considered as one of the few freshwater Sardinella in the world, as well as the “duhol” (Hydrophis semperi), one of only three freshwater sea snakes in the world as stated in the 4th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (Republic of the Philippines, 2009). Lake Buhi has the distinction of being home to the smallest commercial fish in the world, the “sinarapan” (Mistichthys luzonensis). Naujan Lake in Oriental Mindoro is an important staging and wintering area for a large number of tufted duck (Aythya fuligula) species. 2. Rivers and River Basins River basin is an area drained by a river and its tributaries. There are 421 principal rivers that provide various services such as means for mobility and transport of people and goods, hydropower, recreation, and irrigation, among others. Rivers act as waterways—the route that floodwaters take from watersheds to coastal areas. Twenty of the country's river basins are larger than 1,000 sq km in size while 18 are larger than 1,400 sq km. Cagayan River Basin is the largest at 25,649 sq km. 10 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources 3. Swamps, Marshes and Peatlands Swamps and marshes are water-logged areas with inadequate drainage. Fed by ground and surface water, they serve as nursery grounds for fish. While swamps are dominated by shrub and woody plants and trees, marshes have soft-stemmed vegetation like grass, reeds and sedges and are not as deep as swamps. On the other hand, peatlands are characterized by the accumulation of organic matter called “peat” derived from dead and decaying plant material under high water saturation conditions. Saturated peat is typically up to 98% water by mass, absorbing rainfall and allowing it to percolate more slowly into the soil, thereby reducing the speed and volume of runoff entering streams and rivers. Healthy, intact peatlands act as storage houses for carbon gases whereas drainage, peat extraction and burning release it into the atmosphere in the form of yet more greenhouse gases (GHGs). Among all the marshes, Ligawasan Marsh in Cotabato province is the largest in area at 220,000 hectares. It is a conglomeration of three marshes: Ligawasan, Libungan and Ebanan. Fishing is the primary means of livelihood of families in the marsh during periods of heavy rainfall when most of the area is underwater. However, during dry season, some 140,000 hectares dry out and are cultivated. Likewise, Ligawasan Marsh is an important bird area and a Key Biodiversity Area (KBA #198). Consequently, about 30,000 hectares of the Marsh has been declared as a game refuge and bird sanctuary. Candaba Swamp in Central Luzon is a vast complex of freshwater ponds, swamps and marshes with surrounding areas of seasonally flooded grassland, arable land and palm savanna on a vast alluvial flood plain. These wetlands are mostly privately-owned Figure 2. Major River Basins in the Philippines The National Wetlands Action Plan for the Philippines 2011-2016 11 Candaba Swamp Bulacan and Pampanga Provinces, Central Luzon 32,000 Lalaguna Lamon Bay, Quezon Province, Luzon 400 Manlubas Swamp Camarines Norte, Southern Luzon unknown Leyte-Sab-a Basin Leyte Island, Leyte Province 90,000 Hinunagan Rice Paddies Southeastern Coast of Leyte, Southern Leyte Province 5,000 Agusan Marsh Agusan del Sur Province 90,000 Ligawasan Marsh North and South Cotabato Provinces 220,000 Aju, San Dionisio and Sara Wetlands Panay Island, Iloilo Province 45,000 Source: DENR 2009 (4th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity) with a very small part that is state-owned but has been classified as “alienable and disposable” land, thus posing a peculiar concern for conservation. A Key Biodiversity Area (KBA #31), it is an extremely important staging and wintering area for ducks, specially in October and November when the swamp regularly supports thousands of birds. Candaba Swamp acts as a natural flood retention basin holding wet season overflow from the Maasim, San Miguel, Garlang, Bulu and Penaranda Rivers, and draining into the Pampanga River. Its natural retention capacity is estimated at approximately 1.5 billion cubic meters. Peatlands have been confirmed in Sab-a basin in Leyte and in Agusan Marsh in Agusan del Sur. Information indicates that peat is also probably present in Ligawasan Marsh in Mindanao, Dolongan area in Basey, Samar, Southern Leyte, Mt. Pulag in Northern Luzon, Surigao del Norte, Northeastern Mindanao, and Naujan Lake Marshland as indicated in the National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use and Protection of Philippine Peatlands prepared in 2009, which forms an integral part of the National Wetlands Action Plan. 12 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources B. Philippine Coastal and Marine Wetlands Coastal and marine wetland ecosystems consist of coral reefs, mangroves, beach and beach forest as well as soft bottom communities, including tidal flats, estuaries and seagrass beds, and open water areas. These act as frontline defenses against potential devastation. The roots of wetland plants bind the shoreline together, resisting erosion by wind and waves and providing a physical barrier that slows down storm surges and tidal waves, thereby reducing their height and destructive power. One of the major strategies being implemented to manage threats to coastal and marine resources is Integrated Coastal Management (ICM)vi. The importance of preserving coastal habitats and other marine resources is also a priority strategy in managing threats to coastal wetlands, including the National Plan of Action for the Coral Triangle Initiative. Meanwhile, at least 30% of the coastal and marine ecosystems is targeted for full protection and management to increase resilience of coastal environment against climate change as proposed through the UNDP-managed joint program on Strengthening the Philippines’ Institutional Capacity to Adapt to Climate Change (2008-2010). 1. Mangrove Forests Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees that have adapted to living in salt and brackish water conditions. They vary in size from shrubs to tall trees and require slow currents and plenty of fine sediment in which to set their roots. They support the natural food chain by forming a link between the land and the sea and serve as the sanctuary of both aquatic and terrestrial wildlife (Baldevarona, 2001). Based on 2012, satellite data validated by ground surveys, it was determined that mangrove cover increased from 120,000 ha. in 1995 to 210,497 ha. in 2008 ,based on 2002 satellite data validated by ground surveys. The upward trend makes for improved habitats for species that depend on mangrove, which then translate to an aggregate The National Wetlands Action Plan for the Philippines 2011-2016 13 increase in fisheries stock and livelihoods. The largest mangrove areas are found in Palawan (52, 693 ha.), Northern Samar (9, 961.69 ha.), Surigao del Sur (16,865.14 ha.), and Bohol (14,156.37 ha.) (DENR-PAWB-CMMO, 2008). In 2009, a total of 2,000 ha were identified under the Upland Development Program. Moreover, in 2010, 7,500 ha. were identified under the DENR-GPOA. The National Greening Program, which targets the planting of 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million ha. of public land in six years (2011-2016), includes the reforestation and rehabilitation of coastal and mangrove areas. In its first year of implementation, a total of 8,421.18 ha. were planted with 3,161,430 seedlings in 64 Protected Areas, and 319.5 ha. of mangroves were planted with 549,730 seedlings. 2. Seagrass Beds Seagrasses are flowering plants specialized to thrive completely submerged in the saline environment of marine and estuaries. They maintain water clarity by slowing down water velocity and allowing for the settling of fine sediments that are anchored by the seagrass roots thus, acting like a protective layer against silting to coral reefs. They stabilize and hold bottom sediment, even under the force of hurricanes and storms, thus providing shelter and refuge to adult and young marine animals. They also prevent coastal erosion. Half a hectare of seagrass can produce over 10 tons of leaves per year—a biomass that provides food, habitat, and nursery areas for many fish species, invertebrates, crustaceans, including marine turtles and the Dugong dugon (sea cow). Seagrass beds also function as organic carbon storage much like that of forests. Studies indicate that it is considered a globally significant carbon stock, the loss of which could release of up to 299 Tg of organic carbon per year (Fourqurean et al., 2012). The Philippines has the second highest seagrass diversity in the world contributing about 19 species or about 55 % of the number of species in East Asia. A total of 343 sq km of sea grass have been estimated using combined satellite images and ground surveys while the rest are based on unvalidated satellite images. Among the sites with the widest area of seagrass beds are Puerto Princes/Honda Bay in Palawan (with 43 sq km), Bolinao in Pangasinan (25 sq km) and Malampaya Sound in Palawan (21 sq km). The unvalidated sites with the widest area of seagrass beds include Sulu Archipelago (167 sq km), Northern Palawan (89 sq km) and Southwestern Palawan (47 sq km) (Fortes, 2004). In the past five decades, about 30-40 percent of seagrass areas in the Philippines have been lost. Recent data shows that seagrasses in the country are distributed over an area of about 27,282 sq km (Fortes, 2008). Although they are believed to be the least studied among tropical coastal ecosystems, efforts to showcase successful conservation strategies include a demonstration site established in Bolinao, Pangasinan and a seagrass sanctuary in Narra, Palawan. 3. Coral Reefs So formidable and yet essentially miniscule, coral reefs built over a thousand years by colonies of coral polyps half-an inch long are a sophisticated 14 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources ecosystem resulting from what is essentially a simply built animal shaped like a sack with an opening for a mouth ringed with tentacles to catch prey. These coral polyps, enclosed in a calcium carbonite crust of protective corralite, have also built a symbiotic relationship with the single-celled zooxanthellae algae (Symbiodinium species) which live inside its host and feed on its waste. Through photosynthesis, the algae makes 90% of the polyp’s food and energy requirements and is responsible for a coral’s vivid coloring. When the sensitive zooxanthellae are killed off by the warming and/ or acidification of waters from climate change, the result is massive coral bleaching. The constant influx of this kind of synergy and symbiotic processes within the coral reef system accounts for a complexity among the variety of reef species that make it a rich laboratory of natural product chemistry. Its biomedical and agricultural applications are vast. Fish are dependent on the reef habitat to complete their life cycle, visit and use coral reefs as spawning, breeding and nursery grounds; thus, it significantly accounts for fish landings (UNEP, 2004). Coral reefs also buffer coastlines from the pounding action of waves, thus also protecting other ecosystems like seagrass beds and mangroves. As the sea levels rise, they provide vital protection against storm surges and inundation. Scientists, using coral and reef fish diversity as the two major criteria, identified an area roughly 2% the size of the world’s ocean where 75% of the coral species are found. Dubbed the Coral Triangle—located along the equator at the confluence of the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans, within the exclusive economic zones of the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste—it boasts of 35% of the world’s coral reefs that exhibit climate change resilience and 40% of all coral reef fish species (CTI RPOA, 2008). The Philippines, alone, records species diversity identified by various authors at 468 scleractinian corals, 1,755 reef-associated fishes, 648 species of mollusks, 19 species of seagrass and 820 species of algae (Fishbase 2008, BFAR NFRDI-PAWB, 2005). Carpenter and Springer (2005) noted that the country is the center of the center of marine shore fish diversity in the world. A report from PhilReefs (2008) using data from biophysical monitoring in 6 biogeographic regions of the Philippines-South China Sea (SCS), also known as the West Philippine Sea, North Philippine Sea (NPS), South Philippine Sea (SPS), Visayan Seas (VS), Sulu Sea (SS) and Celebes Sea (CS)—provided reef survey information on the reef conditions in the country and updated the previous status report by Nanola et al. in 2004. Coral reef benthos sites, reef fish sites with fish abundance and biomass data from 52 municipalities/cities and 31 provinces nationwide were used to determine the status of coral reef and associated reef fishes. These sites were also categorized into Marine Protected Areas and non- MPA or outside MPAs. Findings indicated that of the 6 biogeographic zones, the SCS had the most number of MPA and non-MPA sites followed by VS, SS, NPS, SPS and CS. Monitoring data—using hard coral cover, fish abundance and fish biomass as indicators—showed that the country still exhibits an overall declining trend specially in non-MPA sites (Table 13). In the South China Sea region, average hard coral cover for both MPA and non-MPA sites did not show much change, although there was a higher percentage of coral cover observed in MPA sites. In terms of fish abundance, the Visayan Sea and Sulu Sea regions showed a slightly decreasing trend, while the South China Sea region showed an increasing trend. Outside MPAs, there was a general decrease in trend, except for Sulu Sea and Celebes Sea regions which remained stable. In terms of fish biomass, the Sulu Sea MPA sites showed a decreasing trend, the Visayan Sea showed an increasing trend, while the South China Sea region remained stable. Many of the non-MPA sites remained stable. C. Human-made Wetlands Human-made wetlands are principally utilized for agriculture. They include fish and prawn ponds, small water impoundments, irrigated agricultural land like the rice terraces as well as salt pans, reservoirs, gravel pits, sewage farms and canals. The Ifugao people’s engineered Banawe Rice Terraces of Cordillera, a UN World Heritage site, are a 2,000 year-old prime example of sustainable water resources management. Rain-fed farms, particularly those in sloping/undulating areas The National Wetlands Action Plan for the Philippines 2011-2016 15 not serviced by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) systems, benefit from the development of small scale, on-farm type water resources management technologies undertaken by the Bureau of Soils and Water Management, which reports that as of 2012 it had built 444 Small Water Impounding Projects, 1,616 Small Diversion Dams, and 30,000 Small Farm Reservoirs. While these facilities supplement irrigation for improved farm productivity, they also enhance the environmental services of agriculture, in terms of flood mitigation, fostering groundwater recharge and sediment capture. The construction of a 4,000 sqm wetland—launched by the LGU of Alaminos, Pangasinan in March 19, 2012 to naturally cleanse wastewater utilizing wetland vegetation for irrigation purposes, growing fresh water fish as well as mitigate pollution to the waters of the tourism-generating Hundred Islands while becoming a park and recreation site was modeled from a Best Practice facility in Thailand. Such man-made wetland can trap nitrogen and phosphorus runoff, retain pesticides, antibiotics, and other agricultural pollutants as well as sequester carbon dioxide. D. Caves Caves are natural underground voids, cavities or systems of interconnected passages large enough to permit a human to enter. These are found inland or in the coast or—in some cases—tunnel from the ridge to the reef. It includes smaller spaces like rock shelters, sea caves, and grottos. They are home to specialized mineral formations as well as unique and diverse flora and fauna; at least 23 species of bats, birds, reptiles and frogs recorded dwelling in Philippine caves were found to be endemic. The country has more than 1,500 identified caves with more yet to be explored and mapped. Listed under the World Heritage Site, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan highlights a complex cavern with unique speleothems, a 20-million-year old Serenia fossil in its walls and an 8.2 kilometer navigable underground river that empties into the bay. The Tabon Caves Complex, on the other hand, is where fossilized human remains were excavated, with artifacts believed to be dating back 47,000 years to the Ice Age. Four caves proclaimed under the NIPAS Act with the Protected Landscape category are Peñablanca Protected Landscape (Tuguegarao, Cagayan); Pamitinan Protected Landscape (Rodriguez, Rizal); Calbiga Protected Landscape (Northern Samar); and Banahaw San Cristobal Protected Landscape (Quezon and Laguna). Because of the increased collection of cave resources and various human interventions, caves are critically in danger, despite their significance. 16 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources Over time, resources that are owned by no one or owned in common—thereby accessed by all as each sees fit—rapidly deteriorates with the burgeoning rise in population. It is a story with only a tragic outcome in a finite biosystem (Stewart, 2005). Thus, arresting the trend in the matter of the country’s wetlands becomes the purview of the state to deploy through its designated agents to delimit the notion of open accessvii and to establish mechanisms for the management of the wetland commons.viii In a significant adjudication, the Supreme Court ruling in favor of Concerned Residents of Manila Bay whereby it issued a mandamus on December 18, 2008, ordering all concerned government agenciesix to coordinate in the clean-up and restoration of Manila Bay, requiring them to undertake steps, and submitting quarterly progress reports to address the bay’s urgent concerns continues to even date, underscores the magnitude of the right to a balanced and healthful ecology. A review of legislations and policies on Philippine wetlands commissioned in 2005 is indicative of the “invisibility” of the country’s wetlands among its policy-making bodies, despite the ecosystem’s valuable services. Many of the regulations with direct impact on wetlands do not make direct reference to them but instead regulate access to natural resources, jurisdictions over territory and management, or prohibit certain acts relating to the areas themselves. On the other hand, those with indirect application are an assortment of environmental regulations that affect wetlands allowing or restricting actions that eventually impact many ecosystems, as well (Luna, 2005). Ensuring biodiversity and the continued enjoyment of the wetland eco-services requires informed policy-making at the national and local levels that proactively addresses the direct and indirect drivers of change in the country’s wetlands. According to the Millenium Economic Assessment, major policy decisions in the next decades will have to address trade offs among current uses of wetland resources and between current and future uses. Particularly important trade offs involve those between agricultural production and water quality, land use and biodiversity, water use and aquatic biodiversity, and current water use for irrigation and future agricultural production (2005). Successful policy implementation in the country’s wetlands has been noted when there are management structures that (a) “is locally based but nationally endorsed, (b) understands the flexibility required in policy application thereby having the ability to focus on certain regulations with the The National Wetlands Action Plan for the Philippines 2011-2016 17 Republic Act 8550 Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 (An Act Providing for the Development, Management and Conservation of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Integrating All Laws Pertinent Thereto, and for other purposes) Republic Act 7586 National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992 (An Act Providing for the Establishment and Management of National Integrated Protected Areas System, Defining its Scope and Coverage, and for other purposes) Republic Act 9147 Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (An Act Providing for the Conservation and Protection of Wildlife Resources and Their Habitats, Appropriating Funds Therefor and for other purposes) Republic Act 9072 National Caves and Cave Resources Management and Protection Act. (An Act to Manage and Protect Caves and Cave Resources and for other purposes) Republic Act 7160 Local Government Code of 1991.(An Act Providing for a Local Government Code of 1991) Republic Act 9275 Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Water Quality Management and for other purposes) Republic Act 9003 Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (An Act Providing for an Ecological Solid Waste Management Program, Creating the Necessary Institutional Mechanisms and Incentives, Declaring Certain Acts Prohibited and Providing Penalties, Appropriating Funds Therefor, and for other purposes) Executive Order 533 Adopting Integrated Coastal Management as a National Strategy to Ensure the Sustainable Development of the Country’s Coastal and Marine Environment and Resources and Establishing Support Mechanisms for its Implementation (2006) Executive Order 578 Establishing the Policy on Biological Diversity, Prescribing its Implementation Throughout the County, Particularly in the Sulu Sulawesi Marine Ecosystem and Verde Island Passage Marine Corridor (2006) Executive Order 797 Adopting the Coral Triangle Initiative National Plan of Action Republic Act 9729 Climate Change Act of 2009 (An Act Mainstreaming Climate Change into Government Policy Formulations, Establishing the Framework Strategy and Program on Climate change, Creating for this Purpose the Climate Change Commission, and for other Purposes) Executive Order111 Establishing the Guidelines for Ecotourism Development in the Philippines Executive Order 798 Transferring the Philippine Reclamation Authority from the Department of Public Works and Highways to the Department of Environment and Natura l Resources (May 29, 2009) Executive Order 672 Defining and Clarifying the Responsibilities of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) in the Approval and Implementation of Reclamation Projects Nationwide greatest impact, and (c) has consensus-building mechanism and participation among the multiple users of the resource.” Thus, a National Wetlands Policy to rationalize laws and policies on access to wetland resources, management jurisdiction and enforcement is envisioned that allows for a menu of options that institutions working closely at the ground-level can swiftly and appropriately use in order to protect specific wetland areas and their associated ecosystems. (Luna, 2005) The NWAPP is linked to and supportive of national, regional and international initiatives. At the national level, it provides a framework of strategies and actions to harmonize the work of government agencies with common wetland-related concerns (Table 6); it is linked to the Philippine Development Plan 2011 2016 and is cognizant of the thrusts of the Philippine Government. On the other hand, the international level supports the implementation 18 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources DENR DA DFA DILG DOST DOT DOTC DPWH DepEd / CHED / TESDA DND DOE DOH NEDA Conservation & Natural Resources Management Ecosystems based Management Watershed Management River basin Management Marine & Coastal Resources Management Research & Extension Water Quality / Water Pollution Groundwater Resources Water distribution Sewerage and Sanitation Recreation / Tourism Mineral Resources Agricultural Use & Fish Production Domestic & Industrial Use Territorial waters Flood control and Drainage Energy Resources Socio economic development Reclamation Water transport of the commitments to the following Conventions and Treaties, among others: Convention on Biological Diversity, Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna, United Nations Convention on Combating Desertification, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The National Wetlands Action Plan for the Philippines 2011-2016 19 Philippine Ramsar Sites 1. Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS), located almost at the center of the Agusan River Basin, is comprised of a vast complex of freshwater marshes and water courses including 59 lakes that acts as the catchment basin for waters flowing from the surrounding areas of Compostela Valley, Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur, and Bukidnon. One of the initial components of the NIPAS, it became Ramsar site No. 1009 on Nov. 12, 1999 and is also considered as a Key Biodiversity Area (site #180). It hosts one of the very few known peat forests, with its invaluable role as carbon sink. Ramsar site no. 1009, 12/11/99 2. Naujan Lake National Park (NLNP) in the northeast coast of the province of Oriental Mindoro, is the fifth largest lake in the Philippines at 14 kilometers long and 6 kilometers wide, a productive freshwater fishing site, and the central feature of Naujan Lake National Park, a 2,175-hectare area of marshes and forest established in 1956 boasts a rich biodiversity. Endemic species in Naujan Lake include the amphibian Rana magna, and the mammal Ptenochirus jagori. Ramsar site no. 1008, 12/11/99 3. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) on the west coast of Palawan serves as a catchment to the Cabayugan River that flows down the slopes of Mt. Bloomfield. It is cited for the successful turn over of wetlands management from national to local with the participation of the Batak and Tagbanua whose ancestral domains were included from the initial 3,900 has. to cover 22,000 has. Among others, it is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, became one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in November 11, 2011, and was cited by the World Wildlife Fund’s Global Report cited for containing the richest tree flora, with high levels A. Designation as Wetland of International Importance The honorific title of being a Ramsar Site is conferred to wetlands designated under the Ramsar Convention’s List of Wetlands of International Importance, which aims to develop and maintain an international network of wetlands which are important for the conservation of global biological diversity and for sustaining human life through the maintenance of their ecosystem components, processes and benefits/ services. For contracting parties like the Philippines, it effectively calls to prominence these “invisible” ecosystems for its wise use as a national patrimony. B. Establishing Conservation Areas National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Enshrined in Republic Act 7586, which became law on June 1992, the NIPAS ensures the “In Situ” conservation of biological diversity through the appropriate management of ecologically important areas for conservation and sustainable development. After 20 years, the legal framework was subjected to review to address certain provisions, which are in conflict with other environment laws. There were 202 identified initial components of the NIPAS. Among the 202 identified initial components to date—comprising of proclaimed national parks, game refuge and wildlife sanctuaries, nature reserves, wilderness areas, mangrove reserves, watershed reservations, fish sanctuaries, protected landscapes and seascapes, among others— 112 protected areas were formally proclaimed by the President under the System covering 3.54 million hectares. Nonetheless only 13 protected areas were officially declared by law as part of the NIPAS. Identification of Biodiversity Conservation Priorities One significant tool utilized in conservation action works by focusing on its key components: the individual species at the greatest risk of extinction, and the specific sites and landscapes that are most important for their protection. The tool, called Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) helps in directing scant resources to where they can, and while they still can make a difference. KBA 20 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources of regional and local endemism and for having the largest and most valuable limestone forest in Asia.1 Ramsar site no. 2084, 30/06/12 4. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP) in the middle of the Sulu Sea covers an area of almost 100,000 hectares of high quality marine habitats containing three atolls and a large area of deep sea which contains about 10,000 hectares of coral reefs. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and nominated one of the new seven wonders of nature— it is located at the apex of the Coral Triangle, supporting over 359 species of corals equivalent to about 80% of all coral species in the Philippines. TRNP plays a key role in the process of reproduction, dispersal and colonization by marine organisms in the whole Sulu Sea system, and helps support fisheries outside its boundaries (Campos et al. 2007). Most of its seabird species are threatened at either the national or regional levels (Jensen, 2008). Ramsar site no. 1010, 12/11/99 5. Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary (OIWS) in the City of Lapu-lapu, Cebu Province, is a 920-hectare area located in the Olango Island Group in the Central Visayas region. Its surrounding reef flat-lagoon is considered one of the most extensive reef areas in the Central Visayas at 4,482 hectares of extensive sandy beach, rocky shoreline, inshore flats, seagrass beds, coral reefs, mangrove forest, mudflats, and salt marsh grass. It is also one of the Important Bird Areas (IBA) in the Philippines (Mallari, 2001), hosting more than half of the 77 species of migratory birds that use the East-Asian Austral-Asian flyways. Ramsar site no. 656, 01/07/94 identification in the Philippines is based on the 117 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) identified for the country by the Haribon Foundation and Birdlife International, and the 206 Conservation Priority Areas (CPAs) identified through the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Priority-setting Program. The species, determined with a risk parameter, gives a “face” to the conservation site and becomes a baseline to gauge the success of the investment. Identifying KBAs paves the way for site-scale, conservation-focused investment targets that can be implemented for globally significant ecosystems and species. Among the country’s wetlands, seven (7) lakes have been considered KBAs while another 14 are listed as Candidate Key Biodiversity Areas (CKBA).x Designation of Critical Habitats Critical habitats are designated to hasten protection of a threatened species pursuant to the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001 (RA 9147). The Wildlife Act mandates the joint preparation and implementation of a Critical Habitat Management Plan by the concerned DENR Region Office and the local government to address management issues and strategies, including the enforcement of applicable environmental laws and prohibited acts such as waste dumping, mineral extraction, quarrying, burning and logging. The endemic and threatened Anas luzonica (Philippine duck) along with the other species of wild fauna and flora are protected within the 26.93 hectare Cabusao Wetland Critical Habitat in the municipality of Cabusao, Camarines. Similarly, the Malasi Tree Park and Wildlife Sanctuary situated in Brgy. San Antonio in the Municipality of Cabagan, Isabela was declared a Critical Habitat for Waterbird species while a Critical Habitat for Rafflesia schadenbergiana was declared at Sitio Kalanganan, San Vicente, Baungon, Bukidnon. Threatened, restricted-range and congregatory species of birds including the vulnerable resident bird species Philippine Duck (Anas luzonica) which breeds at the site are protected in a 175-hectare coastal urban or a peri-urban wetland and bird sanctuary in the Las Piñas–Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA). To date, there are four (4) critical habitats established with a total area of 382.237 ha. Establishing Marine Protected Areas The establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), essentially protected no-take zones, are an important strategy of Integrated Coastal Management (ICM), which is established via a local ordinance through RA 7586, “National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act,” or through RA 8550, “The Fisheries Code”. Nonetheless, to be truly effective, these small, community-controlled MPAs must be incorporated into broader management regimes for overall fishing effort reduction and networking of MPAs. Thus was established the Marine Protected Area Support Network (MSN), a multi-sectoral alliance of government and non-government organizations that aims to support MPA initiatives through complimentary collaborative efforts at the local, regional and national level based on the Phil. Marine Sanctuary Strategy (PhilMarSaSt) and the Philippine Coral Reef Information Network The National Wetlands Action Plan for the Philippines 2011-2016 21 (PhilReefs) for the full protection of coastal areas. It identified that among more than 500 existing MPAs (UPMSI database, 2007), only 10-15% are effectively managed. C. Recognizing Best Practices through Conservation Awards Individuals, people’s organizations or non-government organizations, and local government units with significant contributions to the wise-use of the country’s wetlands are being recognized every five years under the Philippine since the Philippine Wetlands Conservation Awards (PWCA), organized under the PAWB DENR, were begun in 2004. On the other hand, the Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Awards and Recognition (MAR) dubbed as “Para el MAR”, organized by the Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Support Network (MSN) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH to recognize outstanding MPA management in the Philippines was begun in 2007. The Ramsar Wetland Conservation Awards, which recognizes the work of governments, organisations and individuals in promoting the wise use and conservation of wetlands in the fields of Education, Management and Science honors awardees every three years since 1996. D. Other Wetland Conservation Programs and Projects Predators and endemic species are indicative of the state of a wetland. Thus programs protective of iconic top predators and endangered species may include captive breeding while restoration and protection of their natural habitat is undertaken. Laguna de Bay, an important water and fishery resource of Metro Manila, as well as its tributary, the Pasig River, which connects it to Manila Bay have site-specific management programs. From the ridge—reforestation programs, to the reef—coastal management programs are undertaken to increase the resiliency of the country’s wetlands (Table 7). **1st PWCA, Judges: Mr. Victor O. Ramos, Dr. Perry S. Ong, Dr. Rafael S. Guerrero III; Sponsors: San Miguel Corporation, Unilever ***2nd PWCA, Judges: Dr. Rafael Guerrero II, Ms. Elisea Gozun, Dr. Gil Jacinto; Sponsors: San Miguel Corporation, Ford Foundation, Manila Water Luzon Individual Prof. Victor S. Soliman (Bicol University) Local Organization Brgy. Tadlac FARMC (Los Baños, Laguna) Local Government Unit Municipality of Bolinao, Pangasinan Visayas Local Organization Banacon Fisherfolks & Mangrove Planters Association (Getafe, Bohol) Local Government Unit Municipality of Inabanga, Bohol Mindanao Local Organization Danao Bay Resource Management Organization (Baliangao, Misamis Occidental) Local Government Unit Municipality of Linamon, Lanao del Norte Barangay Berong, Quezon, Palawan Luzon Local Government Unit Municipality of Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon Municipality of Bani, Pangasinan Visayas Local Government Unit Municipality of Amlan, Negros Oriental Municipality of Bais, Negros Oriental 22 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources DENR-PAWB Pawikan Conservation Project (PCP) The foraging habitats of marine turtles are considered Critical Habitats. The PCP formulates and implements conservation and protection policies, management and propagation schemes as well as massive information and education program to ensure the survival and growth of the country’s marine turtle resources. It maintains the hatcheries in Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary (TIWS) in Tawi-Tawi, and in Nagbalayong, Morong, Bataan. Philippine Crocodile Program The program entails the breeding and eventual release in protected habitats of the —a freshwater species, considered the most endangered crocodile in the world by the IUCN/SSC Crocodile Specialist Group—as well as the threatened. It includes as outside the Philippines in partnership with various zoological institutions in North America, Australia and New Zealand. The Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center continues its maintenance and protection of the two (2) species of crocodiles and their habitats. To date, the Center maintains 312 heads of Laguna de Bay Community Watershed Rehabilitation Project (2006-2008) It promotes the sustainable use of natural resources in the watershed and facilitated long-term improvement in local livelihoods. The Laguna Lake Development Authority together with the National Power Corporation, and Caliraya, Botocan and Kalayaan Power Company implemented the BioCarbon funded project, aimed at sequestering and conserving carbon in forest and agroecosystems. Community-based Forest and Mangrove Management Project (2009-2015) It ensures the sustainable development, protection and utilization of forest resources (including mangroves) and the participation of forest dwellers and local communities in forest management in four projects in Leyte, Negros, Panay, with the participation of the DENR, Provincial and Municipal Local Government Units, the Land Bank of the Philippines and the support of Deutsche Forestservice GMBH. National Greening Program (2011-2016) Nationwide reforestation program via Executive Order No. 23 to establish 1.5 billion trees covering 1.5 million hectares for productivity in the uplands, self-sufficiency in wood and forest products, economic security, and environmental stability. Pasig River Rehabilitation Program (1996 to present) The objective is to attain a Class C water quality and the renewal, redevelopment and upgrading of its surrounding urban environment. All cities and municipalities along the river and several government departments, coordinated under the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission, are involved with the strong private sector and civil society presence. Integrated Coastal Resource Management Project (2007-2013) The framework followed is the “ridge to reef” approach for sustainably managing the coastal resources of 80 municipalities in the provinces of Cagayan, Zambales, Romblon, Masbate, Cebu, Siqiujor and Davao Oriental and to increase the income of the fisher folks by providing them greater access to livelihood opportunities. The DENR implements the project with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Municipal Development Fund Office. Manila Bay Project to Implement the Operational Plan for the Manila Bay Coastal Strategy (2000 2015) This is in compliance to the continuing mandamus issued by the Supreme Court, the DENR–CALABARZON, NCR, and Region III offices, together with other public and private entities collaborate for the cleaning, restoration, and preservation of Manila Bay. Adopt - an Estero/Water Body Program A collaborative undertaking among communities along the clear up the wastes, debris, and silt and ensure its unimpeded flow during the rainy season; institutionalize waste management practices through education and actual participation; reduce pollution loading to the rivers and to Manila Bay. By July 2012, a total of 315 Memorandums of Agreement had been forged for the clean-up of 168 , creeks and rivers, LGUs, private sector and the DENR to / waterbodies nationwide. and 444 heads of programs within as welland , an estuarine or saltwater species considered The National Wetlands Action Plan for the Philippines 2011-2016 23 RIVER BASINS The Philippines adopts an Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) as a process and approach to water resources management with broad emphasis to basin level management, in general, and for specific priority basins, in particular. At the basin level, the National Integrated River Basin Management and Development Framework Plan has been prepared by the RBCO to provide guidance and directions for action oriented planning at the basin level. PEATLANDS A National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use and Protection of Philippine Peatlands prepared in 2009 focused on: 1) awareness raising and capacity-building; 2) protecting peatlands with high conservation values; 3) setting up of appropriate institutional structure and; 4) developing sustainable peatlands management strategies. CORALS The Philippines’ commitment to the Coral Triangle Initiative is expressed in its National Plan of Action (NPOA), contained in Executive Order 797, “Adopting the Coral Triangle Initiative Plan of Action” enacted in May 2009. Its objectives are to eventually contribute to achieving higher level outcomes of sustaining coral reef ecosystems and services, establishing sustainable fisheries production and improved food security. It also provides for the coordinating mechanism between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) and established the CTI National Coordinating Committee (NCC) consisting of government agencies with functions relevant to NPOA implementation. CAVES Under Republic Act 9072, the “National Caves and Cave Resources Management and Protection Act of 2001”, the DENR is tasked to formulate, develop and implement a national program for the management, protection and conservation of caves and cave resources, with the National Museum, National Historical Institute, the Department of Tourism, and Local Government Units concerned. Policies supportive of RA 9072 include: (a) Cave Act Implementing Rules and Regulations (DAO 2003-29); (b) Cave Classification Guidelines and Manual (DMC 2007-04); and (c) Guidelines in Treasure Hunting in Caves (DAO 2007-34). RA 9072 also provided for the drafting of Cave Management Plan based on the classification of that particular cave. E. Some Existing Management Plans and Initiatives Management plans, to date, that are being applied in various wetland types of the country at different stages of implementation (Table 8). 24 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources “For many of us, water simply flows from a faucet, and we think little about it beyond this point of contact. We have lost a sense of respect for the wild river, for the complex workings of a wetland, for the intricate web of life that water supports.” – Sandra Postel Freshwater Fellow of the National Geographic Society The diversity of life animates a worshipful attitude and elicits a sense of wonder and affirmation to humanity’s connectedness to this biosphere. Celebrating biodiversity moves away from a short-term, self-orientedness to a more far-reaching, outward-orientedness committed to doing everything it can to better the greater whole. Addressing threats to the country’s wetlands requires nothing less than a missionary zeal. It entails remedial policy work at the national as well as rational and dutiful law enforcement at the local level, making an inventory and taking stock of the capacities and adaptability of the very wetland resources that are the country’s best defenses against climate change, narrowing down to inland and coastal and marine wetlands to be prioritized, containing the spread of exotic species while re-establishing endemic species and capacitating stakeholders so that they can significantly contribute to effectively monitor, promote sustainable use and alternative livelihoods including ecotourism as well as increase the resilience of wetlands. Needless to say, a solid partnership with LGUs furthers wetland advocacy the most. Thus, a conscientious education and sustained awareness campaign, directed particularly at the local level, completes the NWAPP. Reversing the attitude of regarding wetlands as wastelands in which to dump waste or to drain and build on or abandon if it is deemed unproductive for agri or aqua culture shall entail sustained advocacy that includes funding of wetland-related activities, engaging local educational institutions as well as documenting and promoting best practices. A. Policy-related issues Overlapping and conflicting policies related to: 1. Land use – Claims of ownership and access over vulnerable wetland areas – Fraudulent titles, Inappropriate tenure instruments, reversion of fishpond lease agreements – Abandoned underdeveloped, undeveloped fishponds – Inadequate tenurial instruments for mangroves declared as alienable & disposable – Illegal water use – Non-observance of easement and buffer zones for urban areas, agricultural areas, forest areas – Illegal reclamation 2. Raw water discharges and sewage from industrial and domestic pollution sources 3. Gap in vulnerability of low-lying areas to inform climate change-related policy decisions B. Inland Wetland Issues 1. Knowledge gaps in bio-physical and socio-cultural, cultural including tenurial status assessment and monitoring of inland wetlands 2. Knowledge gaps in capacity of stakeholders in preparing management plans and in the carrying capacity of priority freshwater wetlands The National Wetlands Action Plan for the Philippines 2011-2016 25 3. Challenges of priority inland wetlands – Presence of settlements with resulting problems in sanitation and waste disposal – Deforestation of upland and mangrove forests – Lack of soil conservation appropriate for wetlands – Chemical pollution from industry and domestic sources – Biological pollution (introduction of exotic species) – Prevalent practice of drainage for agriculture (esp. peatlands) – Increasing saltwater intrusion; contamination of freshwater sources 4. Climate change vulnerabilities – Gap in vulnerability assessment of wetlands and wetland species in priority lakes rivers, marshes – Gap in vulnerability of migratory birds – Lack of adequate watershed protection and plantation management capability – Marginalization of native species in reforestation – Undetermined value of peatlands for climate change mitigation – Gaps in carbon sequestration functions of specific wetlands 5. Untapped potential of ecotourism as a conservation and anti-poverty strategy for inland wetlands 6. Unsustainable aquaculture practices – Invasion of exotic species in inland wetlands – Undetermined vulnerability of inland aquaculture to climate change 26 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources Some of the Invasive Exotic Species Already in Philippine Wetlands About 93% of exotic species are fish, 2.67% mollusks and the rest are crustaceans, frogs and turtles. They are primarily used for ornamental (76%), food (21%) and biological control (2%). – Mosquito fish Gambusia affinis – Snakehead Ghanna striata (Ophicephalus striatus) – Common carp Cyrinus carpio – Mossambique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus – Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus – Crucian carp Carassius carassius – Freshwater mussel Cristaria plicata – Janitor fish – (Liposarcus disjunctivus; Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus) Weber, 1991 – (Liposarcus pardalis; Pterygoplichthys pardalis) Castelnau, 1855 – Thai catfish Clarias batrachus – Golden Apple snail Pomacea cananiculata – Guapote tigre Parachromis managuensis Potential Exotic Species in Philippine Wetlands – Java barb or tawes Barbodes gonionotus – Red piranha Pygocentrus nattereri – African catfish Clarias gariepinus – Giant snakehead Channa micropeltes – Arapaima Arapaima gigas – Red-bellied pacu Picaractus brachypomus – White shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei – Australian redclaw Cherax quadricarinatus – Lousiana crayfish Procambarus clarkia Source: Cagauan, 2007 C. Coastal and Marine Wetland Issues 1. Gaps in bio-physical and socio cultural, cultural including tenurial status assessment and monitoring of selected priority coastal and marine wetlands 2. Challenges of degraded coastal and marine wetlands – Deterioration of mangroves and beach areas – Declining fish catch in coastal and marine wetlands 3. Untapped potential of ecotourism as a conservation and anti-poverty strategy for coastal and marine wetlands: – Data gaps in carrying-capacity for ecotourism – Technical groundwork to masterplanning, piloting and marketing of coastal and marine wetlands for ecotourism 4. Unsustainable aquaculture practices 5. Data gaps on vulnerability on flora and fauna to sea level rise and other climate change impacts 6. Continuing threats to endangered species 7. Inadequate coastal and marine law enforcement The National Wetlands Action Plan for the Philippines 2011-2016 27 i Definition based on the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001 as adopted from the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (Joint DENR-DA-PCSD Administrative Order No. 01 dated May 18, 2004 of Republic Act No. 9147) ii Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016 states in Chapter 10: Conservation, Protection and Rehabilitation of the Environment and Natural Resources, under Goal 1 of Improved Conservation, Protection and Rehabilitation of Natural Resources, for the Rehabilitation of important habitats such as wetlands; To manage priority wetlands for food production, water conservation and disaster mitigation iii Section 16, Article II of the 1987 Constitution states: “The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.” iv The concept of intergenerational responsibility was first expounded on timber licensing agreements in Oposa et al. v Factoran, GR No. 101083 (30 July 1993) v ICM addresses the interlinkages among associated watersheds, estuaries and wetlands, and coastal seas by all relevant national and local agencies, civil society and the private sector. ICM involves strategies on habitat, fisheries, shoreline, and waste management, enterprise and livelihood development, sustainable coastal tourism, coastal zoning, legal and institutional development, and risk/coastal hazard management. An important strategy for ICM in the Philippines is the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPA) to increase fish stock and prevent overfishing. These are established via a local ordinance through the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act (RA 7586 ) or through the Fisheries Code (RA 8550). vi Since the Philippine Constitution and the Water Code of the Philippines (Presidential Decree No. 1067) both declare wetlands as part of the public domain and are inalienable. Open access is delimited for large-scale use as to be undertaken directly by the state or in joint-venture arrangements as well as through 25-year fore shore leases. Whereas for small-scale use, access remains open to subsistence fishers and cooperatives. Through the Local Government Code, the Sangguniang Bayan or local councils have jurisdiction over wetlands in their area. While wetlands that are part of ancestral domain become the communal private ownership of the corresponding indigenous people-group. (Luna, 2005) 28 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources vii As pointed out by Luna, among the state’s relevant instrumentalities as owner of the wetland commons are: RA 8850, the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 which defines municipal waters and designates the Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council (FARMC) which has advisory capacity and consent requirements; RA 7586, the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992 which designate Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development although lack of appropriation cripples its functions; RA 9275, the Clean Water Act of 2007 which designated the Water Quality Management Areas (WAQMA) that are managed by governing boards which are funded by water quality discharge fees collected in the area and are thus regarded as the ideal management structure to regulate point and non-point sources of pollution that end up in wetlands. viii The petitioners include the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Budget and Management ((DBM), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to address urgent threats to Manila Bay: (1) informal settlers along waterways; (2) solid waste management; and (3) liquid waste management. The National Wetlands Action Plan for the Philippines 2011-2016 29 Baldevarona, R. 2001. In Tacio, H. Where have all our mangroves gone? Retrieved from http:// www. peopleandplanet.net/doc.php?id=923. Banks, C. (ed) 2005. National recovery plan for the philippine crocodile, Crocodylus mindorensis 2005 – 2008 (2nd ed). Department of Environment and Natural Resources- Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (DENR-PAWB) and the Royal Melbourne Zoological Gardens (RMZG). Quezon City, Philippines. Cagauan, A. G. 2007. Review paper: Exotic aquatic species introduction in the Philippines for aquaculture— a threat to biodiversity or a boon to the economy? Journal of Environmental Science and Management, 10 (1), 52-53, 59-60. Carpenter K. E. and V. G. Springer. 2005. The center of the center of marine shore fish biodiversity: the Philippine Islands. Environmental Biology of Fishes 72: 467–480. Conservation International, Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau, Haribon Foundation. 2006. Priority sites for conservation in the Philippines: Key biodiversity areas. Coral Triangle Initiative. 2008. Regional plan of action: Coral triangle initiative on coral reefs, fisheries and food security (CTI-CFF). Retrieved September 19, 2013 from http://www.coraltriangleinitiative. org/. Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. 2011. Philippine Fisheries Profile. Quezon City. Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Resources Statistics. Performance of Philippine Agriculture January to December 2012. Quezon City, Philippines. Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Soils and Water Management, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Science and Technology. 2010. The Updated National Action Plan to Combat Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought (DLDD) FY 2010-2020. Quezon City, Philippines. Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau, and Gaia Exploration Club. 2012. Philippine Cave Primer. Quezon City, Philippines. Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau. 2009. National Action Plan on the Sustainable Use and Protection of Peatlands. Quezon City, Philippines. Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau. 2005. UNEP/ GEF Project: Reversing Environmental Degradation Trends in the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand – Philippines National Report on Wetlands. Quezon City, Philippines, 104pp. Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau. 1993. The 1993 National Wetlands Action Plan for the Republic of the Philippines. Quezon City, Philippines. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, Philippine Council for Sustainable Development. 2004. Joint Administrative Order No. 01 Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 9147: Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. Fourqurean, J.W., C. M. Duarte, H. Kennedy, N. Marbai, M. Holmer, M. A. Mateo, E. T. Apostolaki, G. A. Kendrick, D. Krause-Jensen, K. J. McGlathery and O. Serrano. 2012. Seagrass ecosystems as a globally significant carbon stock. Nature Geoscience 5, 505-509. doi:10.1038/ngeo1477. Gonzales, R.O, M.R. Deocadez, and P.M. Aliño. 2008. Reefs Through Time: State of the Coasts 2008. Coral Reef Information Network of the Philppines (Philreefs). Philreefs, MPA Support Network (MSN) Marine Environment and Resources Foundation, Inc. (MERF, Inc.) and the Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines (MSI-UP), Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. Green Peace. 2007. The State of Water Resources in the Philippines. Quezon City, Philippines. Hall R. 1998. The plate tectonics of Cenozoic SE Asia and the distribution of land and sea. In: Hall R., Holloway J.D. (eds.) Biogeography and Evolution of SE Asia. Backhuys Publisher, Leiden: 99-131. Haribon Foundation. 1989. Philippines. Scott, D.A. (ed.) A Directory of Asian Wetlands. Retrieved July 27, 2012 from http://ramsar.wetlands.org/ToolsforParties/WetlandDirectories/ ADirectoryofAsianWetlands/tabid/822/Default.aspx. International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). 2007. Climate change 2007: Climate change impacts, adaptation, and vulnerability, summary for policy makers. Contribution of the Working Group II to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, February 2007. Brussels: IPCC. 30 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources Joint DENR-DA-PCSD Administrative Order No. 01. Series of 2004. Republic Act No. 9147: Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001. Kho, J. and E. Saño. 2005. Country study on customary water laws and practices-Philippines. Luna, Ma. Paz G. 2005. Review of Legislation and Policies on Philippine Wetlands. UNEP/GEF Project: Reversing Environmental Degradation Trends in the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand. Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau, Quezon City, Philippines, 24 pp. Mallari, N.A.D., B.R. Tabaranza, Jr. and M.J. Crosby. 2001. Key Conservation Sites in the Philippines: a Haribon Foundation and Birdlife International Directory of Important Bird Areas. Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Bookmark Inc. Makati City. Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. 2005. Ecosystems and Human Well-Being: Wetlands and Water Synthesis. Washington, DC: World Resources Institute. Nañola, C.L., Jr., P.M. Aliño, H.O. Arceo, W.Y. Licuanan, A.J. Uychiaco, M. Quiblan, W. Quibilan, W. Campos, A. Alcala, A. White and E. Gomez. 2006. Status Report on Coral Reefs of the Philippines-2004. Proceedings of 10th International Coral Reef Symposium, 1055-1061. National Economic and Development Authority. 2011. Philippine Development Plan 2011- 2016. Pasig City. National Ecotourism Steering Committee and Ecotourism Technical Working Group. 2002. National Ecotourism Strategy. Ong, P.S., L.E. Afuang, and R.G. Rossell-Ambal (eds.) 2002. Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Priorities: A Second Iteration of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau, Conservation International Philippines, Biodiversity Conservation Program-University of the Philippines Center for Integrative and Development Studies, Foundation for the Philippine Environment. Quezon City, Philippines. Oposa et al. v Factoran, GR No. 101083 (30 July 1993). 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Retrieved March 4, 2013 from http://oceanworld.tamu.edu/resources/oceanography-book/ tragedyofthecommons.htm Supreme Court of the Philippines. Oposa et al. v Factoran, GR No. 101083 (30 July 1993). Tanduyan, S.N., B.T. Andriano and R.B. Gonzaga. 2011. Lake Danao, San Francisco, Central, Philippines: Status and Government Initiatives for its Conservation and Sustainability. Proceedings of the Second National Congress on Philippine Lakes. Tanduyan, Serapion N., B.T. Andriano and R.B. Gonzaga. Lake Danao, San Francisco, Central, Philippines: Status and Government Initiatives for its Conservation and Sustainability. Proceedings of the Second National Congress on Philippine Lakes: Building on the pillars of Integrated Lake Basin Management, 27-29 April 2011, Los Baños, Laguna. SEARCA. Tuddao, Vicente B. Jr., 2009. Framework planning for river basin management – the Philippine Approach. CRBOM Small Publication Series No. 12, Indonesia. United Nations Environment Program. 2004. Coral Reefs in the South China Sea. UNEP/GEF/SCS Technical Publication No. 2 32 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources Vision for the NWAPP (2011-2016) By 2016, priority wetlands in the Philippines are sustainably managed by empowered stakeholders, based on a Management Plan that was formulated and implemented through a participatory manner. Mission Statement To provide an effective framework and integrating tool for the conservation and wise use of Philippine wetlands, in support of the overall sustainable goals of the country. Aim The NWAPP 2011-2016 serves as an effective framework and integrating tool for the conservation and wise use of Philippine wetlands, in support of the overall sustainable development goals of the country. Objectives – To harmonize and strictly enforce existing policies affecting the use of wetlands. – To increase the awareness of key stakeholders on the importance of wetlands and effect a change in their behavior towards these ecosystems. – To enhance the capacity of stakeholders, so that they are more capable of implementing wetland conservation measures. – To promote collaboration among stakeholders for effective wetland management; and – To establish comprehensive monitoring systems to ensure that wetlands are conserved, well managed, and wisely used Thematic Areas and Goals Setting the overall direction of the NWAPP are the General Strategies which were grouped into four thematic areas, according to their primary focus of interventions and their supporting goals. They are the following: Over all Goal: Sustainable utilization of wetlands in the Philippines. Thematic Area 1: Wetlands Policy Goal: Clear policy on wetlands conservation including its wise use. 1. Review of existing land use and management of wetlands 2. Implement existing policies and recommended interventions 3. Integrate climate change mitigation and adaptation measures into relevant plans and policies The National Wetlands Action Plan for the Philippines 2011-2016 33 Thematic Area 2: Inland Wetlands Goal: Sustainable utilization of freshwater wetlands ecosystem 1. Establish baseline data and conduct bio physical and socio-cultural assessment and monitoring of freshwater wetlands (using ridge to reef framework) 2. Prepare and implement management plans for priority freshwater wetlands in the country 3. Rehabilitate priority freshwater wetlands 4. Implement climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies 5. Promote ecotourism as a conservation strategy for freshwater wetlands 6. Implement sustainable aquaculture practices in freshwater wetlands Thematic Area 3: Coastal and Marine Wetlands Goal: Sustainable utilization of coastal and marine ecosystems 1. Establish baseline data and conduct bio physical and socio-cultural assessment and monitoring of freshwater wetlands (using ridge to reef framework) 2. Rehabilitate degraded coastal and marine wetlands 3. Promote ecotourism as a conservation strategy for coastal and marine wetlands 4. Implement sustainable aquaculture practices 5. Research and development 6. Establish critical habitat for threatened/ endangered species 7. Improve coastal and marine law enforcement Thematic Area 4: Enabling Strategies Goal: Increased awareness of key stakeholders on the importance of wetlands and increased capacity to implement wetland conservation measures 1. Compile and organize information on Philippine wetlands and make these accessible to stakeholders 2. Knowledge management 3. Prepare, adopt and implement a Communication, Education, Participation, and Awareness (CEPA) Action Plan 4. Capacity development and enhancement 5. Develop and/or implement innovative methods, tools and technologies for wetland management Outcomes The overall outcome of the successful implementation of the NWAPP 2011-2016 is that wetlands in the country are ecologically intact, and thus, are able to provide products, functions and services for the benefit of the people and nature. Specific outcomes include the following: q Wetlands in the country are ecologically healthy and continuously provide products, functions and services. q Resilient and stable coastal and marine wetland ecosystems q Resilient and stable inland wetland ecosystems q Priority wetlands in the country are managed well and used wisely. Guiding Principles The NWAPP is anchored on the building of a strong sense of ownership by the country’s stakeholders and the establishment of collaborative partnerships and inclusion of the private sector and civil society. It employs a localized approach to management and community-based participation. Premised on the larger framework of sustainable development, the prevention of harm and the continuity of a healthful ecology for the subsequent generation, the NWAPP is a commitment to take responsibility for the continued enjoyment of the country’s wetland resources. Ownership of the NWAPP is critical in the success of its implementation. The NWAPP is recognized in the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016 and is primarily a blueprint for strategies and actions for the conservation and wise use of wetlands in the country that each sector or stakeholder can implement as they see fit and within their capacities. Collaborative Partnerships at the national, regional, and local levels. These partnerships are to be driven by the DENR with support from the other concerned government 34 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources agencies. Since the NWAPP was formulated jointly by key stakeholders, champions from the private sector and civil society as well as from international organizations shall be tapped for the successful implementation of the NWAPP 2011-2016. This will entail joint activities and require continuous and effective information, education and communication dissemination activities for its successful implementation. Linkages to Regional and International Initiatives are to be formed in line with its implementation, in particular the Global and National Agenda 21, Convention on Biological Diversity, Ramsar Convention, Convention on Migratory Species, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, UN Convention to Combat Desertification and Land Degradation, Convention on International Transport of Endangered Species. ASEAN Working Group on Nature Conservation and Biodiversity, ASEAN Working Group on Coastal and Marine Environment, and the ASEAN Working Group on Water, among others. The Three Pillars of Sustainable Deve lopment, as first stated during the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, are built on: 1) Environmental Protection; 2) Social Development and; 3) Economic Development. The NWAPP promotes this convergence, whereby natural resource conservation, poverty alleviation, and business development are addressed simultaneously and treated with equal importance. The Precautionary principle, which main tains that the absence of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing decisions when faced with the threat of serious or irreversible harm, shall be applied to the development of options and policies for the NWAPP. Before there is solid evidence of harm, measures shall be undertaken to reduce potential hazards or preclude disasters. Cost-benefit analysis of action and inaction shall be utilized to recommend actions to reduce potential risk and undertake further research and monitoring to detect hazards. Informed decision-making through science-based data, appropriate technology and environmental education. The NWAPP enables policy-making at the national and local levels by requiring the best available scientific knowledge, including technical and traditional knowledge. Granted that the effects of various factors on the wetland resources may not be apparent, the collection and analysis of data enables planners to refine management objectives, evaluate and implement corresponding measures based on scientific/ecological theory. Application of adaptive management entails a degree of flexibility. The NWAPP shall be subject to monitoring and periodic review and revised accordingly. It allows for modification through the years with acquisition of more knowledge and tools, challenges encountered on the field, even by new stakeholders. Thus, it must adapt to the changes within its timeframe. Upholds the Constitutionally-guaranteed right and responsibility to a balanced and healthful ecology that carries with it the moral duty of intergenerational responsibility. The NWAPP is this generation’s commitment to the wise use of the country’s rich endowment of wetland resources and its enhancement for subsequent generations. Strategic Action Strategies have been developed for each Thematic Area and Goal. These actions took into consideration the following factors: 1. Existing structures, measures or mechanisms in place; 2. Perceived importance of need; 3. Availability of resources to implement the identified action; and 4. Potential of collaboration and cooperation with partners. Activities required to implement each strategy have been tabulated* with a timeframe, the implementing partner/s (agencies or organizations) and the expected outputs. Output indicators are likewise identified for each of the strategic action to facilitate the effective monitoring and evaluation of plan implementation, its overall performance and impact (*Tabulated NWAPP 2011-2016 follows this section). Priority Wetlands in the NWAPP 2011-2016 To optimize resources and achieve maximum impacts and outcomes from the activities in the NWAPP, priority wetlands for the period covered have been identified, based on a set of criteria agreed upon during the TWG meetings and confirmed by the consultations. Annex A lists down priority coastal and marine wetlands as well as inland wetlands, based on the criteria used for designating KBAs and the PBCP. Based on these criteria, additional wetland areas were The National Wetlands Action Plan for the Philippines 2011-2016 35 Candaba Swamp Lalaguna Marsh Naujan Lake Coron Lake Lake Maguao Puerto Princesa Subterranian River National Park Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary Lake Lanao Ligawasan Marsh Batanes Islands Protected Landscape and Seascape Babuyanes Islands Buguey Wetlands Manila Bay Pagbilao and Tayabas Bay Ragay Gulf Mactan,Kalawisan, Cansaga Bay Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park Polillo Island Caramoan Peninsula Puerto Galera Ursula Island Balabac Group of Islands Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park Olango Island Biliran and Maripipi Island Siargao Island Protected Land and Seascape Tawi–tawi Island Simunul and Manuk Manka Islands Sibutu and Tumindao Islands El Nido Managed Resource Protected Area Cabulao Bay Malampaya Sound Balayan Bay Talabong Island and Bais Bay Panguil Bay Ulugan Bay Inabanga Coast recommended for inclusion in the priority list (Annex B) during the Regional Consultations. These, however, have to be subjected to a review using a set of criteria for a more rational setting of additional priorities. Moreover, during the integration workshop, another round of prioritization for the listing in Annex A was done, based on the level of investment/attention being given to the wetland area. This is included in the report as Annex C. Proposed Implementation Mechanism While the NWAPP already identifies implementation partners at different levels, and as per consultations their assigned tasks should already be integrated in their agency or organization’s work plan, funding may not suffice, specially for newly identified activities that are added on to their regular functions. Thus, there is a need to institutionalize the NWAPP, define its implementing mechanism, identify sources of funds, and set a monitoring, evaluation, and reporting framework to ensure that the activities are implemented and the outcomes achieved. Creation of a National Wetlands Committee In general, wetland-related concerns cut across the jurisdiction of several government agencies at the national, provincial and local levels. Thus, the ideal focal point is the Philippine Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), in which the Secretary of the DENR chairs the Committee on Conservation and Management of Resources for Development (CCMRD). It is from here—under the Sub-Committee on Biodiversity, chaired by the DENR-PAWB—that a Task Force or TWG can explore the configuration and function/responsibilities of a multi-sectoral group that will compose the National Wetlands Committee. From their recommendations, the CCMRD Chair secures the PCSD Executive Committee's endorsement to the President of the enabling Executive Order. The National Wetlands Committee or a similar body should provide oversight functions for the implementation of the NWAPP. Existing institutional arrangements have to be reviewed, so that an appropriate body that can function optimally within this milieu can be constituted. 36 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources 1.1 Inventory and Mapping of priority wetlands (PRS 92)– mapping to include watershed/river basin 3 High priority Luzon-Candaba Visayas-Bais City, Negros Oriental Mindanao-Agusan Marsh Rest of the High and Medium priority Remaining identified priority wetlands PAWB*, NAMRIA*, BSWM, BFAR, LMB, DENR ROs, NWRB, SCPW Inventory and Maps of Wetlands Number of priority wetlands mapped Copies of wetland maps Interagency formulation of mapping guidelines by DENR in consideration of seasonal inundations to be classified as vulnerable, priority and intermittent wetlands, small islands as well as tenure, claims of ownership and access issues 1 mapping guidelines formulated and approved monitoring PAWB*, NAMRIA*, BSWM, BFAR, LMB, DENR ROs, SCPW Mapping guidelines and institutionalization instrument, i.e. DAO 1 set of mapping guidelines Copy of mapping guidelines and DAO Prepare proposal indicating the cost and timetable 1 Proposal prepared, submitted and approved PAWB*, SCPW*, TWG on Wetlands 1 Proposal submitted and approved Number of proposals prepared and submitted Copy of proposals and letters of submission, approval Create inventory oversight committee (to provide policy directions) 1 oversight Committee created DENR-PAWB* , DENR agencies Oversight Committee Number of Oversight Committee created Directive on the creation of the Committee Establishment of a Unified and enhanced Geographical Information System maps and database for wetlands 1 GIS database created PAWB*, NAMRIA*, BSWM, BFAR, LMB, DENR ROs, SCPW 1 Unified and enhanced Geographical Information System maps and database established Number of Unified and enhanced Geographical Information System maps and database established Report; copies of maps Include in the unified database a sub-database of wetlands with tenurial instruments and fraudulent titles Database on wetlands with tenurial instruments and fraudulent titles included in the Unified database PAWB*, NAMRIA*, BSWM, BFAR, LMB, DENR ROs, SCPW Sub-database created in the Unified wetlands database Number of sub-database established Report 1.2 Review and Cancellation of fraudulent titles and inappropriate tenure instruments, and reversion of Fishpond Lease Agreements Submission by BFAR of a listing of abandoned fishponds to DENR List submitted by BFAR to DENR BFAR*, DENR* Listing of abandoned fishponds Submission of List of abandoned fishponds Communication transmitting the Listing with the actual listing Implement moratorium on surveys until implementation of Joint DA DENR DILG AO No. 1 2008 (cancellation of fishponds AUU–abandoned, underdeveloped, undeveloped) Moratorium implemented DA*, DENR*, DILG*, DENR ICRMP Policy Study Implementation of moratorium Directive imposing the moratorium Copy of the directive. Cancellation and/or reversion of fraudulent titles and lease agreements 20% of the list per region 50% of the list per region 30% of the list per region DA*, DENR*, LGU*, BFAR, FMB, NWRB LMB/LMS*, DILG/LGUs*, OSG* Fraudulent titles reviewed, cancelled or reversed Percentage of fraudulent titles reviewed, cancelled and/or reversed Reports Prosecute those responsible for issuance of fraudulent titles Filing of cases to appropriate agencies DENR*, DA*, OSG* Cases filed against people who issued fraudulent titles Number of cases filed Reports and copies of cases filed Formulate and adopt appropriate guidelines for tenurial instruments for mangrove areas declared as A&D both titled and untitled 1 set of guidelines formulated and approved. DENR-ICRMP Policy Study* Guidelines formulated and adopted Set of guidelines formulated and approved Hard copy of guidelines and document approving them 1.3 Strict implementation of water user’s rules and regulations. Review and identify legal and illegal water users All water users identified (legal or illegal) NWRB* List of legal and illegal water users Listing of water users Report from NWRB with listing Formulate and implement sanctions for illegal water user Sanctions for illegal water users developed and implemented. Sanctions for illegal water users implemented Continuation NWRB* Sanctions for illegal water users formulated, approved and implemented Approval of sanctions DAO approving and implementing the sanctions; copy of the sanctions 1.4 Strict enforcement of Easement and buffer zone regulations Implementation of PD 705, Water Code, and other applicable laws, rules and regulations Integrate easement and buffer prescriptions in the Building Permit process particularly in developments on or near wetlands Easement and buffer prescriptions for developments in wetland areas integrated in the Building Permit process Easement and buffer prescriptions for developments in wetland areas integrated in the Building Permit process DENR*, LGUs* Revised Building Permit procedure incorporating easement and buffer prescriptions for developments in wetland areas Section on easement and buffer prescriptions integrated in the Building Permit procedure for developments in wetland areas Copy of revised Building Permit procedure for developments in wetland areas Outcome: Wetlands in the country are ecologically intact and thus are able to provide products, functions and services Overall Goal: Clear policy on wetlands conservation including its wise use Overall Objectives: To streamline land use in wetlands, based on strict enforcement of various laws affecting them Indicators: Maps produced, database created, policies revised/amended 1.1 Inventory and Mapping of priority wetlands (PRS 92)– mapping to include watershed/river basin 3 High priority Luzon-Candaba Visayas-Bais City, Negros Oriental Mindanao-Agusan Marsh Rest of the High and Medium priority Remaining identified priority wetlands PAWB*, NAMRIA*, BSWM, BFAR, LMB, DENR ROs, NWRB, SCPW Inventory and Maps of Wetlands Number of priority wetlands mapped Copies of wetland maps Interagency formulation of mapping guidelines by DENR in consideration of seasonal inundations to be classified as vulnerable, priority and intermittent wetlands, small islands as well as tenure, claims of ownership and access issues 1 mapping guidelines formulated and approved monitoring PAWB*, NAMRIA*, BSWM, BFAR, LMB, DENR ROs, SCPW Mapping guidelines and institutionalization instrument, i.e. DAO 1 set of mapping guidelines Copy of mapping guidelines and DAO Prepare proposal indicating the cost and timetable 1 Proposal prepared, submitted and approved PAWB*, SCPW*, TWG on Wetlands 1 Proposal submitted and approved Number of proposals prepared and submitted Copy of proposals and letters of submission, approval Create inventory oversight committee (to provide policy directions) 1 oversight Committee created DENR-PAWB* , DENR agencies Oversight Committee Number of Oversight Committee created Directive on the creation of the Committee Establishment of a Unified and enhanced Geographical Information System maps and database for wetlands 1 GIS database created PAWB*, NAMRIA*, BSWM, BFAR, LMB, DENR ROs, SCPW 1 Unified and enhanced Geographical Information System maps and database established Number of Unified and enhanced Geographical Information System maps and database established Report; copies of maps Include in the unified database a sub-database of wetlands with tenurial instruments and fraudulent titles Database on wetlands with tenurial instruments and fraudulent titles included in the Unified database PAWB*, NAMRIA*, BSWM, BFAR, LMB, DENR ROs, SCPW Sub-database created in the Unified wetlands database Number of sub-database established Report 1.2 Review and Cancellation of fraudulent titles and inappropriate tenure instruments, and reversion of Fishpond Lease Agreements Submission by BFAR of a listing of abandoned fishponds to DENR List submitted by BFAR to DENR BFAR*, DENR* Listing of abandoned fishponds Submission of List of abandoned fishponds Communication transmitting the Listing with the actual listing Implement moratorium on surveys until implementation of Joint DA DENR DILG AO No. 1 2008 (cancellation of fishponds AUU–abandoned, underdeveloped, undeveloped) Moratorium implemented DA*, DENR*, DILG*, DENR ICRMP Policy Study Implementation of moratorium Directive imposing the moratorium Copy of the directive. Cancellation and/or reversion of fraudulent titles and lease agreements 20% of the list per region 50% of the list per region 30% of the list per region DA*, DENR*, LGU*, BFAR, FMB, NWRB LMB/LMS*, DILG/LGUs*, OSG* Fraudulent titles reviewed, cancelled or reversed Percentage of fraudulent titles reviewed, cancelled and/or reversed Reports Prosecute those responsible for issuance of fraudulent titles Filing of cases to appropriate agencies DENR*, DA*, OSG* Cases filed against people who issued fraudulent titles Number of cases filed Reports and copies of cases filed Formulate and adopt appropriate guidelines for tenurial instruments for mangrove areas declared as A&D both titled and untitled 1 set of guidelines formulated and approved. DENR-ICRMP Policy Study* Guidelines formulated and adopted Set of guidelines formulated and approved Hard copy of guidelines and document approving them 1.3 Strict implementation of water user’s rules and regulations. Review and identify legal and illegal water users All water users identified (legal or illegal) NWRB* List of legal and illegal water users Listing of water users Report from NWRB with listing Formulate and implement sanctions for illegal water user Sanctions for illegal water users developed and implemented. Sanctions for illegal water users implemented Continuation NWRB* Sanctions for illegal water users formulated, approved and implemented Approval of sanctions DAO approving and implementing the sanctions; copy of the sanctions 1.4 Strict enforcement of Easement and buffer zone regulations Implementation of PD 705, Water Code, and other applicable laws, rules and regulations Integrate easement and buffer prescriptions in the Building Permit process particularly in developments on or near wetlands Easement and buffer prescriptions for developments in wetland areas integrated in the Building Permit process Easement and buffer prescriptions for developments in wetland areas integrated in the Building Permit process DENR*, LGUs* Revised Building Permit procedure incorporating easement and buffer prescriptions for developments in wetland areas Section on easement and buffer prescriptions integrated in the Building Permit procedure for developments in wetland areas Copy of revised Building Permit procedure for developments in wetland areas 38 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources Issuance of local ordinances on buffer zone for developments in wetland areas with sanctions for violations (at least 200 meters; (3 meters in urban areas, 20 meters in agricultural areas, 40 meters in forest areas and apply to new projects) Local ordinances on buffer zone policies formulated and implemented in all cities in the country particularly for developments in wetland areas Local ordinances on buffer zone policies formulated and implemented in developments in wetland areas Local ordinances on buffer zone policies formulated and implemented for developments in wetland areas DENR*; DILG*, LGUs* through the Leagues DENR-LMS; DENR–CMMD, DPWH Local ordinances and other directives on buffer zones for developments in wetland areas Number of Local ordinances issued per region Copy of ordinances and other directives Formation of a Multi-sectoral team led by LGU for implementation of buffer ordinance (may tap existing ENR committees) Multi-sectoral team formed DILG/LGUs*, DENR, DPWH Multi-sectoral team formed Multi-sectoral team formed Directive forming the multi sectoral team Create an online database of best practices on river bank easement/protection Document and create an online database on best practices on river bank easement/protection Update and maintain online database Update and maintain online database DILG/LGUs*, DPWH Database on best practices on river bank/easement protection e.g. Napindan (Makati–Pasig) Online database created and maintained Project Report Give recognition/incentives to LGUs with documented best practice activities on river bank/easement protection Formulate and implement an in incentive system for LGUs with documented best practice policy/activities on river bank/easement protection NWRB and the Leagues*, DENR, DPWH Incentive Scheme Incentive Scheme formulated and approved Directive approving the incentive scheme and copy of the incentive scheme 1.5 Resolve reclamation issues Identify areas reclaimed without permit and which have not been reclassified by Congress All Regions have identified such areas DENR-PAWB thru Reclamation Committee*, PRA*, LGUs Inventory of illegally reclaimed areas Number of Regions that have identified areas reclaimed without permits and which have not been reclassified by Congress Reports with inventory Revert for public use illegally reclaimed lands Revert 30% of illegally reclaimed land Illegally reclaimed lands reverted for public use Number of cases of reversion per Region Reports, publications Amend and implement reclamation guidelines based on new EO 798 including sanctions and mechanism for penalizing violators Guidelines amended and approved DENR, PRA Approved amended guidelines 1 set of guidelines amended and approved Reports, copy of guidelines 2.1 Set user’s and service fees/ PES/raw and annual water charges Set user’s and service fees/ PES/raw water charges in sites that are ready. 1 per region 1 per region 1 per region Local Water Management Bodies, DENR User’s fees set and implemented Number of user’s fees policy approved and implemented per region Directive approving its implementation 2.2 Include resource valuation in determining IRA/Host Community Congress, academe LGU, DBM Formulate and implement policy/guidelines 1 set of Guidelines formulated 1 set of guidelines approved and implemented Continuing implementation of guidelines DILG-LGU/DENR DBM Policy and guidelines formulated and implemented number of policy/guidelines formulated and implemented Policy directive; copy dog policy/guidelines 3.1 Review and/or adoption of relevant policies and legislations relevant to wetlands and climate change Integrate green technology in the Building Code, Sanitation and Plumbing Code, Water Code) Building, Sanitation and Plumbing Code reviewed and amended through Congressional Process. Amendments approved and amended Codes disseminated to LGUs Amendments implemented UAP*, Congress*, DILG, LGU SIBAT, other professional organizations Amendments to the Building Code, Sanitation and Plumbing Code that are relevant to wetlands and climate change Number of legislations reviewed; amended Copies of amended laws Include in the ECC conditions “Greenline and cistern requirement” for high rise buildings, condominiums, residential, commercial and industrial establishments (water conservation, green house gas emissions); Inventory of ECC issued with this Greenline and cistern requirement Best practice example documented Recognition and rewards Continue the recognition and rewards EMB*, DILG/LGUs*, Number of ECCs issued with greenline and cistern requirements Include in local policy that that communities within or near wetlands should have toilets 3.2 Assess vulnerable priority wetlands to climate change based on NAMRIA’s 10 clusters of low lying areas Vulnerability Assessment of 1 priority wetland per region Vulnerability Assessment of 3 priority wetlands per region Vulnerability Assessment of 5 priority wetland per region DENR-PAWB*, ERDB*, NAMRIA*, LMB*, NGOs (SCPW), academe Listing of wetlands that are highly vulnerable to climate change Number of priority wetlands assessed Reports DENR-PAWB Issuance of local ordinances on buffer zone for developments in wetland areas with sanctions for violations (at least 200 meters; (3 meters in urban areas, 20 meters in agricultural areas, 40 meters in forest areas and apply to new projects) Local ordinances on buffer zone policies formulated and implemented in all cities in the country particularly for developments in wetland areas Local ordinances on buffer zone policies formulated and implemented in developments in wetland areas Local ordinances on buffer zone policies formulated and implemented for developments in wetland areas DENR*; DILG*, LGUs* through the Leagues DENR-LMS; DENR–CMMD, DPWH Local ordinances and other directives on buffer zones for developments in wetland areas Number of Local ordinances issued per region Copy of ordinances and other directives Formation of a Multi-sectoral team led by LGU for implementation of buffer ordinance (may tap existing ENR committees) Multi-sectoral team formed DILG/LGUs*, DENR, DPWH Multi-sectoral team formed Multi-sectoral team formed Directive forming the multi sectoral team Create an online database of best practices on river bank easement/protection Document and create an online database on best practices on river bank easement/protection Update and maintain online database Update and maintain online database DILG/LGUs*, DPWH Database on best practices on river bank/easement protection e.g. Napindan (Makati–Pasig) Online database created and maintained Project Report Give recognition/incentives to LGUs with documented best practice activities on river bank/easement protection Formulate and implement an in incentive system for LGUs with documented best practice policy/activities on river bank/easement protection NWRB and the Leagues*, DENR, DPWH Incentive Scheme Incentive Scheme formulated and approved Directive approving the incentive scheme and copy of the incentive scheme 1.5 Resolve reclamation issues Identify areas reclaimed without permit and which have not been reclassified by Congress All Regions have identified such areas DENR-PAWB thru Reclamation Committee*, PRA*, LGUs Inventory of illegally reclaimed areas Number of Regions that have identified areas reclaimed without permits and which have not been reclassified by Congress Reports with inventory Revert for public use illegally reclaimed lands Revert 30% of illegally reclaimed land Illegally reclaimed lands reverted for public use Number of cases of reversion per Region Reports, publications Amend and implement reclamation guidelines based on new EO 798 including sanctions and mechanism for penalizing violators Guidelines amended and approved DENR, PRA Approved amended guidelines 1 set of guidelines amended and approved Reports, copy of guidelines 2.1 Set user’s and service fees/ PES/raw and annual water charges Set user’s and service fees/ PES/raw water charges in sites that are ready. 1 per region 1 per region 1 per region Local Water Management Bodies, DENR User’s fees set and implemented Number of user’s fees policy approved and implemented per region Directive approving its implementation 2.2 Include resource valuation in determining IRA/Host Community Congress, academe LGU, DBM Formulate and implement policy/guidelines 1 set of Guidelines formulated 1 set of guidelines approved and implemented Continuing implementation of guidelines DILG-LGU/DENR DBM Policy and guidelines formulated and implemented number of policy/guidelines formulated and implemented Policy directive; copy dog policy/guidelines 3.1 Review and/or adoption of relevant policies and legislations relevant to wetlands and climate change Integrate green technology in the Building Code, Sanitation and Plumbing Code, Water Code) Building, Sanitation and Plumbing Code reviewed and amended through Congressional Process. Amendments approved and amended Codes disseminated to LGUs Amendments implemented UAP*, Congress*, DILG, LGU SIBAT, other professional organizations Amendments to the Building Code, Sanitation and Plumbing Code that are relevant to wetlands and climate change Number of legislations reviewed; amended Copies of amended laws Include in the ECC conditions “Greenline and cistern requirement” for high rise buildings, condominiums, residential, commercial and industrial establishments (water conservation, green house gas emissions); Inventory of ECC issued with this Greenline and cistern requirement Best practice example documented Recognition and rewards Continue the recognition and rewards EMB*, DILG/LGUs*, Number of ECCs issued with greenline and cistern requirements Include in local policy that that communities within or near wetlands should have toilets 3.2 Assess vulnerable priority wetlands to climate change based on NAMRIA’s 10 clusters of low lying areas Vulnerability Assessment of 1 priority wetland per region Vulnerability Assessment of 3 priority wetlands per region Vulnerability Assessment of 5 priority wetland per region DENR-PAWB*, ERDB*, NAMRIA*, LMB*, NGOs (SCPW), academe Listing of wetlands that are highly vulnerable to climate change Number of priority wetlands assessed Reports DENR-PAWB 40 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources 1.1 Conduct an inventory, assessment and monitoring of priority freshwater wetlands: Conduct of national workshop to level off terminologies (i.e. major freshwater wetlands), methods and procedures for inventory, assessment and monitoring 1 National Workshop conducted DENR-PAWB*, NAMRIA, DENR-RBCO, DENR-ROs, LGUs, PCAMRD, academe Standard terminologies, methods and procedures for freshwater wetland inventory Number of workshops conducted Activity Report; Compilation of Standard Terms, Methods and Procedures Prepare an inventory of freshwater wetlands with maps 1 inventory per Region DENR-PAWB*, NAMRIA*, DENR-RBCO, DENR-ROs, LGUs, PCAMRD, academe, NGOs Updated inventory of lakes, rivers, and swamps per Region Number of Regions that submitted inventories Report of inventories Conduct an assessment of the country’s major lakes, rivers, and swamps (biological, physic chemical, socio-economic including tenurial status) 3 major wetlands (lakes, rivers swamp/marsh) assessed 3 major wetlands (lakes, rivers swamp/marsh) assessed 3 major wetlands (lakes, rivers swamp/marsh) assessed DENR-PAWB*, DENR-RBCO*, DENR-ROs, LGUs, PCAMRD, academe, NGOs Profiles of selected priority lakes, rivers, marshes/swamps (biological, physic chemical, socio-economic, including tenurial status) using the Ramsar Information Sheet Number of priority lakes, rivers, marshes/swamps assessed. Assessment Reports; Profiles of wetlands that were assessed Monitor selected priority freshwater wetlands 3 priority lakes, rivers or swamp/marsh monitored 3 priority lakes, rivers or swamp/marsh monitored 3 priority lakes, rivers or swamp/marsh monitored DENR-PAWB*, DENR-RBCO*, DENR-ROs, LGUs, PCAMRD, academe, NGOs Monitoring data on selected freshwater wetlands Number of wetlands monitored Data on the state of priority wetlands 1.2 Review existing database on freshwater wetlands and recommend systematic access to these databases. 1 online database Updating and maintenance of online databases Updating and maintenance of online databases DENR-PAWB*, ERDB, PCMARRD, ERDB, LLDA, RBCO, NWRB), LGUs, academe, NGOs Online databases on priority wetlands online databases Reports Create links to web-based databases (i.e. CHM) Regional databases linked to CHM and other web based databases DENR-PAWB*, BFAR, LLDA, PCMARRD, LGUs, academe, NGOs, POs Links established to other databases Number of links established Report; system test Prepare a Management Planning Manual containing procedures with framework and templates that can be done by communities Wetland Management Plan Preparation Manual prepared DENR-PAWB*, LGUs, SCPW, academe, NGOs, POs Management Planning Manual for the Wetland Conservation Number of Manuals prepared Report; copy of document Conduct training on how to use the Management Planning Manual One Training conducted at the national level 1 Training conducted per Region DENR-PAWB*, LGUs, SCPW, academe, NGOs, POs Training on the use of the Management Planning Manual for the Wetland Conservation Number of Trainings conducted Activity Reports Conduct a carrying capacity study of selected priority freshwater wetlands Carrying capacity studies conducted in 1 priority freshwater wetland per Region DENR-PAWB*, DENR-ERDB*, academe Carrying Capacity of selected priority freshwater wetlands Number of Regions that conducted carrying capacity studies Reports of the Study Prepare Management Plans for priority freshwater wetlands in the country 1 Management Plan for a priority freshwater wetland prepared per Region per year 1 Management Plan for a priority freshwater wetland prepared per Region per year 1 Management Plan for a priority freshwater wetland prepared per Region per year DENR-PAWB*, LGUs, SCPW, academe, NGOs, POs Management Plans for priority freshwater wetlands prepared Number of Management Plans prepared Report; copy of Management Plans Implement Management Plans for priority freshwater wetlands in the country 1 Management Plan for a priority freshwater wetland implemented per Region per year 1 Management Plan for a priority freshwater wetland implemented per Region per year 1 Management Plan for a priority freshwater wetland implemented per Region per year DENR-PAWB*, LGUs, SCPW, academe, NGOs, POs Management Plans for priority freshwater wetlands implemented Number of Management Plans implemented Reports 3.1 Design a scheme to manage settlements in wetlands Management scheme designed DENR*, LGUs*, NGOs, Bayan ni Juan, Gawad Kalinga Management Scheme design Reports Outcome: Resilient and stable freshwater wetland ecosystems, reduced poverty among wetland dependent communities Overall Goal: Sustainable utilization of freshwater wetlands ecosystem; enhanced livelihood opportunities for wetland-dependent communities Overall Objectives: – To improve the management and conservation of freshwater wetlands – To provide alternative livelihood for wetland-dependent communities Indicators: – Environment/ecological: Quality of fresh water, coastal productivity (fish catch), quality and area of rivers, lakes, swamps, marshes and other inland wetlands – Socio-economic: Income, equity; job or livelihood opportunities; access to common resources 1.1 Conduct an inventory, assessment and monitoring of priority freshwater wetlands: Conduct of national workshop to level off terminologies (i.e. major freshwater wetlands), methods and procedures for inventory, assessment and monitoring 1 National Workshop conducted DENR-PAWB*, NAMRIA, DENR-RBCO, DENR-ROs, LGUs, PCAMRD, academe Standard terminologies, methods and procedures for freshwater wetland inventory Number of workshops conducted Activity Report; Compilation of Standard Terms, Methods and Procedures Prepare an inventory of freshwater wetlands with maps 1 inventory per Region DENR-PAWB*, NAMRIA*, DENR-RBCO, DENR-ROs, LGUs, PCAMRD, academe, NGOs Updated inventory of lakes, rivers, and swamps per Region Number of Regions that submitted inventories Report of inventories Conduct an assessment of the country’s major lakes, rivers, and swamps (biological, physic chemical, socio-economic including tenurial status) 3 major wetlands (lakes, rivers swamp/marsh) assessed 3 major wetlands (lakes, rivers swamp/marsh) assessed 3 major wetlands (lakes, rivers swamp/marsh) assessed DENR-PAWB*, DENR-RBCO*, DENR-ROs, LGUs, PCAMRD, academe, NGOs Profiles of selected priority lakes, rivers, marshes/swamps (biological, physic chemical, socio-economic, including tenurial status) using the Ramsar Information Sheet Number of priority lakes, rivers, marshes/swamps assessed. Assessment Reports; Profiles of wetlands that were assessed Monitor selected priority freshwater wetlands 3 priority lakes, rivers or swamp/marsh monitored 3 priority lakes, rivers or swamp/marsh monitored 3 priority lakes, rivers or swamp/marsh monitored DENR-PAWB*, DENR-RBCO*, DENR-ROs, LGUs, PCAMRD, academe, NGOs Monitoring data on selected freshwater wetlands Number of wetlands monitored Data on the state of priority wetlands 1.2 Review existing database on freshwater wetlands and recommend systematic access to these databases. 1 online database Updating and maintenance of online databases Updating and maintenance of online databases DENR-PAWB*, ERDB, PCMARRD, ERDB, LLDA, RBCO, NWRB), LGUs, academe, NGOs Online databases on priority wetlands online databases Reports Create links to web-based databases (i.e. CHM) Regional databases linked to CHM and other web based databases DENR-PAWB*, BFAR, LLDA, PCMARRD, LGUs, academe, NGOs, POs Links established to other databases Number of links established Report; system test Prepare a Management Planning Manual containing procedures with framework and templates that can be done by communities Wetland Management Plan Preparation Manual prepared DENR-PAWB*, LGUs, SCPW, academe, NGOs, POs Management Planning Manual for the Wetland Conservation Number of Manuals prepared Report; copy of document Conduct training on how to use the Management Planning Manual One Training conducted at the national level 1 Training conducted per Region DENR-PAWB*, LGUs, SCPW, academe, NGOs, POs Training on the use of the Management Planning Manual for the Wetland Conservation Number of Trainings conducted Activity Reports Conduct a carrying capacity study of selected priority freshwater wetlands Carrying capacity studies conducted in 1 priority freshwater wetland per Region DENR-PAWB*, DENR-ERDB*, academe Carrying Capacity of selected priority freshwater wetlands Number of Regions that conducted carrying capacity studies Reports of the Study Prepare Management Plans for priority freshwater wetlands in the country 1 Management Plan for a priority freshwater wetland prepared per Region per year 1 Management Plan for a priority freshwater wetland prepared per Region per year 1 Management Plan for a priority freshwater wetland prepared per Region per year DENR-PAWB*, LGUs, SCPW, academe, NGOs, POs Management Plans for priority freshwater wetlands prepared Number of Management Plans prepared Report; copy of Management Plans Implement Management Plans for priority freshwater wetlands in the country 1 Management Plan for a priority freshwater wetland implemented per Region per year 1 Management Plan for a priority freshwater wetland implemented per Region per year 1 Management Plan for a priority freshwater wetland implemented per Region per year DENR-PAWB*, LGUs, SCPW, academe, NGOs, POs Management Plans for priority freshwater wetlands implemented Number of Management Plans implemented Reports 3.1 Design a scheme to manage settlements in wetlands Management scheme designed DENR*, LGUs*, NGOs, Bayan ni Juan, Gawad Kalinga Management Scheme design Reports 42 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources 3.2 Implement community-based reforestation in the watershed areas of priority wetlands (i.e. Tree preneurs) (link to NGP targets) (link to NGP targets) (link to NGP targets) DENR-FMB*, PAWB, LGUs, NGOs Watershed areas reforested Number of hectares reforested Reports, site visits 3.3 Implement bioremediation and/or phytoremediation technologies to address pollution on a pilot basis at selected priority wetlands Conduct a seminar-workshop to assess appropriate bioremediation and phytoremediation technologies appropriate to types of wetlands 1 Seminar-workshop conducted DENR-ERDB*, DENR-EMB, NGOs, academe, LGUs Seminar-workshop conducted Number of seminar workshop conducted Documentation on appropriate bioremediation and phytoremediation technologies for various wetland types in the Philippines Pilot implementation of appropriate bioremediation and/or phytoremediation technologies at selected priority wetlands Pilot implementation in 1 priority freshwater wetland DENR-ERDB*, DENR-EMB, NGOs, academe, LGUs Bioremediation and/or Phytoremediation implemented in priority freshwater wetlands. Number of bioremediation or phytoremediation projects implemented Reports 3.4 Implement soil conservation technologies in priority wetlands Conduct a seminar-workshop to compile soil conservation technologies that can be applied to wetland 3.5 Implement activities to address invasive alien species (i.e. golden kuhol, janitor fish, water hyacinth) Activities implemented Activities implemented Activities implemented DENR-PAWB*, BFAR, FARMC, PAMBs PCMARD, LGUs, NGOs, POs Projects to address IAS Number of projects implemented Reports, site visits 3.6 Launch and implement a project on “Adopt a Wetland” Project launched and implemented in all Regions DENR-PAWB*, Private sector, LGU, DENR, NGOs, stakeholders Project launched and implemented in all Regions Number of Regions that launched and are implementing the project Reports; agreement instruments; site visit Adaptation Activities/Measures: 4.1 Conduct a vulnerability assessment of wetlands and wetland species to climate change DENR*, PCMARD, DA-BFAR, academe, NGOs/POs, LGUs List of vulnerable wetland species Number of species assessed Assessment Reports Conduct a workshop to develop a toolkit for vulnerability assessment of freshwater wetlands to climate change 1 National Workshop DENR-PAWB*, DENR-ERDB, LGUs, academe, NGOs, SCPW Workshop(s) held; Toolkit Number of workshops held Activity Report; Toolkit Using the toolkit, conduct vulnerability assessment of wetlands and wetlands species in priority freshwater wetlands 1 priority wetland assessed per Region per year 1 priority wetland assessed per Region per year 1 priority wetland assessed per Region per year DENR-PAWB*, DENR-ERDB, LGUs, academe, NGOs, SCPW Report of the vulnerability assessment study Number of freshwater wetlands assessed using the toolkit Activity Report 4.2 Conduct a study to identify vulnerable species for climate change effects on freshwater wetlands 1 Study conducted in major freshwater wetland types (lakes, rivers, marshes) DENR-ERDB*, DENR-PAWB, academe, NGOs, POs, LGUs List of species sensitive to climatic changes in wetlands Number of studies conducted Study Reports 4.3 Conduct a monitoring of migration patterns of birds vis-à-vis their established Conduct monitoring of migratory birds in 3 wetland sites per major island groups (Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao) Continue monitoring of migratory birds in 3 wetland sites per major island groups (Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao) Continue monitoring of migratory birds in 3 wetland sites per major island groups (Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao) DENR-PAWB*, LGUs, academe, NGOs, Wildbird Club of the Philippines, POs Monitoring results i.e. migration pattern; Schedule of migration monitoring of wetlands/waterbirds Number of sites monitored; number of monitoring activities conducted Monitoring reports 4.4 Formalize and implement a Philippine Bird Banding Scheme Bird Banding scheme formalized and implemented in the country Bird banding conducted in the 3 sites identified in item 4.2 Bird banding conducted in the 3 sites identified in item 4.2 DENR-PAWB*, DENR-ERDB, SCPW, LGUs, academe, NGOs Philippine Bird Banding Scheme implemented Number of sites where bird banding is being conducted Reports 4.5 Hold a National Conference on Climate Change Adaptation and Population, Health and Environment One National Conference held; Proceedings and recommendations posted in the wetland website (CHM) DENR-PAWB*, DOH, DENR-ERDB, EMB, FMB, SCPW, LGUs, academe, NGOs Compilation of Adaptation measures by local wetland communities Number of Conference held Activity Report Mitigation Activities/Measures: 4.6 Adoption of appropriate (wetland) watershed protection and (conservation) plantation management strategies DENR* Reduction of GHG emission mainstreaming of native species in reforestation projects (priority wetlands: Agusan Marsh, Candaba Marsh) Link targets to NGP Link targets to NGP Link targets to NGP DENR-FMB*, DENR-PAWB, LGUs, ERDB 4.7 Promote the conservation of peatlands (Please refer to the National Peatlands Action Plan for the Philippines which is an integral part of the National Wetlands Action Plan) 4.8 Conduct of R & D studies on specific climate change mitigation functions of wetlands Conduct studies on carbon sequestration functions of specific wetlands (rate of sequestration, carbon stock, etc) 1 study per major freshwater wetland type (lake, river, marsh; include rice fields) DOST*, DENR*, academe Data on carbon sequestration by selected wetland types Number of studies conducted Report of the study 4.9 Adopt a Green technology to promote sanitation in wetlands Conduct of IEC on green sanitation technology in three pilot priority wetlands Conduct of pilot green sanitation technology in three priority wetlands Upscaling of green sanitation technology in three other priority wetlands LGUs*, DOH, NGOs, PCWS Green sanitation technologies being implemented in priority wetlands Number of priority wetlands implementing green sanitation technologies Reports; site visits migration usage 3.2 Implement community-based reforestation in the watershed areas of priority wetlands (i.e. Tree preneurs) (link to NGP targets) (link to NGP targets) (link to NGP targets) DENR-FMB*, PAWB, LGUs, NGOs Watershed areas reforested Number of hectares reforested Reports, site visits 3.3 Implement bioremediation and/or phytoremediation technologies to address pollution on a pilot basis at selected priority wetlands Conduct a seminar-workshop to assess appropriate bioremediation and phytoremediation technologies appropriate to types of wetlands 1 Seminar-workshop conducted DENR-ERDB*, DENR-EMB, NGOs, academe, LGUs Seminar-workshop conducted Number of seminar workshop conducted Documentation on appropriate bioremediation and phytoremediation technologies for various wetland types in the Philippines Pilot implementation of appropriate bioremediation and/or phytoremediation technologies at selected priority wetlands Pilot implementation in 1 priority freshwater wetland DENR-ERDB*, DENR-EMB, NGOs, academe, LGUs Bioremediation and/or Phytoremediation implemented in priority freshwater wetlands. Number of bioremediation or phytoremediation projects implemented Reports 3.4 Implement soil conservation technologies in priority wetlands Conduct a seminar-workshop to compile soil conservation technologies that can be applied to wetland 3.5 Implement activities to address invasive alien species (i.e. golden kuhol, janitor fish, water hyacinth) Activities implemented Activities implemented Activities implemented DENR-PAWB*, BFAR, FARMC, PAMBs PCMARD, LGUs, NGOs, POs Projects to address IAS Number of projects implemented Reports, site visits 3.6 Launch and implement a project on “Adopt a Wetland” Project launched and implemented in all Regions DENR-PAWB*, Private sector, LGU, DENR, NGOs, stakeholders Project launched and implemented in all Regions Number of Regions that launched and are implementing the project Reports; agreement instruments; site visit Adaptation Activities/Measures: 4.1 Conduct a vulnerability assessment of wetlands and wetland species to climate change DENR*, PCMARD, DA-BFAR, academe, NGOs/POs, LGUs List of vulnerable wetland species Number of species assessed Assessment Reports Conduct a workshop to develop a toolkit for vulnerability assessment of freshwater wetlands to climate change 1 National Workshop DENR-PAWB*, DENR-ERDB, LGUs, academe, NGOs, SCPW Workshop(s) held; Toolkit Number of workshops held Activity Report; Toolkit Using the toolkit, conduct vulnerability assessment of wetlands and wetlands species in priority freshwater wetlands 1 priority wetland assessed per Region per year 1 priority wetland assessed per Region per year 1 priority wetland assessed per Region per year DENR-PAWB*, DENR-ERDB, LGUs, academe, NGOs, SCPW Report of the vulnerability assessment study Number of freshwater wetlands assessed using the toolkit Activity Report 4.2 Conduct a study to identify vulnerable species for climate change effects on freshwater wetlands 1 Study conducted in major freshwater wetland types (lakes, rivers, marshes) DENR-ERDB*, DENR-PAWB, academe, NGOs, POs, LGUs List of species sensitive to climatic changes in wetlands Number of studies conducted Study Reports 4.3 Conduct a monitoring of migration patterns of birds vis-à-vis their established Conduct monitoring of migratory birds in 3 wetland sites per major island groups (Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao) Continue monitoring of migratory birds in 3 wetland sites per major island groups (Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao) Continue monitoring of migratory birds in 3 wetland sites per major island groups (Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao) DENR-PAWB*, LGUs, academe, NGOs, Wildbird Club of the Philippines, POs Monitoring results i.e. migration pattern; Schedule of migration monitoring of wetlands/waterbirds Number of sites monitored; number of monitoring activities conducted Monitoring reports 4.4 Formalize and implement a Philippine Bird Banding Scheme Bird Banding scheme formalized and implemented in the country Bird banding conducted in the 3 sites identified in item 4.2 Bird banding conducted in the 3 sites identified in item 4.2 DENR-PAWB*, DENR-ERDB, SCPW, LGUs, academe, NGOs Philippine Bird Banding Scheme implemented Number of sites where bird banding is being conducted Reports 4.5 Hold a National Conference on Climate Change Adaptation and Population, Health and Environment One National Conference held; Proceedings and recommendations posted in the wetland website (CHM) DENR-PAWB*, DOH, DENR-ERDB, EMB, FMB, SCPW, LGUs, academe, NGOs Compilation of Adaptation measures by local wetland communities Number of Conference held Activity Report Mitigation Activities/Measures: 4.6 Adoption of appropriate (wetland) watershed protection and (conservation) plantation management strategies DENR* Reduction of GHG emission mainstreaming of native species in reforestation projects (priority wetlands: Agusan Marsh, Candaba Marsh) Link targets to NGP Link targets to NGP Link targets to NGP DENR-FMB*, DENR-PAWB, LGUs, ERDB 4.7 Promote the conservation of peatlands (Please refer to the National Peatlands Action Plan for the Philippines which is an integral part of the National Wetlands Action Plan) 4.8 Conduct of R & D studies on specific climate change mitigation functions of wetlands Conduct studies on carbon sequestration functions of specific wetlands (rate of sequestration, carbon stock, etc) 1 study per major freshwater wetland type (lake, river, marsh; include rice fields) DOST*, DENR*, academe Data on carbon sequestration by selected wetland types Number of studies conducted Report of the study 4.9 Adopt a Green technology to promote sanitation in wetlands Conduct of IEC on green sanitation technology in three pilot priority wetlands Conduct of pilot green sanitation technology in three priority wetlands Upscaling of green sanitation technology in three other priority wetlands LGUs*, DOH, NGOs, PCWS Green sanitation technologies being implemented in priority wetlands Number of priority wetlands implementing green sanitation technologies Reports; site visits migration usage 44 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources 5.1 Update list and profile of freshwater wetlands with ecotourism potential One List per Region updated DENR-PAWB*, DOT*, academe, Civil Society Inventory and profile of freshwater wetlands with ecotourism potential Number of Regions that submitted an updated listing and profile of wetlands with ecotourism potential Report; copy of list 5.2 Conduct mapping of freshwater wetlands with eco-tourism potential (for inclusion as a classification under mapping of the policy action plan) 1 map prepared per Region NAMRIA*, DENR-PAWB, DOT, LGUs, NGOs Maps of wetlands with ecotourism potential Number of Regions that submitted maps Report; Copies of maps 5.3 Develop Ecotourism Plans for priority wetlands 1 Master Plan developed for priority wetlands per Region per year 1 Master Plan developed for priority wetlands per Region per year 1 Master Plan developed for priority wetlands per Region per year DENR-PAWB*, DOT*, LGUs*, academe, Civil Society Ecotourism Master Plans for selected priority wetlands Number of Regions that submitted Master Plans for Ecotourism for priority freshwater wetlands Copies of Master Plans 6.1 Regulate aquaculture and stocking of exotic species in wetlands Enforce zero introduction of exotic species for aquaculture in freshwater wetlands with reference to the Wildlife Act LGU ordinance on zero introduction of exotic species for aquaculture in priority freshwater wetlands passed DENR-PAWB*, DA-BFAR*, DENR-ROs, PCMARD, LGUs, SCPW, NGOs LGU Ordinances passed Number of LGU ordinances passed Copy of the LGU ordinance 6.2 Promote policies that support sustainable aquaculture (i.e. FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and other Codes of Conduct for Sustainable Aquaculture, BFAR AO1-2008 (joint DA, DILG, DENR), Wildlife Act Include in the National CEPA Action Plan for Wetlands DENR*, DA-BFAR*, SEAFDEC, LLDA, SCPW Inclusion in the National CEPA Action Plan for Wetlands Item in the National CEPA Action Plan for Wetlands Copy of National CEPA Action Plan for Wetlands Conduct vulnerability study on the impacts of climate change on freshwater aquaculture One study completed DOST-PCMARD*, DA-BFAR*, DENR ERDB, academe 5.1 Update list and profile of freshwater wetlands with ecotourism potential One List per Region updated DENR-PAWB*, DOT*, academe, Civil Society Inventory and profile of freshwater wetlands with ecotourism potential Number of Regions that submitted an updated listing and profile of wetlands with ecotourism potential Report; copy of list 5.2 Conduct mapping of freshwater wetlands with eco-tourism potential (for inclusion as a classification under mapping of the policy action plan) 1 map prepared per Region NAMRIA*, DENR-PAWB, DOT, LGUs, NGOs Maps of wetlands with ecotourism potential Number of Regions that submitted maps Report; Copies of maps 5.3 Develop Ecotourism Plans for priority wetlands 1 Master Plan developed for priority wetlands per Region per year 1 Master Plan developed for priority wetlands per Region per year 1 Master Plan developed for priority wetlands per Region per year DENR-PAWB*, DOT*, LGUs*, academe, Civil Society Ecotourism Master Plans for selected priority wetlands Number of Regions that submitted Master Plans for Ecotourism for priority freshwater wetlands Copies of Master Plans 6.1 Regulate aquaculture and stocking of exotic species in wetlands Enforce zero introduction of exotic species for aquaculture in freshwater wetlands with reference to the Wildlife Act LGU ordinance on zero introduction of exotic species for aquaculture in priority freshwater wetlands passed DENR-PAWB*, DA-BFAR*, DENR-ROs, PCMARD, LGUs, SCPW, NGOs LGU Ordinances passed Number of LGU ordinances passed Copy of the LGU ordinance 6.2 Promote policies that support sustainable aquaculture (i.e. FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and other Codes of Conduct for Sustainable Aquaculture, BFAR AO1-2008 (joint DA, DILG, DENR), Wildlife Act Include in the National CEPA Action Plan for Wetlands DENR*, DA-BFAR*, SEAFDEC, LLDA, SCPW Inclusion in the National CEPA Action Plan for Wetlands Item in the National CEPA Action Plan for Wetlands Copy of National CEPA Action Plan for Wetlands Conduct vulnerability study on the impacts of climate change on freshwater aquaculture One study completed DOST-PCMARD*, DA-BFAR*, DENR ERDB, academe 46 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources 1.1 Conduct an inventory, assessment and monitoring of priority coastal and marine wetlands Conduct of national workshop to standardize terms (i.e. major marine and coastal wetlands), methods and procedures for inventory, assessment and monitoring 1 National Workshop conducted DENR-PAWB*, NAMRIA, DENR-RBCO, DENR ROs, LGUs, PCAMRD, academe Standard terminologies, methods and procedures for coastal and marine wetland inventory Number of workshops conducted Activity Report; Compilation of Standard Terms, Methods and Procedures Prepare an inventory of major coastal and marine wetlands with maps 1 inventory per Region DENR-PAWB*, NAMRIA*, DENR-RBCO, DENR-ROs, LGUs, PCAMRD, academe, NGOs Updated inventory of major coastal and marine wetlands per Region Number of Regions that submitted inventories Report of inventories Conduct an assessment of the country’s major coastal and marine wetlands (biological, physio-chemical, socio economic including tenurial status) 6 major coastal and marine wetlands assessed per Region 11 major coastal and marine wetlands assessed per Region 11 major coastal and marine wetlands assessed per Region DENR-PAWB*, CMMO*, BFAR*, LGUs*, ERDB, NAMRIA, PCMARD, academe, NGOs Profiles of selected priority coastal and marine wetlands (biological, physic chemical, socio-economic, including tenurial status) Number of priority coastal and marine wetlands assessed Assessment Reports; Profiles of wetlands that were assessed Monitor selected priority coastal and marine wetlands 6 major coastal and marine wetlands monitored per Region 11 major coastal and marine wetlands monitored per Region 11 major coastal and marine wetlands monitored per Region DENR-PAWB*, CMMO*, BFAR*, LGUs*, PAWB ERDB, NAMRIA, PCMARD, academe, NGOs, NFRDI, International research organizations Monitoring data on selected priority coastal and marine wetlands Number of coastal and marine wetlands monitored Data on the state of priority coastal and marine wetlands 1.2 Develop a Database on the country’s coastal and marine wetlands Review existing databases on costal and marine wetlands Review conducted and recommendations for systematic access to database DENR-PAWB*, CMMO*, PAWB, ERDB, NAMRIA, BFAR, PCAMRD, LGUs, NGOs, academe Recommendations Review conducted Reports Develop a system for the easy access to coastal and marine databases 1 online database Updating and maintenance of online databases Updating and maintenance of online databases DENR-PAWB*, CMMO*, PAWB, ERDB, NAMRIA, BFAR, PCAMRD, LGUs, NGOs, academe Online databases on coastal and marine wetlands Number of system developed Reports Link to national and regional databases e.g. CHM, NSAP, MSN, MIDAS, Reef Base Regional databases linked to CHM and other web based databases DENR-PAWB*, CMMO*, BFAR, PCMARD, LGUs, academe, NGOs, POs NFRDI, International research organizations Links established to other databases Number of links established Report; system test 2.1 Conduct workshops to review protocol on the rehabilitation, restoration of mangroves and beach areas to include history of vegetative cover 2 workshops conducted PAWB-CMMO*, ERDB*, POs, NGOs, LGUs, DENR ROs, FARMCs, BFAR, academe Amended protocol on the rehabilitation, restoration of mangroves and beach forest Number of workshops conducted Activity Report; copy of revised protocol 2.2 Issuance of a directive to adopt and dissemination the revised protocol Directive issues PAWB-CMMO*, ERDB*, POs, NGOs, LGUs, DENR ROs, FARMCs, BFAR, academe DAO or similar directive issued Issuance of DAO or similar directive Copy of DAO or similar directive 2.3 Following the amended protocol, conduct mangrove and beach rehabilitation activities in selected priority sites 5% of the total denuded areas reforested 20% of the total denuded areas 25% of the total denuded areas PAWB-CMMO*, LGUs*, POs, NGOs, LGUs, DENR ROs, FARMCs, BFAR, academe Improved and expanded mangrove and beach forest, including abandoned fishponds within the beach areas, returned to the natural state Number of hectares reforested Report and site visit 2.4 Establishment of Marine Protected Areas Establishment of 3 MPAs Establishment of 6 MPAs Establishment of 11 MPAs PAWB-CMMO*, ERDB*, POs, NGOs, LGUs, DENR ROs, FARMCs, BFAR, academe Marine Protected Areas established Number of MPAs established Reports; Site visit 2.5 Conduct re-stocking and sea ranching activities Conduct a workshop to develop protocols for re-stocking and sea-ranching Workshop conducted PAWB-CMMO*, ERDB*, POs, NGOs, LGUs, DENR ROs, FARMCs, BFAR, academe Protocols developed Workshop conducted Activity Report; copy of protocol Identify species for re-stocking and sea ranching Species identified PAWB-CMMO*, ERDB*, POs, NGOs, LGUs, DENR ROs, FARMCs, BFAR, academe List of species for re-stocking and sea ranching Number of species identified Reports Outcome: Resilient and stable coastal and marine wetland ecosystems, reduced poverty among coastal communities Overall Goal: Sustainable utilization of coastal and marine ecosystems, enhanced livelihood of coastal communities Overall Objectives: – To improve management and conservation of coastal and marine wetlands – To provide alternative livelihood to wetland-dependent communities Indicators: – Environment/ecological: Coastal productivity (fish catch), quality and area of mangrove, beach forests estuaries, seagrass and coral reefs – Socio-economic: Income, equity; job or livelihood opportunities; access to common resources 1.1 Conduct an inventory, assessment and monitoring of priority coastal and marine wetlands Conduct of national workshop to standardize terms (i.e. major marine and coastal wetlands), methods and procedures for inventory, assessment and monitoring 1 National Workshop conducted DENR-PAWB*, NAMRIA, DENR-RBCO, DENR ROs, LGUs, PCAMRD, academe Standard terminologies, methods and procedures for coastal and marine wetland inventory Number of workshops conducted Activity Report; Compilation of Standard Terms, Methods and Procedures Prepare an inventory of major coastal and marine wetlands with maps 1 inventory per Region DENR-PAWB*, NAMRIA*, DENR-RBCO, DENR-ROs, LGUs, PCAMRD, academe, NGOs Updated inventory of major coastal and marine wetlands per Region Number of Regions that submitted inventories Report of inventories Conduct an assessment of the country’s major coastal and marine wetlands (biological, physio-chemical, socio economic including tenurial status) 6 major coastal and marine wetlands assessed per Region 11 major coastal and marine wetlands assessed per Region 11 major coastal and marine wetlands assessed per Region DENR-PAWB*, CMMO*, BFAR*, LGUs*, ERDB, NAMRIA, PCMARD, academe, NGOs Profiles of selected priority coastal and marine wetlands (biological, physic chemical, socio-economic, including tenurial status) Number of priority coastal and marine wetlands assessed Assessment Reports; Profiles of wetlands that were assessed Monitor selected priority coastal and marine wetlands 6 major coastal and marine wetlands monitored per Region 11 major coastal and marine wetlands monitored per Region 11 major coastal and marine wetlands monitored per Region DENR-PAWB*, CMMO*, BFAR*, LGUs*, PAWB ERDB, NAMRIA, PCMARD, academe, NGOs, NFRDI, International research organizations Monitoring data on selected priority coastal and marine wetlands Number of coastal and marine wetlands monitored Data on the state of priority coastal and marine wetlands 1.2 Develop a Database on the country’s coastal and marine wetlands Review existing databases on costal and marine wetlands Review conducted and recommendations for systematic access to database DENR-PAWB*, CMMO*, PAWB, ERDB, NAMRIA, BFAR, PCAMRD, LGUs, NGOs, academe Recommendations Review conducted Reports Develop a system for the easy access to coastal and marine databases 1 online database Updating and maintenance of online databases Updating and maintenance of online databases DENR-PAWB*, CMMO*, PAWB, ERDB, NAMRIA, BFAR, PCAMRD, LGUs, NGOs, academe Online databases on coastal and marine wetlands Number of system developed Reports Link to national and regional databases e.g. CHM, NSAP, MSN, MIDAS, Reef Base Regional databases linked to CHM and other web based databases DENR-PAWB*, CMMO*, BFAR, PCMARD, LGUs, academe, NGOs, POs NFRDI, International research organizations Links established to other databases Number of links established Report; system test 2.1 Conduct workshops to review protocol on the rehabilitation, restoration of mangroves and beach areas to include history of vegetative cover 2 workshops conducted PAWB-CMMO*, ERDB*, POs, NGOs, LGUs, DENR ROs, FARMCs, BFAR, academe Amended protocol on the rehabilitation, restoration of mangroves and beach forest Number of workshops conducted Activity Report; copy of revised protocol 2.2 Issuance of a directive to adopt and dissemination the revised protocol Directive issues PAWB-CMMO*, ERDB*, POs, NGOs, LGUs, DENR ROs, FARMCs, BFAR, academe DAO or similar directive issued Issuance of DAO or similar directive Copy of DAO or similar directive 2.3 Following the amended protocol, conduct mangrove and beach rehabilitation activities in selected priority sites 5% of the total denuded areas reforested 20% of the total denuded areas 25% of the total denuded areas PAWB-CMMO*, LGUs*, POs, NGOs, LGUs, DENR ROs, FARMCs, BFAR, academe Improved and expanded mangrove and beach forest, including abandoned fishponds within the beach areas, returned to the natural state Number of hectares reforested Report and site visit 2.4 Establishment of Marine Protected Areas Establishment of 3 MPAs Establishment of 6 MPAs Establishment of 11 MPAs PAWB-CMMO*, ERDB*, POs, NGOs, LGUs, DENR ROs, FARMCs, BFAR, academe Marine Protected Areas established Number of MPAs established Reports; Site visit 2.5 Conduct re-stocking and sea ranching activities Conduct a workshop to develop protocols for re-stocking and sea-ranching Workshop conducted PAWB-CMMO*, ERDB*, POs, NGOs, LGUs, DENR ROs, FARMCs, BFAR, academe Protocols developed Workshop conducted Activity Report; copy of protocol Identify species for re-stocking and sea ranching Species identified PAWB-CMMO*, ERDB*, POs, NGOs, LGUs, DENR ROs, FARMCs, BFAR, academe List of species for re-stocking and sea ranching Number of species identified Reports 48 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources Conduct re-stocking and sea-ranching activities in selected coastal and marine wetlands How many re-stocking, sea-ranching projects per year and where? How many re-stocking, sea-ranching projects per year and where? How many re stocking, sea ranching projects per year and where? PAWB-CMMO*, ERDB*, POs, NGOs, LGUs, DENR ROs, FARMCs, BFAR, academe Areas re-stocked; areas of sea ranching activities established Number of re-stocking and/or sea ranching projects per Region per year Reports; site visits 2.6 Launch and implement a project on “Adopt a Wetland” Project launched and implemented in all Regions DENR-PAWB*, Private sector, LGU, DENR, NGOs, stakeholders Project launched and implemented in all Regions Number of Regions that launched and are implementing the project Reports; agreement instruments; site visit 3.1 Update the list of coastal and marine wetlands with ecotourism potential One List per Region updated DENR-PAWB*, DOT*, academe, NGOs/POs, LGUs Inventory and profile of coastal and marine wetlands with ecotourism potential Number of Regions that submitted an updated listing and profile of wetlands with ecotourism potential Report; copy of list 3.2 Conduct mapping of coastal and marine wetlands with eco-tourism potential 1 map per Region prepared NAMRIA*, DENR-PAWB, DOT, LGUs, NGOs Maps of wetlands with ecotourism potential Number of Regions that submitted maps Report; Copies of maps 3.3 Develop ecotourism Master Plans in selected priority wetland sites 1 Master Plan developed for priority wetlands per Region per year 1 Master Plan developed for priority wetlands per Region per year 1 Master Plan developed for priority wetlands per Region per year DENR-PAWB*, DOT*, academe, NGOs/POs, LGUs, resort owners Ecotourism Master Plans for selected priority wetlands Number of Regions that submitted Master Plans for Ecotourism for priority freshwater wetlands Copies of Master Plans 3.4 Conduct piloting ecotourism activities in selected sites to include key habitat types of coastal and marine wetlands 2 pilot ecotourism activities implemented 2 pilot ecotourism activities implemented 2 pilot ecotourism activities implemented DENR-PAWB*, DOT*, academe, NGOs/POs, LGUs, resort owners, communities Pilot ecotourism activities implemented Number of pilot activities implemented Reports; site visit 3.5 Conduct IEC on the role of coastal and marine ecotourism in wetland conservation Produce an AVP in English, Filipino, Cebuano and Ilocano) 1 AVP in 4 languages produced and shown in local events; exposure on radio and TV Exposure of AVP on radio and television DENR-PAWB*, DOT*, PAO, LGUs, resort owners, communities AVP produced and shown in local events, on radio and on TV Number of AVP produced Number of exposures in local events, on radio and on TV Copy of the AVP; reports Produce community bulletins (poster type) in vernacular Community Bulletins produced in vernacular DENR-PAWB*, DOT*, PAO, LGUs, resort owners, communities Community Bulletins produced Number of Community Bulletins produced Reports; copy of the Community Bulletins 3.6 Implement marketing activities to promote eco-tourism sites DENR-PAWB*, DOT*, LGU* IEC materials developed and disseminated Types and numbers of IEC materials/ collaterals Sample collaterals Develop websites for pilot ecotourism activities/sites 1 Website developed per pilot site DENR-PAWB*, DOT*, PAO, LGUs, resort owners, communities Website developed Number of websites developed; number of hits Report and URL of website 4.1 Promote appropriate aquaculture in coastal and marine areas Development of management plans for coastal and marine aquaculture sites/parks Management Plans developed for aquaculture sites/parks (1 per Region) Management Plans developed for aquaculture sites/parks (1 per Region) Management Plans developed for aquaculture sites/parks (1 per Region) DENR*, DA-BFAR*, PCAMRD, NFRDI, LGUs, POs, FARMCs, academe, SEAFDEC/AQD, World Fish, Funding Institutions Management Plans Number of Regions who submitted Management Plans Reports; copy of management plans Identify appropriate aquaculture systems in coastal and marine areas and suitable mariculture sites List of appropriate aquaculture systems DENR*, DA-BFAR*, PCAMRD, NFRDI, LGUs, POs, FARMCs, academe, SEAFDEC/AQD, World Fish Listing of appropriate aquaculture systems Number of Listing Copy of List 4.2 Conduct monitoring of aquaculture parks 1 aquaculture park monitored per Region 1 aquaculture park monitored per Region DENR*, DA-BFAR*, PCAMRD, NFRDI, LGUs, POs, FARMCs, academe, SEAFDEC / AQD, World Fish Monitoring of aquaculture parks Number of parks monitored Monitoring Reports 4.3 Compile documentation of Best Practices in marine and coastal aquaculture 1 Best Practice documented per Region per year 1 Best Practice documented per Region per year 1 Best Practice documented per Region per year DENR*, DA-BFAR*, PCAMRD, NFRDI, LGUs, POs, FARMCs, academe, SEAFDEC/AQD, World Fish Best Practice Documentation Number of best Practices documented Reports; copies of best practice documentation Conduct studies on carrying capacity of small islands and other coastal and marine ecosystems (e.g. ecotourism) Conduct carrying capacity for Ecotourism 1 study per Region conducted 1 study per Region conducted DENR-ERDB*, PAWB*, academe, PCAMRD, NFRDI, LGUs, NGOs Carrying Capacity of selected small islands and other coastal and marine wetlands Number of Regions submitting results of study—study conducted; carrying capacity models/ prescriptions Research Report Conduct re-stocking and sea-ranching activities in selected coastal and marine wetlands How many re-stocking, sea-ranching projects per year and where? How many re-stocking, sea-ranching projects per year and where? How many re stocking, sea ranching projects per year and where? PAWB-CMMO*, ERDB*, POs, NGOs, LGUs, DENR ROs, FARMCs, BFAR, academe Areas re-stocked; areas of sea ranching activities established Number of re-stocking and/or sea ranching projects per Region per year Reports; site visits 2.6 Launch and implement a project on “Adopt a Wetland” Project launched and implemented in all Regions DENR-PAWB*, Private sector, LGU, DENR, NGOs, stakeholders Project launched and implemented in all Regions Number of Regions that launched and are implementing the project Reports; agreement instruments; site visit 3.1 Update the list of coastal and marine wetlands with ecotourism potential One List per Region updated DENR-PAWB*, DOT*, academe, NGOs/POs, LGUs Inventory and profile of coastal and marine wetlands with ecotourism potential Number of Regions that submitted an updated listing and profile of wetlands with ecotourism potential Report; copy of list 3.2 Conduct mapping of coastal and marine wetlands with eco-tourism potential 1 map per Region prepared NAMRIA*, DENR-PAWB, DOT, LGUs, NGOs Maps of wetlands with ecotourism potential Number of Regions that submitted maps Report; Copies of maps 3.3 Develop ecotourism Master Plans in selected priority wetland sites 1 Master Plan developed for priority wetlands per Region per year 1 Master Plan developed for priority wetlands per Region per year 1 Master Plan developed for priority wetlands per Region per year DENR-PAWB*, DOT*, academe, NGOs/POs, LGUs, resort owners Ecotourism Master Plans for selected priority wetlands Number of Regions that submitted Master Plans for Ecotourism for priority freshwater wetlands Copies of Master Plans 3.4 Conduct piloting ecotourism activities in selected sites to include key habitat types of coastal and marine wetlands 2 pilot ecotourism activities implemented 2 pilot ecotourism activities implemented 2 pilot ecotourism activities implemented DENR-PAWB*, DOT*, academe, NGOs/POs, LGUs, resort owners, communities Pilot ecotourism activities implemented Number of pilot activities implemented Reports; site visit 3.5 Conduct IEC on the role of coastal and marine ecotourism in wetland conservation Produce an AVP in English, Filipino, Cebuano and Ilocano) 1 AVP in 4 languages produced and shown in local events; exposure on radio and TV Exposure of AVP on radio and television DENR-PAWB*, DOT*, PAO, LGUs, resort owners, communities AVP produced and shown in local events, on radio and on TV Number of AVP produced Number of exposures in local events, on radio and on TV Copy of the AVP; reports Produce community bulletins (poster type) in vernacular Community Bulletins produced in vernacular DENR-PAWB*, DOT*, PAO, LGUs, resort owners, communities Community Bulletins produced Number of Community Bulletins produced Reports; copy of the Community Bulletins 3.6 Implement marketing activities to promote eco-tourism sites DENR-PAWB*, DOT*, LGU* IEC materials developed and disseminated Types and numbers of IEC materials/ collaterals Sample collaterals Develop websites for pilot ecotourism activities/sites 1 Website developed per pilot site DENR-PAWB*, DOT*, PAO, LGUs, resort owners, communities Website developed Number of websites developed; number of hits Report and URL of website 4.1 Promote appropriate aquaculture in coastal and marine areas Development of management plans for coastal and marine aquaculture sites/parks Management Plans developed for aquaculture sites/parks (1 per Region) Management Plans developed for aquaculture sites/parks (1 per Region) Management Plans developed for aquaculture sites/parks (1 per Region) DENR*, DA-BFAR*, PCAMRD, NFRDI, LGUs, POs, FARMCs, academe, SEAFDEC/AQD, World Fish, Funding Institutions Management Plans Number of Regions who submitted Management Plans Reports; copy of management plans Identify appropriate aquaculture systems in coastal and marine areas and suitable mariculture sites List of appropriate aquaculture systems DENR*, DA-BFAR*, PCAMRD, NFRDI, LGUs, POs, FARMCs, academe, SEAFDEC/AQD, World Fish Listing of appropriate aquaculture systems Number of Listing Copy of List 4.2 Conduct monitoring of aquaculture parks 1 aquaculture park monitored per Region 1 aquaculture park monitored per Region DENR*, DA-BFAR*, PCAMRD, NFRDI, LGUs, POs, FARMCs, academe, SEAFDEC / AQD, World Fish Monitoring of aquaculture parks Number of parks monitored Monitoring Reports 4.3 Compile documentation of Best Practices in marine and coastal aquaculture 1 Best Practice documented per Region per year 1 Best Practice documented per Region per year 1 Best Practice documented per Region per year DENR*, DA-BFAR*, PCAMRD, NFRDI, LGUs, POs, FARMCs, academe, SEAFDEC/AQD, World Fish Best Practice Documentation Number of best Practices documented Reports; copies of best practice documentation Conduct studies on carrying capacity of small islands and other coastal and marine ecosystems (e.g. ecotourism) Conduct carrying capacity for Ecotourism 1 study per Region conducted 1 study per Region conducted DENR-ERDB*, PAWB*, academe, PCAMRD, NFRDI, LGUs, NGOs Carrying Capacity of selected small islands and other coastal and marine wetlands Number of Regions submitting results of study—study conducted; carrying capacity models/ prescriptions Research Report 50 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources Conduct vulnerability study on flora and fauna to sea level rise 1 study conducted DENR-ERDB*, PAWB*, academe, PCAMRD, NFRDI, LGUs Study conducted Completion of study Research Report In coordination with concerned LGUs and communities, identify, assess and declare as critical habitats areas where endangered species are found Areas identified, assessed and declared as critical habitats Areas identified, assessed and declared as critical habitats Areas identified, assessed and declared as critical habitats DENR-PAWB*, LGUs, POs, NGOs, Private sector Areas declared and managed critical habitats Number and size or areas declared as critical habitats Reports Develop and implement Management Plans of established critical habitats Critical habitats with Management Plans Management Plans implemented DENR-PAWB*, LGUs, POs, NGOs, Private sector Management Plans of Critical Habitats Number of Critical Habitats with Management Plans Reports; copy of Management Plans 7.1 Deputize Wetland Enforcement Officers Organize citizen brigades to be deputized as Wetland Enforcement Officers Wetland Enforcement Officers organized (1 per priority wetland) DENR-PAWB*, LGUs, POs, NGOs, Communities Wetland enforcement officers organized and deputized Number of Wetland Enforcement Officers deputized Reports Conduct training on coastal and marine law enforcement Training conducted DENR-PAWB*, LGUs, POs, NGOs, Communities Wetland enforcement officers trained Number of trainings conducted Activity Report; Training module Conduct vulnerability study on flora and fauna to sea level rise 1 study conducted DENR-ERDB*, PAWB*, academe, PCAMRD, NFRDI, LGUs Study conducted Completion of study Research Report In coordination with concerned LGUs and communities, identify, assess and declare as critical habitats areas where endangered species are found Areas identified, assessed and declared as critical habitats Areas identified, assessed and declared as critical habitats Areas identified, assessed and declared as critical habitats DENR-PAWB*, LGUs, POs, NGOs, Private sector Areas declared and managed critical habitats Number and size or areas declared as critical habitats Reports Develop and implement Management Plans of established critical habitats Critical habitats with Management Plans Management Plans implemented DENR-PAWB*, LGUs, POs, NGOs, Private sector Management Plans of Critical Habitats Number of Critical Habitats with Management Plans Reports; copy of Management Plans 7.1 Deputize Wetland Enforcement Officers Organize citizen brigades to be deputized as Wetland Enforcement Officers Wetland Enforcement Officers organized (1 per priority wetland) DENR-PAWB*, LGUs, POs, NGOs, Communities Wetland enforcement officers organized and deputized Number of Wetland Enforcement Officers deputized Reports Conduct training on coastal and marine law enforcement Training conducted DENR-PAWB*, LGUs, POs, NGOs, Communities Wetland enforcement officers trained Number of trainings conducted Activity Report; Training module 52 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources 1.1 Establishment of a meta-database and information clearinghouse on Philippine wetlands (Resource Center) Create a section in the Clearing House Mechanism (CHM) on Philippine wetlands Database maintained and enhanced Database maintained and enhanced DENR-PAWB*, DENR-FMB, DA-BFAR, ERDB, PCMARD, academe, NGOs and POs, private sector, other partners Database and clearinghouse on wetlands established as part of the CHM, maintained and enhanced periodically Section on wetlands created in the CHM Functional electronic database as a section in the CHM 1.2 Disseminate information and support Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), Reducing Emisssion from Deforesation and Forest Degradation (REDD) and other carbon financing mechanisms for mitigation and adaptation Include information on CDM, REDD+ and other carbon financing mechanism in the wetland section of the CHM DENR*, DILG*, ADMU-KLIMA Climate Climate Change) FMB*, DENR-PAWB, EMB, ERDB, etc. Information on CDM, REDD+ and other carbon financing mechanism included in the wetland section of the CHM Wetlands section of the CHM contains information on CDM, REDD+ and other carbon financing mechanism; number of hits Copy of the information on the website 2.1 Replication of best practices in wetland conservation Compilation of best practices published on the website every 2 years. Number of best practices documented; number of hits Reports; URL of website Develop criteria for selection of best practices 1 set of criteria formulated DENR-PAWB*, TWG on Wetlands Criteria for selection of best practices in wetland conservation Set of criteria formulated. Copy of approved criteria Identify, document, compile, and include in the CHM, best practice/ working models of wetland management 1 best practice documented and included in the CHM (per Region) 1 best practice documented and included in the CHM (per Region) 1 best practice docu mented and included in the CHM (per Region) DENR-PAWB*, DENR-PAWDs*, TWG on Wetlands, DILG, LGU, Galing-Pook Compilation of best practices published on the website every 2 years. Number of best practices/working models documented and included in the wetland section of the CHM Copies of write-up/ case studies; wetland section in the CHM website Present the CHM/wetland section to the Leagues (Cities, Municipalities, etc.) 1 Presentation each in the Annual Conferences of the various Leagues 1 Presentation each in the Annual Conferences of the various Leagues 1 Presentation each in the Annual Conferences of the various Leagues DENR-PAWB*, TWG on Wetlands, DILG, LGU Presentations at the Annual Conferences of the various Leagues Number of presentations made per year to the various Leagues Activity Report with photo documentation 3.1 Conduct CEPA Action Planning and integrated them into Regional and local plans One National CEPA Action Plan formulated Regional CEPA Action Plan per Region formulated and implemented (1 per Region) National and Regional CEPA Plan reviewed DENR-PAWB*, SCPW*, SCPW, DA-BFAR, ERDB, PCMARD, academe, NGOs and POs, private sector National CEPA Action Plan for Philippine Wetlands Number of CEPA Action Plan prepared Copy of document Conduct small group workshop to revisit/update Draft Wetlands Communications Plan Conduct one small group workshop to finalize the CEPA Action Plan Conduct annual evaluation and assessment of the implementation of the CEPA Action Plan Conduct annual evaluation and assessment of the implementation of the CEPA Action Plan DENR*, SCPW*, DA-BFAR,ERDB, academe, NGOs and POs, private sector, other partners Workshop conducted; CEPA Plan updated Number of workshops conducted Activity Report; copy of updated CEPA Action Plan Adoption and integration of National CEPA Action Plan into Regional and Local Plans National CEPA Action Plan adopted and implemented at all levels by integrating them into Regional and local plans CEPA Action Plan integrated into Regional and Local Plans implemented at all levels CEPA Action Plan integrated into Regional and Local Plans implemented at all levels DENR*, SCPW, DA BFAR, ERDB, academe, NGOs and POs, private sector, other partners Adopted National CEPA Action Plan; integration of national CEPA Action Plan into Regional and other local plans; implementation at all levels Number of Regions that have integrated the national CEPA Action Plan into their Regional Plans; Number of local plans that have integrated the CEPA Action Plan; Number of partner organizations implementing the CEPA Plan Document adopting the Plan; Reports Center*, Leagues (Cities, Municipalities Goals: – Increased awareness, understanding and appreciation of key stakeholders on the functions and importance of wetlands – Increased capacity of key stakeholders to implement wetland conservation measures Overall Objectives: – To increase the awareness, understanding and appreciation of key stakeholders on the functions and importance of wetlands – To enhance the capacity of stakeholders to implement wetland conservation and apply sustainable and equitable measures – To promote collaboration among stakeholders for effective wetland management Indicators: – Number of trained stakeholder groups applying learning (e.g. monitoring, etc.) – Comprehensive educational program for in-school and out-of-school youth, communities, and decision-makers on wetlands functioning, values and management – Functional institutional structure to manage priority wetlands 1.1 Establishment of a meta-database and information clearinghouse on Philippine wetlands (Resource Center) Create a section in the Clearing House Mechanism (CHM) on Philippine wetlands Database maintained and enhanced Database maintained and enhanced DENR-PAWB*, DENR-FMB, DA-BFAR, ERDB, PCMARD, academe, NGOs and POs, private sector, other partners Database and clearinghouse on wetlands established as part of the CHM, maintained and enhanced periodically Section on wetlands created in the CHM Functional electronic database as a section in the CHM 1.2 Disseminate information and support Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), Reducing Emisssion from Deforesation and Forest Degradation (REDD) and other carbon financing mechanisms for mitigation and adaptation Include information on CDM, REDD+ and other carbon financing mechanism in the wetland section of the CHM DENR*, DILG*, ADMU-KLIMA Climate Climate Change) FMB*, DENR-PAWB, EMB, ERDB, etc. Information on CDM, REDD+ and other carbon financing mechanism included in the wetland section of the CHM Wetlands section of the CHM contains information on CDM, REDD+ and other carbon financing mechanism; number of hits Copy of the information on the website 2.1 Replication of best practices in wetland conservation Compilation of best practices published on the website every 2 years. Number of best practices documented; number of hits Reports; URL of website Develop criteria for selection of best practices 1 set of criteria formulated DENR-PAWB*, TWG on Wetlands Criteria for selection of best practices in wetland conservation Set of criteria formulated. Copy of approved criteria Identify, document, compile, and include in the CHM, best practice/ working models of wetland management 1 best practice documented and included in the CHM (per Region) 1 best practice documented and included in the CHM (per Region) 1 best practice docu mented and included in the CHM (per Region) DENR-PAWB*, DENR-PAWDs*, TWG on Wetlands, DILG, LGU, Galing-Pook Compilation of best practices published on the website every 2 years. Number of best practices/working models documented and included in the wetland section of the CHM Copies of write-up/ case studies; wetland section in the CHM website Present the CHM/wetland section to the Leagues (Cities, Municipalities, etc.) 1 Presentation each in the Annual Conferences of the various Leagues 1 Presentation each in the Annual Conferences of the various Leagues 1 Presentation each in the Annual Conferences of the various Leagues DENR-PAWB*, TWG on Wetlands, DILG, LGU Presentations at the Annual Conferences of the various Leagues Number of presentations made per year to the various Leagues Activity Report with photo documentation 3.1 Conduct CEPA Action Planning and integrated them into Regional and local plans One National CEPA Action Plan formulated Regional CEPA Action Plan per Region formulated and implemented (1 per Region) National and Regional CEPA Plan reviewed DENR-PAWB*, SCPW*, SCPW, DA-BFAR, ERDB, PCMARD, academe, NGOs and POs, private sector National CEPA Action Plan for Philippine Wetlands Number of CEPA Action Plan prepared Copy of document Conduct small group workshop to revisit/update Draft Wetlands Communications Plan Conduct one small group workshop to finalize the CEPA Action Plan Conduct annual evaluation and assessment of the implementation of the CEPA Action Plan Conduct annual evaluation and assessment of the implementation of the CEPA Action Plan DENR*, SCPW*, DA-BFAR,ERDB, academe, NGOs and POs, private sector, other partners Workshop conducted; CEPA Plan updated Number of workshops conducted Activity Report; copy of updated CEPA Action Plan Adoption and integration of National CEPA Action Plan into Regional and Local Plans National CEPA Action Plan adopted and implemented at all levels by integrating them into Regional and local plans CEPA Action Plan integrated into Regional and Local Plans implemented at all levels CEPA Action Plan integrated into Regional and Local Plans implemented at all levels DENR*, SCPW, DA BFAR, ERDB, academe, NGOs and POs, private sector, other partners Adopted National CEPA Action Plan; integration of national CEPA Action Plan into Regional and other local plans; implementation at all levels Number of Regions that have integrated the national CEPA Action Plan into their Regional Plans; Number of local plans that have integrated the CEPA Action Plan; Number of partner organizations implementing the CEPA Plan Document adopting the Plan; Reports Center*, Leagues (Cities, Municipalities 54 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources 3.2 Upscale existing CEPA activities Mainstream through local resolutions 1 Resolution either at the Regional, Provincial, or Local level (per Region) 1 Resolution either at the Regional, Provincial, or Local level (per Region) 1 Resolution either at the Regional, Provincial, or Local level (per Region) DENR*, LGU*, DepEd* Resolutions mainstreaming Dalaw-Turo in public and private schools in specific localities Number or Resolutions passed Copies of Resolutions Translate CEPA materials into vernacular Prepare primer on wetlands in Filipino, Cebuano and Ilocano Prepare primer on wetlands in 3 other vernacular languages Prepare primer on wetlands in 3 other vernacular languages DENR-PAWB*, NGOs, academe Primers translated into major Philippine languages/dialects Number of languages/dialects used in translating the primers Copy of translated primers Expand the conduct of Wetlands Caravan in priority wetlands 2 Wetlands Caravan conducted per year 2 Wetlands Caravan conducted per year 2 Wetlands Caravan conducted per year SCPW*, DENR*, LGUs, DepEd, academe, NGOs Wetlands Caravan conducted Number of Wetlands Caravan conducted Activity Report with photo documentation 3.3 Establish Wetlands Information Centres in priority wetlands 3 wetland centres established and operational 3 wetland centres established and operational 3 wetland centres established and operational DENR-PAWB*, LGUs, SCPW, NGOs, academe Wetlands Information Centres established and operational Number of Wetlands Information Centres established and operational Reports 3.4 Develop a framework for stakeholder participation Framework development and piloting in selected priority wetlands Documentation and replication Documentation and replication DENR-PAWB*, Other DENR agencies, SCPW and other partners Framework for Stakeholder Participation (Defined level of participation for each key stakeholder) Number of framework developed Copy of document 3.5 Hold a National Wetlands Conference every three years 1 Conference held 2012 1 Conference held 1 Conference held DENR-PAWB*, SCPW*, PCMARD, ERDB National Wetlands Conference held every 3 years Number of Conference held Conference Report 3.6 Provide incentives for wetland conservation Implement “Philippine Wetlands Conservation Award” every 4 years Bi-annual search and awarding implemented Bi-annual search and awarding implemented Bi-annual search and awarding implemented DENR-PAWB*, DENR-ROs, other partners (GAs, NGOs, POs, academe) Search and awarding of winners for Philippine Wetland Conservation Award Number of Awarding events implemented Names of awardees, Activity Report Implement Eco-certification or similar incentive/recognition scheme in priority wetlands with ecotourism potential Develop and adopt guidel ines for Eco-Certification of wetland activities; implement eco certification (1 site per region/year) implement eco certification (1 site per region/year) DENR-PAWB*, DOT, LGUs, other Gas Eco-Certification Guidelines developed and adopted; Eco certificates issued Eco-Certification guidelines formulated and adopted; Number of eco-certificates issued Copy of guidelines and endorsement; Reports Search for a local advocate/champion for wetland to be implemented at the local or site level Hold a contest among the youth to choose a local wetland advocate/champion DENR-PAWB*, SCPW, business Contest to choose local wetland advocate/champion held Number of contest held Name of local wetland advocate/champion; Activity Report 4.1 Prepare a Capacity Development Plan for wetlands management Conduct a capacity needs assessment for wetlands conservation in priority wetland areas with recommendations for the Capacity Development Plan Conduct capacity needs assessment study DENR-PAWB*, DENR-ROs, ERDB, EMB, MGB, LLDA, other partners Capacity needs assessment report Number of assessment study conducted Report of the Study Prepare the Capacity Development Plan Conduct of National and Regional Conference to validate Plan DENR-PAWB*, DENR-ROs, ERDB, EMB, MGB, LLDA, other partners Capacity Development Plan for Wetland Management Number of Conference conducted Activity Report with photo documentation; copy of the Capacity Development Plan for Wetland Management Adopt and disseminate the Capacity Development Plan for Wetland Management Adoption and virtual publication in the wetland section of the CHM DENR-PAWB*, DENR-ROs, ERDB, EMB, MGB, LLDA, other partners Capacity Development Plan for Wetland Management adopted through an endorsement or directive Endorsement or directive issued by DENR adopting the Plan; Plan uploaded/published in the wetland section of the CHM Endorsement or directive; publication on the website Implement and monitor the Capacity Development Plan for Wetlands Conservation in the Philippines Implementation monitored and assessed annually Implementation monitored and assessed annually Implementation monitored and assessed annually DENR-PAWB*, DENR-Regional Offices, other partners Assessment and Monitoring Conducted Number of assessment and monitoring evaluations conducted annually Monitoring Reports 4.2 Enhance human capacity for management of wetlands (i.e. formal and non formal education) Conduct training on specific topics Training on water quality monitoring Training on bio monitoring Training conducted Number of trainings conducted; number of people trained; tracking of impact of training on the participant’s work Activity Report; Training curricula; training aids developed for the course Orientation on the National Ecotourism Strategy Training on stock/species assessment Number of trainings conducted; number of people trained; tracking of impact of training on the participant’s work Activity Report; Training curricula; training aids developed for the course Training in natural resources management for key decision makers; Training on appropriate sustainable livelihood technologies; Number of trainings conducted; number of people trained; tracking of impact of training on the participant’s work Activity Report; Training curricula; training aids developed for the course Training on bird banding Training of community and school-based monitoring, e.g. river watch, CLMN Number of trainings conducted; number of people trained; tracking of impact of training on the participant’s work Activity Report; Training curricula; training aids developed for the course Training on liquid and solid waste management Number of trainings conducted; number of people trained; tracking of impact of training on the participant’s work in public and private schools 3.2 Upscale existing CEPA activities Mainstream through local resolutions 1 Resolution either at the Regional, Provincial, or Local level (per Region) 1 Resolution either at the Regional, Provincial, or Local level (per Region) 1 Resolution either at the Regional, Provincial, or Local level (per Region) DENR*, LGU*, DepEd* Resolutions mainstreaming Dalaw-Turo in public and private schools in specific localities Number or Resolutions passed Copies of Resolutions Translate CEPA materials into vernacular Prepare primer on wetlands in Filipino, Cebuano and Ilocano Prepare primer on wetlands in 3 other vernacular languages Prepare primer on wetlands in 3 other vernacular languages DENR-PAWB*, NGOs, academe Primers translated into major Philippine languages/dialects Number of languages/dialects used in translating the primers Copy of translated primers Expand the conduct of Wetlands Caravan in priority wetlands 2 Wetlands Caravan conducted per year 2 Wetlands Caravan conducted per year 2 Wetlands Caravan conducted per year SCPW*, DENR*, LGUs, DepEd, academe, NGOs Wetlands Caravan conducted Number of Wetlands Caravan conducted Activity Report with photo documentation 3.3 Establish Wetlands Information Centres in priority wetlands 3 wetland centres established and operational 3 wetland centres established and operational 3 wetland centres established and operational DENR-PAWB*, LGUs, SCPW, NGOs, academe Wetlands Information Centres established and operational Number of Wetlands Information Centres established and operational Reports 3.4 Develop a framework for stakeholder participation Framework development and piloting in selected priority wetlands Documentation and replication Documentation and replication DENR-PAWB*, Other DENR agencies, SCPW and other partners Framework for Stakeholder Participation (Defined level of participation for each key stakeholder) Number of framework developed Copy of document 3.5 Hold a National Wetlands Conference every three years 1 Conference held 2012 1 Conference held 1 Conference held DENR-PAWB*, SCPW*, PCMARD, ERDB National Wetlands Conference held every 3 years Number of Conference held Conference Report 3.6 Provide incentives for wetland conservation Implement “Philippine Wetlands Conservation Award” every 4 years Bi-annual search and awarding implemented Bi-annual search and awarding implemented Bi-annual search and awarding implemented DENR-PAWB*, DENR-ROs, other partners (GAs, NGOs, POs, academe) Search and awarding of winners for Philippine Wetland Conservation Award Number of Awarding events implemented Names of awardees, Activity Report Implement Eco-certification or similar incentive/recognition scheme in priority wetlands with ecotourism potential Develop and adopt guidel ines for Eco-Certification of wetland activities; implement eco certification (1 site per region/year) implement eco certification (1 site per region/year) DENR-PAWB*, DOT, LGUs, other Gas Eco-Certification Guidelines developed and adopted; Eco certificates issued Eco-Certification guidelines formulated and adopted; Number of eco-certificates issued Copy of guidelines and endorsement; Reports Search for a local advocate/champion for wetland to be implemented at the local or site level Hold a contest among the youth to choose a local wetland advocate/champion DENR-PAWB*, SCPW, business Contest to choose local wetland advocate/champion held Number of contest held Name of local wetland advocate/champion; Activity Report 4.1 Prepare a Capacity Development Plan for wetlands management Conduct a capacity needs assessment for wetlands conservation in priority wetland areas with recommendations for the Capacity Development Plan Conduct capacity needs assessment study DENR-PAWB*, DENR-ROs, ERDB, EMB, MGB, LLDA, other partners Capacity needs assessment report Number of assessment study conducted Report of the Study Prepare the Capacity Development Plan Conduct of National and Regional Conference to validate Plan DENR-PAWB*, DENR-ROs, ERDB, EMB, MGB, LLDA, other partners Capacity Development Plan for Wetland Management Number of Conference conducted Activity Report with photo documentation; copy of the Capacity Development Plan for Wetland Management Adopt and disseminate the Capacity Development Plan for Wetland Management Adoption and virtual publication in the wetland section of the CHM DENR-PAWB*, DENR-ROs, ERDB, EMB, MGB, LLDA, other partners Capacity Development Plan for Wetland Management adopted through an endorsement or directive Endorsement or directive issued by DENR adopting the Plan; Plan uploaded/published in the wetland section of the CHM Endorsement or directive; publication on the website Implement and monitor the Capacity Development Plan for Wetlands Conservation in the Philippines Implementation monitored and assessed annually Implementation monitored and assessed annually Implementation monitored and assessed annually DENR-PAWB*, DENR-Regional Offices, other partners Assessment and Monitoring Conducted Number of assessment and monitoring evaluations conducted annually Monitoring Reports 4.2 Enhance human capacity for management of wetlands (i.e. formal and non formal education) Conduct training on specific topics Training on water quality monitoring Training on bio monitoring Training conducted Number of trainings conducted; number of people trained; tracking of impact of training on the participant’s work Activity Report; Training curricula; training aids developed for the course Orientation on the National Ecotourism Strategy Training on stock/species assessment Number of trainings conducted; number of people trained; tracking of impact of training on the participant’s work Activity Report; Training curricula; training aids developed for the course Training in natural resources management for key decision makers; Training on appropriate sustainable livelihood technologies; Number of trainings conducted; number of people trained; tracking of impact of training on the participant’s work Activity Report; Training curricula; training aids developed for the course Training on bird banding Training of community and school-based monitoring, e.g. river watch, CLMN Number of trainings conducted; number of people trained; tracking of impact of training on the participant’s work Activity Report; Training curricula; training aids developed for the course Training on liquid and solid waste management Number of trainings conducted; number of people trained; tracking of impact of training on the participant’s work in public and private schools 56 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources Participatory resource assessment and monitoring Conduct eco-tourism capacity-building activities for local communities Conduct training on tour guiding and homestay Conduct learning visits to other developed ecotourism sites 4.3 Strengthen Institutional Capacity for wetlands conservation Formation of National Wetlands Committee or a similar entity to provide policy direction and oversee the implementation of the National Wetlands Action Plan National Wetlands Committee or a similar body reconstituted National Wetlands Committee or a similar body operational National Wetlands Committee or a similar body operational DENR-PAWB*, PCSD Sub-committee on Biodiversity National Wetlands Committee or a similar body formed 4.4 Build Financial Capacity (internal resource mobilization) Prepare and implement a Resource Mobilization Plan for Wetlands Conservation Resource Mobilization Plan prepared Resource Mobilization Plan implemented Resource Mobilization Plan implemented DENR-PAWB*, SCPW and other partners Resource Mobilization Plan Resource Mobilization Plan prepared and implemented Copy of the Resource Mobilization Plan Conduct of Partners Meeting One partners meeting conducted DENR-PAWB*, SCPW* Meeting conducted Conduct of meeting Minutes of Meeting; pledges from partners 5.1 Development of (an integrated) wetland management framework for wetland management at the local level consistent with the Comprehensive Land Use Policy (CLUP) and investment plan (Integrated) wetland management framework for local wetlands developed (Integrated) wetland management framework integrated into local plans DENR-PAWB*, DILG, LGUs Framework for local (integrated) management of wetlands developed and integrated into local plans Number of local plans that have integrated the wetland management framework Copy of the wetland management framework 5.2 Develop appropriate and cost-effective monitoring tools that take into consideration biophysical and socio cultural aspects Monitoring tools developed (1 for inland wetlands; 1 for coastal and marine wetlands) Implement monitoring tools in pilot sites (6 sites–Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao; 3 inland/3 coastal and marine per major island group) DENR-PAWB* Monitoring Tool Number of monitoring tools developed Copy of document/report Identification of important indicators for monitoring wetland conditions Wetland indicators identified and included in the monitoring system DENR-PAWB*, ERDB, academe Wetland indicators identified Number of indicators identified Report 5.3 Apply management effectiveness assessment method for areas with existing management plans Application of management effectiveness assessment method in one pilot site DENR* Assessment Method applied 5.4 Implement pilot rainwater harvesting facilities in households near or on priority wetlands 1 pilot project per region Upscaling to 3 project sites per region Replication (1 per province per region) DENR*, NWRB*, PCWS*, PCWS, SCPW NGOs, academe and other partners Rainwater harvesting pilot projects Number of rainwater harvesting pilot projects in priority wetlands Reports; documentation. 5.5 Conduct a study to come up with a scheme for the phase-out of aquaculture in NIPAS sites that existed before RA 7086 Study conducted DENR-PAWB*; DA-BFAR* Phase-out Plan of aquaculture in wetlands that are in KBAs and NIPAS sites formulated and implemented Number of studies conducted Report of the Study Participatory resource assessment and monitoring Conduct eco-tourism capacity-building activities for local communities Conduct training on tour guiding and homestay Conduct learning visits to other developed ecotourism sites 4.3 Strengthen Institutional Capacity for wetlands conservation Formation of National Wetlands Committee or a similar entity to provide policy direction and oversee the implementation of the National Wetlands Action Plan National Wetlands Committee or a similar body reconstituted National Wetlands Committee or a similar body operational National Wetlands Committee or a similar body operational DENR-PAWB*, PCSD Sub-committee on Biodiversity National Wetlands Committee or a similar body formed 4.4 Build Financial Capacity (internal resource mobilization) Prepare and implement a Resource Mobilization Plan for Wetlands Conservation Resource Mobilization Plan prepared Resource Mobilization Plan implemented Resource Mobilization Plan implemented DENR-PAWB*, SCPW and other partners Resource Mobilization Plan Resource Mobilization Plan prepared and implemented Copy of the Resource Mobilization Plan Conduct of Partners Meeting One partners meeting conducted DENR-PAWB*, SCPW* Meeting conducted Conduct of meeting Minutes of Meeting; pledges from partners 5.1 Development of (an integrated) wetland management framework for wetland management at the local level consistent with the Comprehensive Land Use Policy (CLUP) and investment plan (Integrated) wetland management framework for local wetlands developed (Integrated) wetland management framework integrated into local plans DENR-PAWB*, DILG, LGUs Framework for local (integrated) management of wetlands developed and integrated into local plans Number of local plans that have integrated the wetland management framework Copy of the wetland management framework 5.2 Develop appropriate and cost-effective monitoring tools that take into consideration biophysical and socio cultural aspects Monitoring tools developed (1 for inland wetlands; 1 for coastal and marine wetlands) Implement monitoring tools in pilot sites (6 sites–Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao; 3 inland/3 coastal and marine per major island group) DENR-PAWB* Monitoring Tool Number of monitoring tools developed Copy of document/report Identification of important indicators for monitoring wetland conditions Wetland indicators identified and included in the monitoring system DENR-PAWB*, ERDB, academe Wetland indicators identified Number of indicators identified Report 5.3 Apply management effectiveness assessment method for areas with existing management plans Application of management effectiveness assessment method in one pilot site DENR* Assessment Method applied 5.4 Implement pilot rainwater harvesting facilities in households near or on priority wetlands 1 pilot project per region Upscaling to 3 project sites per region Replication (1 per province per region) DENR*, NWRB*, PCWS*, PCWS, SCPW NGOs, academe and other partners Rainwater harvesting pilot projects Number of rainwater harvesting pilot projects in priority wetlands Reports; documentation. 5.5 Conduct a study to come up with a scheme for the phase-out of aquaculture in NIPAS sites that existed before RA 7086 Study conducted DENR-PAWB*; DA-BFAR* Phase-out Plan of aquaculture in wetlands that are in KBAs and NIPAS sites formulated and implemented Number of studies conducted Report of the Study 58 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources 3,450 2,450 1.0 Inventory and Mapping of priority wetlands (PRS 92)–mapping to include watershed/river basin (assesment/mapping); purchased of equipment etc. 950 2.0 Review and Cancellation of fraudulent titles and inappropriate tenure instruments, and reversion of Fishpond Lease Agreements (site validation/meetings) 500 3.0 Strict implementation of water user’s rules and regulations 200 4.0 Strict enforcement of Easement and buffer zone regulations (field validation/consultation) 300 5.0 Resolve reclamation issues (site visit; consultation) 500 500 1.0 Set user’s and service fees/ PES/raw and annual water charges (meeting; consultation/workshop; hiring consultant, site evaluation) 300 2.0 Include resource valuation in determining IRA/Host Community 200 500 1.0 Review and/or adoption of relevant policies and legislations relevant to wetlands and climate change 200 2.0 Assessment of vulnerability of priority wetlands to climate change based on NAMRIA’s 10 clusters of low lying areas (actual validation; meetings) 300 8,500 1,200 1.0 Conduct an inventory, assessment and monitoring of priority freshwater wetlands 700 2.0 Review existing database on freshwater wetlands and recommend systematic access to these databases 500 2,000 1.0 Preparation of Management Plan Manual (hiring of consultant/conduct of training) 500 2.0 Conduct of Carrying Capacity Study on selected/priority fresh water wetland 700 3.0 Management Plan prepared for priority wetland site (site visit/assesment; consultation) 500 4.0 Implementation/Monitoring of Wetland Management Plan Prepared for priority wetland 300 2,600 1.0 Design a scheme to manage settlements in wetlands (hiring of consultant/meetings) 200 2.0 Implement community-based reforestation in the watershed areas of priority wetlands (i.e.Tree preneurs) Capacitation/mplementation/consultation 1,000 3.0 Implement bioremediation and/or phytoremediation technologies to address pollution on a pilot basis at selected priority wetlands (trainings/pilot testing) 500 4.0 Implement soil conservation technologies in priority wetlands 200 5.0 Implement activities to address invasive alien species (i.e. golden hyacinth) 200 6.0 Launch and implement a project on “Adopt a Wetland” 500 1,800 1.0 Conduct vulnerability assessment of wetlands and wetland species to climate change 200 2.0 Conduct a study to identify vulnerable species for climate change effects on freshwater wetlands 150 3.0 Conduct monitoring of migration patterns of birds 200 4.0 Formalize and implement a Philippine Bird Banding Scheme 150 their established migration usage , janitor fish, water The National Wetlands Action Plan for the Philippines 2011-2016 59 5.0 Hold a National Conference on Climate Change Adaptation and Population, Health and Environment 500 6.0 Adoption of appropriate (wetland) watershed protection and (conservation) plantation management strategies 50 7.0 Promote the conservation of peatlands (Please refer to the National Peatlands Action Plan for the Philippines which is an integral part of the National Wetlands Action Plan) 200 8.0 Conduct of R&D studies on specific climate change mitigation functions of wetlands. 300 9.0 Adoption of Green technology to promote sanitation in wetlands 50 750 1.0 Update list and profile of freshwater wetlands with eco-tourism potential 300 2.0 Conduct mapping of freshwater wetlands with eco-tourism potential (for inclusion as a classification under mapping of the policy action plan) 300 3.0 Develop Ecotourism Plans for priority wetlands 150 150 1.0 Regulate aquaculture and stocking of exotic species in wetlands 50 2.0 Promote policies that support sustainable aquaculture (i.e. FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and other Codes of Conduct for Sustainable Aquaculture, BFAR AO1-2008 (joint DA, DILG, DENR), Wildlife Act 100 5,900 300 1.0 Conduct an inventory, assessment and monitoring of priority coastal and marine wetlands 150 2.0 Develop a Database on the country’s coastal and marine wetlands 150 1,500 1.0 Conduct workshops to review protocol on the rehabilitation, restoration of mangroves and beach areas to include history of vegetative cover 300 2.0 Issuance of a directive to adopt and dissemination the revised protocol 3.0 Following the amended protocol, conduct mangrove and beach rehabilitation activities in selected priority sites 200 4.0 Establishment of Marine Protected Areas 300 5.0 Conduct re-stocking and sea ranching activities 300 6.0 Launch and implement a project on “Adopt a Wetland” 300 1,750 1.0 Updating of the list of coastal and marine wetlands with eco-tourism potential 150 2.0 Conduct mapping of coastal and marine wetlands with eco-tourism potential 200 3.0 Develop eco-tourism Master Plans in selected priority wetland sites 100 4.0 Conduct piloting eco-tourism activities in selected sites to include key habitat types of coastal and marine wetlands 300 5.0 Conduct IEC on the role of coastal and marine eco-tourism in wetland conservation 500 6.0 Implement marketing activities to promote eco-tourism sites (with pilot site at 3) 500 550 1.0 Promote appropriate aquaculture in coastal and marine areas 100 2.0 Conduct monitoring of aquaculture parks 150 3.0 Compile documentation of Best Practices in marine and coastal aquaculture 300 800 1.0 Conduct studies on carrying capacity of small islands and other coastal and marine ecosystems (e.g. eco-tourism) Conduct carrying capacity for Eco-tourism 500 60 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources 700 1.0 In coordination with concerned LGUs and communities, identify, assess and declare as critical habitats areas where endangered species are found 500 2.0 Develop and implement Management Plans of established critical habitats 200 300 1.0 Deputize Wetland Enforcement Officers 300 14,550 2,150 1.0 Establishment of a meta-database and information clearinghouse on Philippine wetlands (Resource Center) 650 2.0 Disseminate information and support the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) and other carbon financing mechanisms for mitigation and adaptation 1,500 500 1.0 Replicate best practices in wetland conservation 500 6,600 1.0 Conduct CEPA Action Planning and integrated them into Regional and local plans 1,500 2.0 Upscale existing CEPA activities 300 3.0 Establish Wetlands Information Centres in priority wetlands 2,300 4.0 Develop a framework for stakeholder participation 500 5.0 Hold a National Wetlands Conference every three years 1,500 6.0 Provide incentives for wetland conservation 500 2,000 1.0 Prepare a Capacity Development Plan for wetlands management 500 2.0 Enhance human capacity for management of wetlands (i.e. formal and non formal education) 500 3.0 Strengthen institutional capacity for wetlands conservation 500 4.0 Build financial capacity (internal resource mobilization) 500 3,300 1.0 Develop (an integrated) wetland management framework for wetland management at the local level consistent with the Comprehensive Land Use Policy (CLUP) and investment plan 800 2.0 Develop appropriate and cost-effective monitoring tools that take into consideration biophysical and socio cultural aspects 500 3.0 Apply management effectiveness assessment method for areas with existing management plans 500 4.0 Implement pilot rainwater harvesting facilities in households near or on priority wetlands 1000 5.0 Conduct a study to come up with a scheme for the phase out of aquaculture in NIPAS sites that existed before RA 7086 500 32,400 2.0 Conduct vulnerability study on flora and fauna to sea level rise 300 The National Wetlands Action Plan for the Philippines 2011-2016 61 1. Batanes Islands Protected Landscape and Seascape Basco, Ivana, Mahatao, Uyugan, Sabtang, Itbayat Batanes Batanes (II) 2. Babuyanes Islands Babuyan, Calayan, Dalupiri, Fuga, Camiguin Norte Babuyanes Cagayan (II) 3. Buguey Wetlands Aparri, Camalaniugan, Buguey, Santa Teresita Greater Luzon Cagayan (II) 4. Manila Bay Orani, Hermosa, Lubao, Guagua, Bacolor, San Fernando, Minalin, Apalit, Macabebe, Masantol, Santa Maria, Sasmuan, Lubao, Hagonoy, Calumpit, Malolos, Paombong, Plaridel, Bulacan, Guiguinto, Balagtas, Pandi, Bocaue, Obando, Meycauayan, Marilao, San Jose del Monte, Caloocan, Malabon, Valenzuela Greater Luzon Pampanga, Manila, Rizal, and Bulacan (NCR, IV, III) 5. Pagbilao and Tayabas Bay Pagbilao Greater Luzon Quezon (IV) 6. Ragay Gulf San Narciso, Buenavista, Guinayangan, Tagkawayan, Del Gallego, Ragay Greater Luzon Camarines Sur and Quezon (V, IV) 7. Mactan,Kalawisan, Cansaga Bay Mandaue City, Lapu-lapu, Cebu City, Consolacion GreaterNegros-Panay Cebu (VII) 8. Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park Cagayancillo Greater Palawan Palawan (IV) 9. Polillo Island Bordeos, Polillo, Panukulan, Patnanungan Greater Luzon Quezon (IV) 10. Caramoan Peninsula Lagonoy, Presentacion, Garchitorena Greater Luzon Camarines Sur (V) 11. Puerto Galera Abra de Ilog, Puerto Galera, San Teodoro, Santa Cruz Greater Mindoro Mindoro Occidental (IV) 12. Ursula Island Bataraza Greater Palawan Palawan (IV) 13. Balabac Group of Islands Balabac Greater Palawan Palawan (IV) 14. Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park Pandan, Libertad, Nabas, Buruanga, Malay Greater Negros-Panay Aklan and 15. Olango Island Lapu-lapu Greater Negros-Panay Cebu (VII) 16. Biliran and Maripipi Islands Almeria, Biliran, Cabucgayan, Caibiran, Caluba, Kawayan Greater Mindanao Biliran (VIII) 17. Siargao Island Protected Land and Seascape Santa Monica, Burgos, San Isidro, Pilar, General Luna, Dapa, Del Carmen, San Benito, Socorro Greater Mindanao Surigao del Norte (CARAGA) 18. Tawi-tawi Island Languyan, Bungao Greater Sulu Tawi-tawi (ARMM) 19. Simunul and Manuk Manka Islands Simunul Greater Sulu Tawi-tawi (ARMM) 20. Sibutu and Tumindao Islands Sitankai Sibutu Tawi-tawi (ARMM) 21. El Nido Managed Resource Protected Area El Nido, Taytay Greater Palawan Palawan (IV) 22. Cabulao Bay Tagbilaran City Greater Mindanao Bohol (VII) 23. Malampaya Sound San Vicente, Taytay Greater Palawan Palawan (IV) 24. Balayan Bay Batangas Greater Luzon Batangas (IV) 25. Talabong Island and Bais Bay Dumaguete City Greater Negros-Panay Negros Oriental (VII) 26. Panguil Bay Ozamis and Tangub Aurora, Tambulay, and Ramon Magsaysay Zamboaga Sur and Kapatagan, Kulambugan, Lanao Norte and Ozamis City and Tangub City Bonifacio, Misamis Occidental Greater Mindanao Zamboanga del Sur (IX) 27. Ulugan Bay Puerto Princesa City Greater Palawan Palawan (IV) 28. Inabanga Coast Inabanga Greater Mindanao Bohol (VII) Antique (VI) Based on conservation priorities of the PBCP and the KBAs (terrestrial and marine) 62 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources 1. Candaba Swamp Arayat, Candaba, Cabiao Greater Luzon Nueva Ecija, Pampanga and Bulacan (III) 2. Lalaguna Marsh Lopez Greater Luzon Quezon (IV) 3. Naujan Lake Naujan, Pola, Socorro, Victoria Greater Mindoro Mindoro Oriental (IV) 4. Coron Lakes Coron Greater Palawan Palawan (IV) 5. Lake Manguao Taytay Greater Palawan Palawan (IV) 6. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park Puerto Princesa Greater Palawan Palawan (IV) 7. Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary Veruela, Loreto, Bunawan, La Paz, Talacogon, San Francisco, Rosario Greater Mindanao Agusan del Sur (CARAGA) 8. Lake Lanao Marawi City, Ditsaan Ramain, Buadipuso Buntong, Molundo, Taraka, Tamparan, Poona Bayabao, Masui, Lumbayanague, Lumbatan, Bayang, Binidayan, Pagawayan, Ganassi, Madamba, Madalum, Bacolod-Kalawi, Tugaya, Balindong, Marantao Greater Mindanao Lanao del Sur (ARMM) 9. Liguasan Marsh Pikit, M' Lang, Tulunan; Pagalungan, Gen. S.K. Pendatun, Sultan sa Barongis; Don Mariano Marcos Greater Mindanao North Cotabato, Maguindanao, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat (XII, XI, ARMM) The National Wetlands Action Plan for the Philippines 2011-2016 63 (from Regional Consultations) Taytay Bay Taytay Palawan, Reg. IVB Greater Palawan Cabusao Wetland Cabusao Camarines Sur, Reg. V Greater Luzon Prieto Diaz Mangroves Prieto Diaz Sorsogon, Reg. V Greater Luzon Tambac Bay Lingayen Gulf Pangasinan, Reg. I Greater Luzon Ormoc Bay, Leyte Ormoc City Leyte, Reg. VIII Greater Mindanao Small islands between Olango island, Cebu, and Jatafe, Bohol Mandaue City Cebu, Reg. 7 Greater Mindanao Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape General Santos City, Alabel, Malapatan, Glan, Maasim, Maitum, and Kiamba Sarangani, Reg. XII Greater Mindanao Sangay-Paril Lebak and Kalamansig Sultan Kudarat, Reg. XII Greater Mindanao Baganga Bay Protected Landscape/Seascape Baganga Davao Oriental, Reg. XI Greater Mindanao Malalag-Sulop sandflats Malalag, Padada and Sulop Davao del Sur, Reg. XII Greater Mindanao Carmen-Panabo sandflats Brgys. La Paz and Libugaron, Panabo Davao Del Norte, Reg. XI Greater Mindanao Sagay Marine Reserve Sagay Negros Occidental, Reg. VI Greater Negros Panay Migratory site Takklong Island Marine Reserve Nueva Valencia Guimaras, Reg. VI Greater Negros Panay Presence of dugong, pawikan, tabon bird, Phil. Duck Baganga Mangrove Area Baganga Davao Oriental, Reg. XI Greater Mindanao 1,200 has. Pujada Bay Mati Davao Oriental, Reg. XI Greater Mindanao Malalag Bay Malalag Davao del Sur, Reg. XI Greater Mindanao Siasi Island Siasa Sulu, ARMM Greater Sulu Sitangkay Island Sitangkay Tawi-tawi, ARMM Greater Sulu Illana Bay Cotabato City, Panang, Mag; Datu Blah Sunsuat, Mag; Kapatagan, Lanao Sur; Bungo Island Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, ARMM Greater Mindanao Lake Tagbunsaing Quezon Palawan, Reg. IV-B Greater Palawan brackish water lake, WWF to provide details Rinconada Lakes (Buhi, Bato, Baao-Bula) Buhi, Bato, Baao, Bula and Libon Bicol Region Greater Luzon including lakelets Manapao, Katugday, Makuao Manoytoy Palawan, Reg. IV-B Palawan, Reg. IV-B Greater Palawan WWF to provide details Babuyan River Puerto Prinsesa City Taytay Greater Palawan WWF to provide details Lake Malasi Isabela Cagayan, Reg. II Greater Luzon Cagayan River Covering of 127 municipalies and 9 provinces Cagayan, Isabela, Qurino, Kalinga, Apayao, Mountain Province, Ifugao and Nueva Vizcaya provinces and small portion of Aurora province Greater Luzon migratory route of freshwater eels; CSU to provide details Abra River Greater Luzon 64 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources Lake Danao Camotes Islands Camotes Sea, Bohol, Reg. VII Greater Negros Panay Lake Danao Buac watershed Southern Leyte, Reg. VIII Greater Mindanao Lake Bito Brgy. Bito, McArthur Leyte, Reg. VIII Leyte, Reg. VIII Greater Mindanao Lake Mahagnaw Burawan Greater Mindanao Lake Maragang Tigbao, Brgy. Limas Zamboanga Sibugay, Reg. IX Greater Mindanao Cave-sourced river systems So. Cotabato, Reg. XII Greater Mindanao (to be determined, e.g., Wahig Inabanga river system, Bohol) Lake Sebu Sebu South Cotabato, Reg. XII Greater Mindanao Lake Maughan Tiboli South Cotabato, Reg. XII Greater Mindanao Lake Buluan Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat, Buluan, and Mangodadato Buluan Maguindanao (ARMM), Sultan Kudarat (Reg. XII) Greater Mindanao Lake Dapao Kalanogas Lanao del Sur, ARMM Greater Mindanao Aliwagwag Protected Landscape Cateel Davao Oriental, Reg. XI Greater Mindanao Davao River Davao Del Norte–Kapalong and Panabo; Davao Del Sur– Davao City; Bukidnon–San Fernando, Quezon and Kitaotao; and Central Mindanao–Magpet Bukidnon (Reg. X), Davao del sur (Reg. XI), Davao, Davao del Norte (Reg. XI), Cotabato (North Cotabato, Reg. XII)), Bukidnon (Reg. X) Greater Mindanao Sibulan River Sibulan, Sta. Cruz Davao del Sur, (Reg. XI) Greater Mindanao Tamugan River Calinan Davao City, (Reg. XI) Greater Mindanao Allah River South Cotabato (Reg. XII) Greater Mindanao Lake Mainit Municipalities within Lake Mainit's watershed (Surigao Del Norte–Alegria, Sison, Tubod and Mainit) and (Agusan Del Norte– Kitcharao, Jabonga, Santiago and Tubay) Agusan del Norte (Reg. XII )and Surigao del Norte (Reg. XIII) Greater Mindanao Vitali Watershed Zamboanga City Zamboanga City, Reg. IX Greater Mindanao TalonTalon Mampang,Tugbungayan Greater Mindanao Zamboanga City, Reg. IX Greater Mindanao Cagayan de Oro River Basin Libona, Talakag & Baungon, and Cagayan de Oro City Bukidnon (Reg. X) and Cagayan de Oro (Reg. X) Greater Mindanao Budatu Lake Jolo Sulu, ARMM Greater Mindanao Languyan River Languyan Tawi-tawi, ARMM Greater Mindanao Lake Pinamaloy Don Carlos Bukidnon, Reg. X Bukidnon, Reg. X Greater Mindanao Lake Napalit Pangantukan Greater Mindanao Magsaysay coastal area Magsaysay Misamis Occidental, Reg. X Reg. X Reg. X Reg. X Greater Mindanao Mantigue island Mahinog Camiguin Province, Camiguin Baliangao Protected Landscape/Seascape Baliangao Misamis Occidental, Greater Mindanao Lake Duminagat Don Victoriano Misamis Occidental, Greater Mindanao inside Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park Carmen wetlands Carmen Davao del Norte, Reg. XI Greater Mindanao The National Wetlands Action Plan for the Philippines 2011-2016 65 Category (in terms conservation investment) (investment—management programs) LOW – with management plan and with investment MEDIUM – with management plan and minimum investment HIGH - NO management plan and no investment Batanes island Protected area, high investment, remote area, Babuyanes Island Protected area, high investment, remote area, Buguey Wetlands Research station of BFAR, included in ICRMP Manila Bay supreme court ruling to clean up Pagbilao and Tayabas Bay Study of ARCB Ragay Gulf Study of ARCB Mactan, Kalawisan, cansaga bay Urban area Tubbataha reef Polillo island Caramoan island Catching up for tourism; Puerto Galera LGU manage Ursula island Bird sanctuary Balabac Group of Islands Research only; ongoing project on seaweeds by BFAR; no management plan Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park No more existing project, high threat because of mining Olango Island Biliran and Maripipi mining Siargao Island Protected Land and Seascape Tawi-tawi island BFAR programs; Haribon Simunul and Manuk Manka islands Presence of threats; Peace and order situation Sibutu El Nido Cabulao Bay Malampaya Sound Balayan Bay Talabong island and Bais Bay Panguil Bay Proposing for Ramsar site Ulugan Bay Inabanga Coast Awardee of good governance (PWCA) Candaba Swamp Included in River basin management plan; Lalaguna Marsh Probable peatland 66 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources Naujan Lake Probable peatland Coron Lakes Lake Manguao Puerto Princesa Subterranean River NationalPark Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary Lake Lanao Liguasan Marsh The National Wetlands Action Plan for the Philippines 2011-2016 67 A Abrera, Ma. Victoria –DENR–EMB Alcala, Angel C. –SUAKCREM Alcala, Frances –RAF Alegre, Rosita –MPO Alinio, Perry –UP-MSI Alpuerto, Judith B. –PPDO Amparo, Jennifer Marie S. –CHE, UPLB Andres, Armida –DENR-PAWB Antolin, Gregorio Jr. –DA–BSWM Aradanas, Rodolfo –DENR Region 9 Aralar, Maria Lourdes C. –SEAFDEC Arcamo, Sandra Victoria R. –DA–BFAR Arguillas, Marigelaine –DENR Region 11 Arregadas, Edmondo –DENR Region 7 Azores, Roberto M. –FSLF B Baylon, Myrna –DENR Region 5 Borja, Adelina –LLDA Bernal, Zenaida –Tanggol Kalikasan Basbas, Susan –Cabusao,Camarines Sur Balane, Edna –Cabusao,Camarines Sur Bueno, Reginaldo –DENR Region 7 Bagayas, Reynaldo –PSSI Barrientos, Josephine –DENR–PAWB Bangaoil, Melchor Q. –DENR-PAWB Bayaca, Rustan Deo U. –DENR-EMB Balilia, Winnievir S. –DENR–PAWB Banluta, Fe Crisilla M. –DILG-WSSPMO Barangan, Florencio B. –DENR–CMMO Baterna, Joel P. –CENRO Briguera, Nazario C. –DA Buen, Ruby T. –DENR-PPO Baldado, Hon. Jose A. –PGO C Cabrido, Candido A. Jr. –UP-SURP Cacao, Babylyn –DENR-PAWB Caleda, Jean –ADMU Calimag, Priscilla N. –DENR -PAWB Capon, Leo –DENR Region 4B Capistrano, Lyn –PCWS Capistrano, Primo –DENR-NCR Castillo, Nelson –DENR-PAWB Catapang, Herbert –DENR–NAMRIA Clarete, Marilou –DENR Region 10 Cristales, Aris Neil –WVCA Cuevas, Shirley G. –SCPW Custudio, Carlo –DENR-PAWB D Daba, Belen –DENR Region 10 Daco, Glenda –HPCE Darvin, Loureeda –DOST–PCAMRD Dayao, Deborah Anne –DENR-PAWB Dayag, Carmelita –DENR–LMB Dela Fuente, Crisanta A. Dela Peña Maria Madeline P. –DENR-PAO De Mesa, Maria Diosa L –NEDA Destajo, Joseph –Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon De Vera, Cecilia –PRRC Diaz, Eugenio Jr. –DENR–RBCO Discaya, Karina R. –SCPW E Elago, Marilou –WMSU Elman, Nichol R. –Biology Dept-SU Eludo, Mario –DENR Region 13 Encabo, Sheila Marie M. –NEDA Esguerra, Joy –UNDP-GEF-SGP Espayos, Ofelia –DENR-PAWB Espeja, Elmer M. –PEMO F Fabro, Samuel –DENR–EMB Fider, Maria Christina –DENR-PAWB Fuentes, Damsao –DENR Region 6 G Gamido, Renz Marion B. –LLPCHEA, DENR-NCR Galeon, Edgardo –DENR Region 6 Galicia, Abundio Jr.- DA–BFAR-IFAD Garces, Len –WFC Garcia, Cecille –DENR-PAWB Garcia, Jannete –DENR-PAWB Garcia, Mark Raygan E. –SU Gerochi, Manuel –DENR Gestiada, Alvin S. –EDM-ERO Gonzales, Ben –PSU Granert, William –SWCF Gravoso, Josephine –DENR Region 8 Guerrero, Rafael D. III –DOST–PCAMRD Guiaya, Argean S. –DENR-PAWB Guinoo, Robert III –SU Gunay, Ana Maria –DENR Region 13 Guzman, Roger Z. –PFEC H Hadjinasser, Ali –DENR Region 12 Hails, Sandra –Ramsar Convention Secretariat Hiponia, Malcolm –RDC-SU Ho, Romeo –DENR–NAMRIA List of Contributors to the National Wetlands Action Plan 2011-2016 (Participants to the Technical Meetings, Consultations and Workshops) 68 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources H Honculada, James Arceu –PHILDHRRA Hortaleza, Eliza G. –DPWH I Ingle, Nina –WCSP Isaac, Carygine V. –FPE Isip, Emmanuel –DENR Region 11 L Lagumbay, Reina C. –PENRO Layusa, Cynthia –SCPW Lecciones, Sara M. –SCPW Lecciones, Amy M. –SCPW Lim, Theresa Mundita –DENR-PAWB Lita, Gerardo –DENR-PAWB Lumbres, Zoisane Geam –DENR–PAWB Luna, Ma. Paz G. –PUSOD M Macaspac, Enrique A. –DENR–NAMRIA Magno, Redentor –DENR Region 11 Malayang, Ben S. III –SU Malibiran, Sherie Rose B.-CTO Malihan ,Elisa –DENR NCR Manamtam, Arturo –PGCS Manila, Antonio –DENR-PAWB Manlulu, Felisa M. –NWRB Mascardo, Antonie S. –PTOD Matillano, Maria Victoria –WWF–Phils. Maulana, Ronjamin –SSB Melana, Dioscoro –DENR Region 7 Mendoza, Marlynn M. –DENR-PAWB Miguel, Daniel M. –DENR Region 3 Mijares, Joybert –DENR–FMB Miranda, Rufino –DENR Region 13 Montebon, Rex –CIP N Navarro, Joy M. –DENR-PAWB Nuñez, Enrique A. –CIP O Oracion, Enrique G. –SU-RDC Orcilla, Leah –DENR NCR Osea, Jerry P. –EDM-ERO P Pablo, Ralph –DENR–LMB Paguntalan, Lisa Marie –PBSF Palis, Honorato G. –DENR-ERDB Palma, Adelaida –DA–BFAR-NIFTC Panganiban, Marlyn –HPCE Pantua, Leo Pasicolan, Simplicia –DENR-ERDB Pedregosa, Erna Lee Pendaliday, Abonawas –CSPC Perez, Teresita –DES P Perez, Thelma M. –DENR-PAWB Pilorin, Elizabeth P. –DPWH Piñosa, Dennis –DENR Region 6 Pontillas, John Francisco A. –PCSDS Posadas, Jesus Jr. –DENR–FMB Q Quetulio, Dilbert –HRCE Quiliza, Violeta –DENR–NAMRIA R Racoma, Marilyn –DENR Region 1 Ratamar, Leo –DA–BSWM Reyes, Bonita –SCPW Reyes, Rommel –CEHR Romero, Ronnie –BFAR-NFRDI Roque, Jesusa –NWRB S Salise, Fernando Sampulna, Jim –DENR Region 11 Sandoval, Teresita S. –DA-BSWM Saraña, German P. Jr. –LGBC Scholz, Uwe –GTC Sobrepeña, Lea Myr –DA–BFAR Suarez, Dario –DENR Region 8 T Trinidad, Rogelio –DENR Region 3 Tayamen, Melchor –DA–BFAR Trinidad, Dorcas –WFC Tercero, Rowena –DENR-PAWB Tee, Mussaenda –DENR Region 9 Teves, Emmilie B. –DENR Region 13 Teves, Mercy S. –ENRD Tagtag, Anson –DENR-PAWB Tatlonghari, Carmelito A. –SCPW Terso, Raul –CNR Torres, Daniel S. –ERD Tuddao, Vicente B. Jr –DENR–RBCO U Ugat, Zenaida –SCPW V Villafuerte, Reynaldo –DENR NCR Varela, Rowena P. –CCARRD/NORMISIST Visorro, Perla –CAVAPPED Y Yawan, Reynald F. –DENR-CAR The National Wetlands Action Plan for the Philippines 2011-2016 69 ADMU Ateneo de Manila University AMWS Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary AO Administrative Order AQD Aquaculture Department ARBIWRM Agusan River Basin Integrated Water Resources Management ARCBC Asean Regional Center for Biodiversity Conservation ARMM Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao AVP Audio-visual Presentation AWC Asian Waterbird Census BFAR Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources BFAR-IFAD Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Division BFAR-NFRDI Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute BFAR-NIFTC Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-National Inland Fisheries Technology Center BFAR-NSAP Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-National Stock Assessment Program BOD Biochemical Oxygen Demand BSWM Bureau of Soils and Water Management CALABARZON Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon CARAGA Caraga Administrative Region CAVAPPED Cagayan Valley Program for Peoples Economic Development CBD Convention on Biological Diversity CCARRD Caraga Consortium for Agriculture, Forestry and Resources Research and Development CCARRD/NORMISIST Caraga Consortium for Agriculture, Forestry and Resources Research and Development/Northern Mindanao State Institute of Science and Technology CCMRD Committee on the Conservation and Management of Resources for Development CDM Clean Development Mechanism CEPA Communication Education Participation Awareness CHM Clearing House Mechanism CIP Conservation International Philippines CKBA Candidate Key Biodiversity Area CLMN Citizen Lake Monitoring Network CLUP Comprehensive Land Use Policy CMS Convention of Migratory Species CNR Committee on Natural Resources CPA Conservation Priority Area CRMP Coastal Resource Management Project CS Celebes Sea 70 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources CSPC Cotabato City State Polytechnic College CSU Cagayan State University CTI-RPOA Coral Triangle Initiative-Regional Plan of Action CTO City Tourism Office DA Department of Agriculture DA-BFAR Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fishery and Aquatic Resources DA-BSWM Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Soils and Water Management DAO Department Administrative Order DBM Department of Budget and Management DENR Department of Environment and Natural Resources DENR-CENRO Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Community Environment and Natural Resources Office DENR-CMMD Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Coastal and Marine Management Division DENR-CMMO Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Coastal Marine Management Office DENR-EMB Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau DENR-ERDB Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau DENR-FMB Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Forest Management Bureau DENR-ICMRP Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Integrated Coastal Resource Management Project DENR-LMB Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Land Management Bureau DENR-LMS Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Land Management Service DENR-NAMRIA Department of Environment and Natural Resources-National Mapping Resource Information Authority DENR-PAO Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Public Affairs Office DENR-PPO Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Planning and Policy Office DENR-RBCO Department of Environment and Natural Resources-River Basin Control Office DepEd Department of Education DES Department of Environmental Science DILG Department of Interior and Local Government DILG-WSSPMO Department of Interior and Local Government-Water Supply and Sanitation Program Management Office DO Dissolved Oxygen DOH Department of Health DOT Department of Tourism DPWH Department of Public Works and Highways ECC Environmental Compliance Certificate EDM-ERO Environmental Disaster Management and Emergency Response Office ENRD Environment and Natural Resources Division FAO Food and Agriculture Organization FARMC Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council FMB Forest Management Bureau FPE Foundation for the Philippine Environment The National Wetlands Action Plan for the Philippines 2011-2016 71 FSLF Friends of the Seven Lakes Foundation GHG Green House Gas GIZ Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, GmbH GPOA General Plan of Action HREP-CE House Representative, Committee on Ecology IBA Important Bird Area ICM Integrated Coastal Management ICRMP Integrated Coastal Resource Management Project IEC Information Education Communication IMA International Marinelife Alliance IP Indigenous People IPR Indigenous Peoples Rights IRA Internal Revenue Allotment IRR Implementing Rules and Regulation IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature IUCN-SSC International Union for Conservation of Nature-Species Survival Commission IWRM Integrated Water Resources Management KBA Key Biodiversity Area LGBC Local Government of Bayawan City LGU Local Government Unit LLDA Laguna Lake Development Authority LPPCHEA Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area MAR "Para el Mar" MDFO Municipal Development Fund Office MGB Mines and Geosciences Bureau MIDAS Marine Integrated Decision Analysis System MMRNP Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park MPA Marine Protected Areas MPO Municipal Planning Office MSN Marine Support Network NBSAP National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan NCC CTI National Coordinating Committee NCR National Capital Region NEDA National Economic Development Authority NFRDI National Fisheries Research and Development Institute NGO Non-government Organization NGP National Greening Program NIA National Irrigation Administration NIPAS National Integrated Protected Areas System NPOA National Plan of Action NPS North Philippine Sea NPS-ENRMP National Program Support–Environment and Natural Resources Management Project NSAP National Stock Assessment Program 72 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources NWAPP National Wetlands Action Plan for the Philippines NWRB National Water Resources Board OIWS Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary OSG Office of the Solicitor General PAMB Protected Area Management Board PAWB Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau PAWCZMS Protected Areas, Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Service PBCP - Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Priorities PBSF Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation PCAMRD Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development PCP Pawikan Conservation Project PCSD Philippine Council for Sustainable Development PCSDS Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff PCWS Philippine Center for Water and Sanitation PCWS-ITNF Philippine Center for Water and Sanitation-ITN Foundation PD Presidential Decree PEMO Provincial Environment Management Office PENRMO Provincial Environment and Natural Resource Office PES Payment for Ecosystem Services PFEC Philippine Federation for Environmental Concern PGCS Provincial Government of Camarines Sur PGO Provincial Governor's Office PHILDHRRA Philippine Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas PhilMarSaSt Philippine Marine Sanctuary Strategy PhilReefs Philippine Coral Reef Information Network PO People's Organization PPDO Provincial Planning and Development Office PPSRNP Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park PRA Philippine Reclamation Authority PRRC Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission PRS 92 Poverty Reduction Strategy PSSI Philippine Speleological Society Incorporated PSU Palawan State University PTOD Provincial Tourism Office PUSOD Pusod, Inc. PWCA Philippine Wetlands Conservation Awards R&D Research and Development RA Republic Act RAF Ramon Aboitiz Foundation RBCO River Basin Control Office RBO River Basin Organizations RCS Ramsar Convention Secretariat RDC-SU Research and Development Center- Siliman University REDD Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation The National Wetlands Action Plan for the Philippines 2011-2016 73 RO Regional Office SCPW Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands, Inc. SCS South China Sea SEAFDEC Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center SEAFDEC/AQD Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center / Aquaculture Department SGP Small Grants Programme SIBAT Sibol ng Agham at Teknolohiya, Inc. SS Sulu Sea SSB Sultan Sa Barounguis SU Siliman University SU-RDC Siliman University-Research and Development Center SUAKCREM Silliman University Angelo King Center for Research and Environmental Management SWCF Soil and Water Conservation Foundation TIWS Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary TMO Tubbataha Management Office TPAMB Tubbataha Protected Area Management Board TRNP Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park TWG Technical Working Group UAP United Architects of the Philippines UN United Nations UNEP-GEF United Nations Environment Programme-Global Environment Facility Coordination UNFCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change UP-MSI University of the Philippines - Marine Science Institute UP-SURP University of the Philippines - School of Urban and Regional Planning UPLB-CHE University of the Philippines Los Baños-College of Human Ecology URL Uniform Resource Locator VS Visayan Sea WCSP Wildlife Conservation Society of the Philippines WFC WorldFish Center WMSU Western Mindanao State University WRRC Water Resources Regional Council WVCA W.V. Coscolluela & Associates WWF World Wide Fund 74 Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau–Department of Environment and Natural Resources Front Cover Top left, Agusan Marsh, Agusan Del Sur, Dr. Jonathan Davies Top right, Laguna Lake and Boats, Jerome Bonto Middle right, Mangrove Forest, George Tapan Bottom right, Hungduan Ifugao, DENR-PAWB Bottom left, Sohoton Cave, George Tapan Inside Front Cover Agusan Marsh, Agusan Del Sur, Dr. Jonathan Davies Page ii Top, Boys on the river, Cagayan de Oro City, Jerome Bonto Middle, Mangrove, DENR-PAWB Bottom, 11th Cave Congress, Agusan Marsh, Agusan Del Sur, David Lee Page 1 Peatlands, Agusan Del Sur, David Lee Page 4 Top left, Coron Palawan, Joy Navarro Top right, Basket Weaving, Gaia Exploration Club, DENR-PAWB Middle left, Fisherman and daughter drying their catch, Mindoro, William Sta. Clara Middle right, Fisherman weaving net, Agusan Del Sur, Dr. Jonathan Davies Bottom left, Rice field, Agusan Marsh, Agusan Del Sur, Dr. Jonathan Davies Bottom right, Katibawasan Falls, Camiguin Island, Region X, DENR-PAWB Page 6 Top, Laguna Lake fishing pen, Jerome Bonto Bottom, Lolong crocodile, Palawan Crocodile Farm, DENR-PAWB Page 8-9 All photos, Jerome Bonto Page 11 All photos, Dr. Jonathan Davies Page 12 Top, Palawan mangrove, DENR-PAWB Bottom, Mangrove forest file photo, DENR-PAWB Page 13 Left and right, Coral and seagrass, Bagalangit, Batangas, B. Samaniego Page 15 Top, Puerto Princesa Underground River, Palawan, Argean Guiaya Bottom, Ifugao Rice Terraces, DENR-PAWB Page 16 LPPCHEA coastal clean-up activity, DENR-PAWB Page 25 Top left, LPPCHEA shore line, Jerome Bonto Top right, Vulnerable migratory birds, LPPCHEA, DENR-PAWB Bottom left, Draining peatlands for agriculture, Region XI, DENR-PAWB Bottom right, Land erosion, Dolongan Basey, Samar, Zoisane Lumbres Page 26 Left, LPPCHEA fish harvest, Top and bottom right, Invasive specie Tilapia and Golden Apple Snail, Jerome Bonto Page 29 Top left, Kids acrobatic at Laguna Lake, Jerome Bonto Top right, Lulugayan Falls, DENR-PAWB Middle left, Kapalong Cave, Davao Del Norte, DENR-PAWB Middle right, Agusan Marsh, Agusan Del Sur, Dr. Jonathan Davies Bottom left, George Tapan Bottom right, Buguey Cagayan, Buguey Cagayan, Joy Navarro Back Cover Top left, Agusan Marsh, Agusan Del Sur, Dr. Jonathan Davies Bottom left, Sampaloc Lake fishpen, San Pablo City, Jerome Bonto Top and bottom right, White Herons and Crocodiles, George Tapan