Republic of the Philippines Palawan Biosphere Reserve ... Periodic-Progress...Page List of Tables 4 List of Figures 5 Acronyms 6 Executive Summary 8 I. INTRODUCTION 15 II. PURPOSE

Palawan Biosphere Reserve (PHILIPPINES) Progress Report 2015 P a g e 1

Republic of the Philippines Palawan Biosphere Reserve

Periodic Report 2015

(Progress-Update Report)

Submitted to

INTERNATIONAL CO-ORDINATING COUNCIL - MAN AND THE BIOSPHERE PROGRAMME (MAB-ICC)

Submitted by PALAWAN COUNCIL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT December 2015


PALAWAN BIOSPHERE RESERVE (PHILIPPINES)

PERIODIC REPORT 2015 (Progress-Update Report)

ON THE PERIODIC REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS OF 2012

ENDORSED BY THE INTERNATIONAL CO-ORDINATING COUNCIL

OF THE MAN AND THE BIOSPHERE PROGRAMME (MAB-ICC)

UNESCO

Prepared and Submitted by

PALAWAN COUNCIL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (Palawan BR Authority)


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page List of Tables 4 List of Figures 5 Acronyms 6 Executive Summary

8

I. INTRODUCTION 15 II. PURPOSE OF THIS REPORT 16 III. DISCUSSION OF ACTIONS ON MAB-ICC RECOMMENDATIONS 17 1.0 Enhanced Forest Management to Avoid the Following:

1.1 Bad Agricultural Practices 17 17

1.2 Illegal Logging 19 1.3 Illegal Wildlife Trade 22

2.0 Improved Coastal and Marine Management 29 3.0 Increase Research 32 4.0 Increase Training and Exchange Program 41 5.0 Technical Support 5.1 Preservation of Indigenous Culture

46 46

5.2 Conservation and Management of Threatened Species and Their Habitats 50 6.0 Inclusion of the PPUR World Heritage Site and Its Buffer Zone Into the Core

Area of the Palawan BR Following the ECAN of the SEP 59

7.0 More Detailed Information About the Current Zone and Delineate Clear Demarcation of the Zonation

61

8.0 New Zonation System Under the UNESCO BR Concept Should be Considered

63

9.0 Important Habitats of Marine Animals (i.e. Corals, Mangrove, Seagrass) Should be Identified and Incorporated in the BR

64

10.0 Provide Zonation Map of the Coastal-Marine Part 65 IV. MOVING FORWARD: PLANNING FOR THE PROTECTION

OF THE PALAWAN BIOSPHERE RESERVE

69

References 73 List of Annexes 74


List of Tables

Page 1 National Greening Program Accomplishments in Palawan, 2011-2012 20 2 National Greening Program Accomplishments in Palawan, 2013-2014 21 3 Selected Researches Commissioned by or Jointly Conducted with PCSD

for the Period 2012-2015 34

4 Palawan Research and Sustainable Development Agenda, 2016-2030 35 5 Summary of Training Programs and Partnerships with PCSD and

Palawan Biosphere Reserve 41

6 On-going Projects Implemented by PCSD 44 7 Proposed Critical Habitats in the Province of Palawan 52 8 Summary of Wildlife Species and Their Conservation Status Pursuant to

PCSD Resolution No. 413 54

0 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Palawan BR as of 2015 64


List of Figures

Page 1 The Structure of Organized Syndicated Trade of Palawan Wildlife

Species 22

2 Percentage of Persons Arrested and Against Whom Cases Were Filed 23 3 Strategic Location of Wildlife Traffic Management Units (WTMUs)

and Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEO) in Palawan 26

4 Screen shot of the Palawan Knowledge Platform (PKP) Website 32 5 First Issue of “Our Palawan” Journal, the Research and Scientific

Journal of Palawan Council for Sustainable Development and Palawan BR

40

6 The 2015 “State of Environment Report-Updates of Palawan BR” 40 7 Number of Wildlife-Related Permits Issued from 2010 to 2015 56 8 Permits Issued for Export and Import of Wildlife Specimens 57 9 Map of Current Management Zones of Puerto Princesa Subterranean

River National Park (PPUR) World Heritage Site 59

10 Terrestrial Environmentally Critical Areas Network (ECAN) Zones of Palawan BR

61

11 Graphical Presentation of the ECAN Zoning of Palawan BR 62 12 ECAN Map of Puerto Princesa City Showing the Coastal-Marine

Zonation 66

13 ECAN Map of Roxas, Palawan Showing the Coastal-Marine Zonation

67

14 ECAN Map of Taytay, Palawan Showing the Coastal-Marine Zonation

68


Acronyms

ACB ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity ACCEC Asia Climate Change Education Centre ADB Asian Development Bank AO Administrative Order ASEAN Association of Southeast Asian Nations ASEAN-WEN ASEAN Wildlife Enforcement Network BFAR Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources BR Biosphere Reserve CBD Convention on Biological Diversity CBMIS Community-Based Monitoring and Information Systems CCRES Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services CHM Clearing House Mechanism CHMB Critical Habitat Management Board CIDG Criminal Investigation and Detection Group CITES Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species CnF Communal Forest CO Civic Organization CS Centre for Sustainability DA Department of Agriculture DA-ROS DA-Resource Outreach Station DAO Department Administrative Order DAR Department of Agrarian Reform DENR Department of Environment and Natural Resources DOST Department of Science and Technology DRRM-CCA Disaster Risk Reduction Management – Climate Change Adaptation ECAN Environmentally Critical Areas Network ELAC Environmental Legal Assistance Center ENRO Environment and Natural Resources Office FLUP Forest Land Use Plan GP Gratuitous Permit HTU Holy Trinity University ICC Indigenous Cultural Communities ICCA Indigenous Community Conserved Areas IDEAS Institute for the Development of Educational and Ecological

Alternatives Incorporated IEC Information, Education and Communication IKS (P) Indigenous Knowledge Systems (Practices) IP Indigenous People IP-PO Indigenous Peoples-Peoples’ Organization IPRA Indigenous People Rights Act JFPR Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction KBA Key Biodiversity Area KFI Katala Foundation Incorporated LATF Lusaka Agreement Task Force LGU Local Government Unit LTP Local Transport Permit MAB-ICC Man and the Biosphere Programme – International Co-ordinating

Council


MOU Memorandum of Understanding MPA Marine Protected Area NAMRIA National Mapping and Resource Information Authority NCIP National Commission on Indigenous Peoples NGO Non-Government Organizations NGP National Greening Program NTFP Non-Timber Forest Products PA Protected Area PARDEC Palawan Research and Development Consortium PCSD Palawan Council for Sustainable Development PCSDS Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff PENRO Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office PhilWAVES Philippine Wealth Accounting and Valuation of Ecosystem Services PKP Palawan Knowledge Platform for Biodiversity and Sustainable

Development PNNI Palawan NGO Network Incorporated PNP-SBU Philippine National Police – Special Boat Unit PPA Philippine Ports Authority PPUR Puerto Princesa Underground River PPSRNP Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park PSU Palawan State University PTFCF Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation PWMC Palawan Wildlife Management Committee PWRCC Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center PO People’s Organization RA Republic Act SC Steering Committee SEP Strategic Environmental Plan (for Palawan) SME Small and Medium Enterprise TAZ Tribal Ancestral Zone TLA Timber License Agreement TRNP Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park TWG Technical Working Group UNDP-GEF United Nations Development Program – Global Environment Facility USAID-ECOFISH

United States Agency for International Development – Ecosystems Improved for Sustainable Fisheries

USAID-STRIDE

United States Agency for International Development – Science, Technology, Research, Innovation and Development

WEO Wildlife Enforcement Officer WFP Wildlife Farm Permit WCP Wildlife Collector’s Permit WPU Western Philippines University WSUP Wildlife Special Use Permit WTMU Wildlife Traffic Management Unit ZCR Zero Carbon Resorts


Executive Summary

1. The archipelago of Palawan comprising 1,768 islands or 16% of the Philippines is situated in the southwest part of the country’s island chain. It was designated as a biosphere reserve by the UNESCO - Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB) in 1990. Recognizing the fragile nature of the island-province, a special law called “Strategic Environmental Plan (Republic Act 7611)” was passed by the Philippine Congress in 1992. The SEP Law Plan is a comprehensive framework for the sustainable development of Palawan compatible with protecting and enhancing its natural resources and endangered environment. The Man and the Biosphere Programme, through its Secretary and Director of Ecological and Earth Sciences Han Qunli, on 15 May 2014 wrote the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines to follow-up on the submitted periodic review report for the Palawan Biosphere Reserve. The Secretary of the MAB Programme expects to receive the report for the Palawan BR by end of 2015 at the latest.

2. The MAB-ICC recommendations of 2012 for Palawan Biosphere Reserve are as follow:

Issue 1.0: Enhance forest management to avoid [1.1]bad agricultural practices, [1.2] illegal logging, [1.3] and illegal wildlife trade;

Issue 2.0: Improved coastal and marine management; Issue 3.0: Increase research Issue 4.0: Increase training and exchange programmes Issue 5.0: Technical support [5.1] preservation of indigenous cultures, and [5.2]

conservation and management of threatened species and their habitats Issue 6.0: Inclusion of the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) World

Heritage site and its buffer into the core area of the Palawan BR following the ECAN of the SEP

Issue 7.0: More detailed information about the current zones and delineate clear demarcation of the zonation

Issue 8.0: New zonation system under the UNESCO BR concept should be considered

Issue 9.0: Important habitats of marine animals (i.e. corals, mangroves, seagrass) should be identified and incorporated into the BR

Issue 10.0: Provide zonation map of the coastal/marine part

3. The PCSD and LGU initiatives in Palawan BR related to the abovementioned issues are as follows: For issue/concern 1.0 Enhanced Forest Management to Avoid [(1.1) Bad Agricultural Practices]: As early as 2013, collaborative efforts from the government, non-government organization and peoples’ organizations had been done by the people of Palawan to abate bad agriculture practices. Though the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development has not yet adopted a policy on sustainable agriculture, the Department of Agriculture, the Provincial Agriculturist’s Office and the City Government of Puerto Princesa are currently promoting ‘organic farming’ policies as mandated through RA 10068 (An Act Providing for the Development and Promotion of Organic Agriculture in the Philippines).

4. For issue/concern [(1.2) Illegal Logging]: Sustainable forest management is the overarching policy thrust of the Philippine Government in all aspects of forest protection, conservation and development. In 2008, the PCSD passed Resolution No. 08-376 “(Adopting the Guidelines on the Establishment and Management of Communal


Forests in the Province of Palawan. It aims to provide legal wood sources in Palawan, piloted in 3 geographically located municipalities and the City of Puerto Princesa (Busuanga representing Island municipalities, San Vicente representing North mainland, Puerto Princesa City in central mainland and Quezon in the South). Only San Vicente was able to complete the formulation of a Forest Land Use Plan (FLUP), a prerequisite for CnF declaration. The rest of the pilot areas were unable to complete the process of FLUP formulation.

5. Nearly three (3) years after the PCSD adoption of the CnF Pilot Testing Guidelines, on

01 February 2011, the President of the Philippines issued Executive Order No. 23 ‘Declaring a Moratorium on the Cutting and Harvesting of Timber in the Natural and Residual Forests’ and Creating the Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force, which subsequently created the national convergence of DA-DAR-DENR for the establishment of the National Greening Program (NGP) with the aim of planting 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares for a period 2011-2014. The NGP accomplished the planting of 5.78 million tree-seedlings covering 8,576 hectares of open and denuded lands in Palawan.

6. For issue/concern [(1.3) Illegal Wildlife Trade]: Illegal wildlife trade is being

addressed through intensification of law enforcement by engaging local communities in surveillance and apprehension especially in providing reliable on-the ground and real-time information about illegal activities, strong partnerships/collaboration among different government agencies, training and deputation of Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEOs), establishment of Wildlife Traffic Monitoring Units (WTMUs), capability-building training of WEOs, and forward planning for revitalization of the Community Listening Post and Quick Response System.

7. During the period 2010- 2015, thirty-nine percent (39%) of apprehended persons were

foreign nationals and against whom cases were filed. The intelligence gathering and surveillance activities made by PCSD and its partner enforcement agencies were very significant in ensuring effective enforcement. The sustained information gathering and surveillance on the ground, as well as providing incentives/allowances leveled-up the enforcement of wildlife laws, resulting to tracking down of the operations of existing national and international organized/syndicated wildlife trading of Palawan wildlife species.

8. A strong collaboration among the PCSD, the Philippine National Police–Maritime

Special Boat Unit (PNP-Maritime-SBU), Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard and Western Command strengthened the law enforcement activities. This is being complemented by sixty-five (65) individuals who were deputized as Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEOs) in the entire province of Palawan. These WEOs come from different Local Government Units of El Nido, Roxas and Puerto Princesa City, as well as from different government agencies such as Bureau of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Philippine Ports Authority, Office of Transport Security, and Baywatch, as well as from non-government organizations (NGOs). The Provincial Law Enforcement Task Force, Anti-illegal Logging Task Force and Environmental Enforcement Program were likewise created during the period 2012-2015 to address illegal logging issues, and illegal wildlife trading and poaching.


9. From 2010 to 2015, Wildlife Traffic Monitoring Units have been established in the local government units of Coron, El Nido, Roxas, Quezon, Brooke’s Point and Puerto Princesa City, particularly in ‘exit/entry points’ (eg. airports and seaports). These areas are identified as “Hotspot Areas” in the province because of the high occurrence/intensity of illegal wildlife trade. The locally-trained WEOs are now intensifying their collaboration with the WTMUs in tracking illegal wildlife trade.

10. Additionally, the PCSD participated in “Operation Cobra” organized by China, USA,

South Africa, ASEAN-Wildlife Enforcement Network, etc. which aimed to 1) prevent, detect, suppress and apprehend criminals and disrupt criminal networks that exploit elephants, rhinos, pangolins, big cats, Tibetan antelope and great apes in Africa, North America and Asia, 2) Gather information and intelligence on the illegal exploitation of elephants, rhinos, pangolins, big cats, great apes, Tibetan antelope and other wildlife, and 3) build wildlife law enforcement capacity nationally and regionally, among others.

11. For issue/concern 2.0 Improved Coastal and Marine Management: Palawan waters

is known as an important fishing ground for various fishery resource. It supplies the majority of fish landed in Metro Manila and other major fishery landing sites in Luzon. One important resource is Decapterus species or roundscad being considered as the “fish for the masses”. In 2014, a Technical Working Group and a management Steering Committee (with PCSD sitting in both bodies) was created with the objective of restoring the health of the Decapterus fishery in Palawan. In order to increase reproductive capacity, spawning potential and recruitment, the TWG and SC succeeded in implementing a closed season covering the fishing grounds in northern Palawan from the West Philippine Sea to northern Sulu Sea as a safeguard mechanism in ensuring sustainable fishery.

12. Similarly, PCSD formulated and approved the implementation of the revised policy

regulating the reef-fish-for-food trade, by adopting PCSD Revised Administrative Order No. 5 Series of 2014 or the “Guidelines for the Regulation and Monitoring of Catching, Culture, Trade, Transport and Export of Reef-Fish-For-Food in Palawan” effective December 11, 2014. This aims to help regulate the harvest of undersized groupers and would allow the replenishment of the grouper stocks in the wild; develop a sustainable live fish industry for the fishing community of Palawan; and formulate a continuing source of revenue to be used for conservation and rehabilitation of degraded marine ecosystems.

13. For issue/concern 3.0 Increase Research: The Palawan BR enhanced the collaboration

among research institutions by establishing the Palawan Knowledge Platform for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development or PKP. This organized group has basically superseded and enhanced the previous Palawan Research Development Consortium or PARDEC. Through a Memorandum of Cooperation which was formally organized on 11 December 2014, seventeen (17) institutions aside from Palawan Council for Sustainable Development agreed to facilitate, coordinate, maintain, improve and enhance the multi-agency sharing of biological and socio-economic data and information that will support the realization of the goals of the Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan (RA 7611), the relevant national and local laws and policies, and the Philippines’ international commitments. The PKP maintains a website, which is found at www.pkp.pcsd.gov.ph. The PKP also serves as the Clearing House Mechanism for

http://www.pkp.pcsd.gov.ph/


Palawan, the local counterpart of the Philippine Clearing House Mechanism pursuant to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. It was made possible because of the assistance by the Asean Centre for Biodiversity (ACB). The PCSD became a member of the Philippine Clearing House Mechanism, which ultimately recognized the PKP as its local version in Palawan. In several instances these past years, the PCSD and Palawan BR commissions or collaborates with the universities-members of the PKP in the conduct of researches.

14. The BR, through the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, has already

organized and hosted two (2) research symposia: one (1) in November 2013, and the latest this 09-10 December 2015. The just concluded 2nd Palawan Research Symposium in December 2015 was organized by PCSDS in collaboration with the three (3) local universities: Palawan State University, Holy Trinity University, and Western Philippines University, as well as the USAID-STRIDE Project. The research symposium, aside from highlighting research presentations conducted in Palawan, also provided the researchers and their institutions insights on technological innovations out of these conducted research during the “innovation workshop’ portion. The symposium culminated with a workshop on defining Palawan’s long term research and sustainable development agenda for 2016-2030 consistent with the new UN Agenda 2030 (or the New Sustainable Development Goals).

15. To highlight and popularize the researches undertaken in Palawan, the PCSD launched

in June 2015 ““Our Palawan”, its scientific and research journal. This semi-annual publication, which has been duly registered with the National Library of the Philippines, the digital copy of which can be accessed at www.pcsd.gov.ph. Likewise, the PCSD has just published and released the “2015 Updates of the State of the Environment of Palawan (a Man and Biosphere Reserve)”. The digital copy of the report can be accessed at Http://www.pkp.pcsd.gov.ph/images/redSOE2015.pdf.

16. For issue/concern 4.0 Increase Training and Exchange Programme: The PCSDS,

for several years, has offered internship and training programs to build capacities of stakeholders and partners in co-managing ECAN landscapes and its resources. The program aims to transfer skills inherent in the organization to shape future environmental managers not only in Palawan, but for the Philippines and international individuals and organizations as well. It also promotes innovation in conservation management and development. Hence, the interns are encouraged to test or apply new techniques in environmental management as long as it is in the framework of sustainable development prescribed in the Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan. To date, a number of undergraduate and graduate students from domestic and foreign institutions had provided their academic hours in the province. In addition, collaboration with biosphere reserves (BRs) also commenced in 2015 with the forging of a sisterhood agreement with Jeju Island BR (Korea). Linkage with the Puerto Galera BR in the Philippines is another partnership opportunity to be explored in 2016.

17. For issue/concern 5.0 Technical Support [(5.1) Preservation of Indigenous Culture]: Palawan BR’s initiative on the preservation of indigenous culture works through policy and landscape integration to protect tribal people and preserve their culture, coupled with the protection and conservation of ecological network. The indigenous knowledge systems and practices are being documented, which will lead to

http://www.pcsd.gov.ph/

http://www.pkp.pcsd.gov.ph/images/redSOE2015.pdf


demarcation and plan formulation of conservation areas. Community preparation activities have been started in various areas in the north, south and central Palawan focusing on the Batak, Tagbanua and Pala’wan tribes.

18. For issue/concern [(5.2) Conservation and management of threatened species and

their habitats]: In accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 9147 (or the “Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of the Philippines”), the guidelines for the establishment of Critical Habitats in the province of Palawan was formulated, adopted and approved by the PCSD on August 2, 2013 through Resolution No. 13-481. The said guidelines prescribe the requirements and procedures on how the identified and established “Critical Habitats” shall be declared as “Core Zones” under the ECAN Zoning and can be protected more considering the “no touch/no human activity” policy within Core Zones in accordance with the SEP Law. On the other hand, the existing “Core Zone Areas” which can be scientifically identified as habitats of threatened species may be declared as Critical habitats to ensure strict protection.

19. In accordance with the above guidelines, certain areas in Northern Palawan (in Dumaran

municipality) were declared as Critical Habitat in 2014 through PCSD Resolution No. 14-513 (A Resolution Declaring Certain Areas in Brgys. Poblacion, Sto. Tomas, Bohol and San Juan in the Municipality of Dumaran in the Province of Palawan as Critical Habitat Pursuant to RA 9147).

20. In order to monitor the status of biodiversity for conservation and management purposes,

the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) started in 2015 to employ Biodiversity Monitoring System (BMS) and subsequently pursue it annually. The Palawan Flora, Fauna and Watershed Reserve in Puerto Princesa City envisions to establish monitoring plots within the area to commence in 2016, as well as the Dumaran Critical Habitat which incorporate in the wardens functions the patrolling of forests within the BMS methods.

21. The Adopt-A-Wildlife Species Program “A-Wild Pro” is established, adopted and

approved by the PCSD through Resolution No. 15-527 (“Establishing the Adopt-A-Wildlife Species Program, A-Wild Pro, for the Conservation of Threatened Species and Its Habitats in the Province of Palawan and Providing the Guidelines Thereof”) in order to provide avenues for public-private-partnership among the LGUs, private sector, NGOs, Peoples’ Organizations (POs), academic and scientific institutions and other entities work towards biodiversity conservation and prevention of species extinction. A relevant Resolution (Res. No. 13-480 “Approving the Guidelines for the Establishment and Management of Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in the Province of Palawan”) was approved by PCSD. It also provides the criteria for the disposition of wildlife at the rescue and/or rehabilitation centers.

22. The list of Palawan threatened terrestrial and marine species was updated in 2014

through PCSD Resolution No. 15-521 (A Resolution Approving the 2014 Terrestrial and Marine Wildlife in Palawan and their Categories pursuant to Republic Act 9147, otherwise known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act). This list classified Palawan wildlife species as Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN) and Vulnerable (Vu). To regulate the collection and utilization of wildlife resources in Palawan, PCSD issues various permits since 2012 which include: Wildlife Farm Permit,


Wildlife Collector’s Permit, Wildlife Gratuitous Permit, Local Transport Permit and Wildlife Special Use Permit. Being the CITES Management Authority for Palawan as recognized by the CITES Secretariat in 2012, PCSD regulates the exportation and importation of wildlife. Export/import of CITES-listed species are being issued by PCSD with Export/Import Permits with CITES logo, while non-CITES species are issued with Certifications without the CITES logo.

23. For issue/concern 6.0 Inclusion of the PPUR World Heritage site and its buffer

zone into the core area of the Palawan BR following the ECAN of the SEP: The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (or PPUR) and World Heritage Site follows a multi-zoning scheme based on the zoning criteria of the ECAN of the SEP for Palawan. This same zoning for the PPUR is integrated into the ECAN zoning map of the City of Puerto Princesa. The PCSD and the Management of the PPUR recognizes the importance of including a buffer zone to protect the rich biodiversity of areas located adjacent to the declared core zones based on recent scientific studies. The process of re-designing the zones specifically to include buffer zones is ongoing until 2016. This involves technical discussions and workshops, and stakeholders consultation. A related research on biodiversity to further expand the area of the PPUR is ongoing.

24. For issue/concern 7.0 More detailed information about the current zones and

delineate clear demarcation of the zonation: A third of the Palawan BR is protection zone (Core Zone + Restricted-Use Zone) with the rest under different levels of allowed activities/development. The designation of high elevated and sloping areas as part of protection zone are safeguards against soil erosion and landslides, while mangrove forests serve as the first line of defense against strong winds and waves. These make the current ECAN zoning system of the Palawan BR climate resilient. Recognition of indigenous community conserved areas add a layer of protection on the biodiversity. In the pilot sites, major parts of the concerned areas were declared by the indigenous peoples as core zone regardless of its elevation and slope characteristics, mainly considering the ceremonial and medicinal values of these areas.

25. The current zoning system (based on Resolution No. 05-250 or the Revised ECAN

Guidelines) has its advantage of being strong in the three pillars of sustainable development: (1) environment by providing maximum protection to the environment and biodiversity such as natural forests, coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangrove forests, and habitats of endangered species and endangered habitats that provide ecosystem services that feed into the economy and general welfare of Palawan communities; (2) economy by advocating for the best use of areas for development; and (3) equitable access to natural resources including the provision of areas for indigenous communities. This ECAN zoning system is also a dynamic process as it allows for changes in land-use zones as latest scientific data are made available and as the sustainable development needs change overtime. However, actual ground delineation remains to be a challenge, an area that provide opportunity to link up with the other BRs and would require technical assistance.

26. For issue/concern 8.0 New zonation system under the UNESCO BR concept should

be considered: The new zonation concept that give emphasis on the three pronged functions of BRs as areas for Conservation, Development and hosts/platform for research network is being pursued in the Palawan BR under the framework of the


Strategic Environmental for Palawan Act, the Philippine law that institutionalize sustainable development for the province of Palawan and provided the ECAN as its main implementation mechanism. The three functions of the BRs are well articulated in the law through the provision of a system of research and environmental monitoring to track the implementation of initiatives in the Palawan BR, make adjustments, and provide options for the future.

27. For issue/concern 9.0 Important habitats of marine mammals (i.e. corals,

mangroves, seagrass) should be identified and incorporated into the BR: Protection of coastal-marine ecosystems by declaring such as Marine Protected Areas (MPA) increases ecosystem resiliency to natural or man-made disturbances. In Palawan, PCSD is aiming for the declaration and management of at least 10% of the municipal waters protected. The 10% minimum target is part of the country compliance to the Aichi Biodiversity Target No. 11 of the CBD. At present, Palawan has declared as MPA 13.44% out of its 45,800 square kilometers of municipal waters.

28. Management of the rest of the declared areas or identification and declaration of new

ones are target for completion by 2020. PCSD and the Palawan Provincial Agriculturist’s Office are working for the effective management of the Southern Palawan MPAs and establishment of the Southern Palawan MPA network in cooperation with WWF-Philippines. In Northern Palawan, activity is undertaken in cooperation with the USAID–ECOFISH Project.

29. For issue/concern 10.0: Provide zonation map of the coastal/marine part:

effectively manage the coastal/marine areas, the PCSD has been implementing periodic assessment of the marine life condition through the Coastal Resource Assessment/Monitoring activities. Status of the mangrove forest, coral reef health, seagrass bed condition and fish visual census is being undertaken to provide a municipal and provincial coastal situational analysis. Results of these assessment serve as basis in the development of the ECAN Coastal Map. Existing locally or nationally-declared marine protected areas, privately–managed areas devoted for conservation are included in the map.

30. The ECAN Map (incorporating the coastal-marine zonation) of Puerto Princesa has been

completed and adopted by the City Council. In 2015, the ECAN Coastal Maps of the Northern Palawan municipalities of Roxas and Taytay have been completed and ready for adoption by the respective local legislative bodies. For the municipalities of El Nido and San Vicente, target for preparation is 2016. The coastal-ECAN maps of five (5) Southern Palawan municipalities (Aborlan, Narra, Sofronio Espanola, Brooke’s Point and Bataraza) are set for completion in partnership with the UNDP-GEF project of the Department of Agriculture - National Fisheries Research and Development Institute in 2018. Current initiatives for the preparation of Aborlan and Cagayancillo coastal ECAN map is being done in partnership with WWF-Philippines, whose ECAN zones map are due for completion 1stquarter of 2016. Coastal ECANization of all 24 municipalities is programmed to be completed by 2020.


PERIODIC REPORT 2015 (Progress-Update Report)

PALAWAN BIOSPHERE RESERVE (PHILIPPINES)

I. INTRODUCTION The archipelago of Palawan comprising 1,768 islands or 16% of the Philippines is situated in the southwest part of the country’s island chain. Because of its uniqueness, Palawan was designated as a biosphere reserve by the UNESCO - Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB) in 1990. It is a distinct biogeographic region characterized by a high concentration of endemic plants and animals, relatively intact ecosystems of high conservation value, and social and cultural diversity. Recognizing the fragile nature of the island-province, a special law called “Strategic Environmental Plan (Republic Act 7611)” was passed by the Philippine Congress in 1992. The Strategic Environmental Plan is a comprehensive framework for the sustainable development of Palawan compatible with protecting and enhancing its natural resources and endangered environment. Palawan currently has nine (9) protected areas comprising at least 20% of Palawan’s land mass. The extent covered by the protected areas increased from 64,819 hectares in 1990 to 541,565 hectares in 2014. Consistent to Philippine Republic Act No. 7611 or the Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan (SEP), these protected areas are categorized as Core or Restricted-use zone under the Environmentally Critical Areas Network, which is consistent to the three functions of the biosphere reserve: conservation, development, and logistic support. The ECAN is the on-ground level implementation of Palawan’s declaration as Man and Biosphere Reserve. Palawan islands have become a haven of rich biological diversity, mineral resources and cultural diversity. It has unique and fragile environment as it is home to two of the country’s UNESCO-designated World Heritage Sites, classified under the criteria of natural environment, namely: the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP) and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) or Underground River. The PPSRNP also received distinction as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature in 2012, while the entire island of Palawan was declared by Travel+Leisure Magazine as the World’s Best Island in 2013 and by Conde Nast Traveler as the Top Island in the World, and the Best Island in the World in 2014 and 2015, respectively. In recent years, Palawan has displayed a remarkable pace of development in the tourism sector and the urbanization of its economic centers. However, it faces post-frontier issues that contribute to the degradation of its natural environment like high population growth rate, disasters and climate change impacts, biodiversity loss, and land use change.


II. PURPOSE OF THIS REPORT On its letter dated 15 May 2014, the Man and the Biosphere Programme, through its Secretary and Director of Ecological and Earth Sciences Han Qunli, wrote the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines through its Chairperson Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario as follow-up on the submitted periodic review report for the Palawan Biosphere Reserve. The Secretary of the MAB Programme expects to receive the report for the Palawan BR by end of 2015 at the latest. A copy of the MAB-ICC letter to UNESCO-Philippines is attached as Annex A. This report is being presented in response to the MAB-ICC’s recommendations on Palawan BR’s periodic review report. This will enable the MAB-ICC to properly assess the progress and actions taken by the Palawan BR in addressing the issues forwarded to it, towards meeting criteria of the Statutory Framework for the WNBR and the objectives of the Seville Strategy, as well as Targets 9 and 10 of the Madrid Action Plan. The MAB-ICC recommendations of 2012 for Palawan Biosphere Reserve are as follows:

Encouraging the authorities to enhance forest management to avoid bad agricultural practices, logging, and illegal wildlife trade.

Improving coastal and marine management Increasing research and training programmes Seeking technical support for the preservation of indigenous and the

conservation and management of threatened species and their habitats.

The Committee would likewise want to seek more information on the following issues and concerns from the authorities:

The ‘necessity’ of including the Underground River World Heritage site and its buffer into the core area of the biosphere reserve

Further information on the current zones and delineate clear demarcation of

the zonation (the Committee recommended that new zonation system under the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve concept be considered)

Important habitats of coral, mangrove and marine animals should be

identified first and those marine areas should be incorporated into the biosphere reserve (the Committee requested that the authorities provide a zonation map of the coastal and marine part).

A copy of the checklist of MAB-ICC recommendations is attached as Annex B.


III. DISCUSSION OF ACTIONS ON MAB-ICC RECOMMENDATIONS

1. ENHANCED FOREST MANAGEMENT TO AVOID THE FOLLOWING:

1.1 BAD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES

In its periodic review report, the Palawan BR submitted the following proposed actions on this issue: development of Sustainable Agriculture Policy and Plan for Palawan BR incorporating organic and traditional farming technologies.

As early as 2013, collaborative efforts from the government, non-government organization and peoples’ organizations had been done by the people of Palawan to abate bad agriculture practices. Though the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development has not yet adopted a policy on sustainable agriculture, its partner agencies like the Department of Agriculture, Provincial Agriculturist’s Office and the Puerto Princesa City Agriculturist’s Office promote ‘organic farming’ pursuant to a nationally mandated policy on this sustainable agricultural practice. Nevertheless, this coming year 2016, the PCSD has identified the need of adopting the national policy on sustainable and organic agriculture for Palawan BR.

Examples of initiatives in the Palawan BR in response to this issue/concern: Promotion of organic agriculture

The Palawan Research and Experiment Station of the Department of Agriculture, the Provincial Agricultural Center and the City Agriculturist promote sustainable agriculture through agricultural intensification and organic farming. This is consistent to the established policy of the national government as mandated through Republic Act 10068 (or An Act Providing for the Development and Promotion of Organic Agriculture in the Philippines and for Other Purposes). The said policy clearly declare the intent of the government, which Palawan BR and the Provincial Government of Palawan uphold by promoting, propagating, developing further and implementing the practice of organic agriculture in the Philippines that will cumulatively condition and enrich the fertility of the soil, increase farm productive, reduce pollution and destruction of the environment, prevent the depletion of natural resources, further protect the health of farmers, consumers and the general public.

The Palawan Agricultural Center serves as the coordinating points for research and development, training and extension of integrated agricultural resource technologies of the Department of Agriculture in the province of Palawan. Within the Center are several laboratories:

1) Palawan Soils Laboratory – Regional facility responsible for production of organic fertilizer and analysis of soil for proper fertilizer recommendation.

2) Tissue Culture Laboratory – It involves in the collection of stocks, plant materials, and preparation of culture media and construction of green house.

3) Seed Testing Laboratory – Is responsible for testing the seeds for purity, germination, variety and moisture content to meet quality standard.

The Center also houses the Department of Agriculture – Research Outreach Station (DA-ROS) which is mandated to promote Palawan’s agricultural growth through research and


development. Its efforts are focused on the upliftment of the quality of life of small farmers on the sustainability of resources viability over longer term. In Central Palawan, the City Government of Puerto Princesa adopted the Organic Agricultural Program for 2015 by virtue of the City Ordinance No. 688 (An Ordinance Adopting the Puerto Princesa Organic Agriculture Program of 2015). The said ordinance, attached as Annex C, particularly envisioned to integrate organic farming as means of livelihood in rural barangays of the city and eventually enhance sustainable food production in the said areas to provide the needed support for continuous agri-tourism development. Through the City Agriculturist’s Office, the local government continuously conduct trainings and establishment of demo farms for agriculture. Most of the trainings conducted focused on diversified farming technology, organic vegetable production, nursery establishment and development of good agricultural practices for banner products in Puerto Princesa City. The trainings were participated by the participants from the barangays covered by the city. Various Farmers Field School especially for organic agricultural farming were also done. An example of organic agriculture in Puerto Princesa City is the Aloha Natural Farm, which is established on a 2.8 hectares of land. Farming began ten years ago on denatured, demineralized soil infested with cogon grass, Imperata cylindrica. Before the intervention made by Aloha House, a non-stock, non-profit, NGO (Non-Government Organization) and charitable mission serving the community of Palawan and the Philippines, the agricultural practices which are widely used in the area are: mono-cropping practice, use of exotic varieties in farming, use of inorganic fertilizers, proliferation of wastes or garbage which were duped and produces negative impact to agriculture and conversion of the agricultural areas into industrial or residential. Crops grown at Aloha Farm include 55 vegetables, 33 herbs and diverse fruits. Intensive raised bed vegetable production is a mixture of annual and perennial plants. A closed loop mushroom production program with an on-farm culture laboratory is another example of their sustainable agriculture philosophy. Livestock includes pastured poultry eggs and meat, natural pork, cow and goat milk, tilapia and earthworm sales. Crop Rotation, Legume Usage, Companion Planting, Composting, Green Fertilizers, Mulching, Cover Cropping, Minimal Tillage, Insect Habitat, and Livestock Integration were also introduced.


1.2 ILLEGAL LOGGING

In its periodic review report, the Palawan BR submitted the following proposed action on this issue: development of policy on legal source of timber through the implementation of the Communal Forest Policy. Forest is a principal resource of Palawan. Having the largest forest among the provinces (both terrestrial and mangrove), Palawan contributes significant portion to the Philippines‟ entire forest cover, comprising 10% (689,161 hectares including mangrove) of the total forest cover of the country.

Since the inception of the Philippine SEP Law for the Province of Palawan, immediate response of the PCSD to protect the province’s remaining forest took place by virtue of PCSD Resolution No. 92-11 (A Resolution to call for a limited operation for a period of three years by the TLA holder in Palawan in the areas which had been agreed upon by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development with the representatives of the DENR and the TLA holders subject to close monitoring of the TLA operations and for other purposes) in Year 1992. This action lead to the loss of almost ¾ of the total operable logging area of the commercial logging operators and further resulted to the demise of TLA holders logging operations in the province.

The PCSD acknowledges that the increase in population considering the need for habitation will put pressure on the environmental resources the province presently have as natural capital. To be able to address the pressing needs of population increase and inherent demand for wood by the increasing population, a policy on the establishment of a Production Forest or Communal Forest was pushed to give way for a legal source of timber/wood in each municipality in the province.

Communal Forest and the National Greening Program In 28 November 2008, PCSD passed Resolution No. 08-376 “Adopting the Guidelines on the Establishment and Management of Communal Forests (CnF) in the Province of Palawan”. Said resolution is guided by the Joint PCSD-DENR Administrative Order No. 01 Series of 2008 which aims to pilot test for one (1) year the proposed CnF guidelines to gain experience on its establishment and implementation. Results of the pilot testing activities will serve as input in the crafting of the final CnF guidelines to ensure success in its province wide application. CnF establishment in Palawan is a policy that took several years in the making to make sure that the forest resources of the Province will not be at staked once it is “legally” opened for harvesting in the objective of providing legal wood sources. Initially, four (4) Local Government Units (LGUs) were identified as pilot test areas: Busuanga to represent the environment of island municipalities, San Vicente in the north, Puerto Princesa City in central Palawan and Quezon in the south. However, as of this date, due to the CnF site identification and declaration procedures and budget requirements, only the Municipality of San Vicente was able to complete the formulation of a Forest Land Use Plan (FLUP), a prerequisite for CnF declaration. The Municipality of Quezon has just started the initial FLUP preparation in 2012, the Municipality of Busuanga has not identified a conflict free candidate suitable area given that the bulk of their substantially forested lands


is within the Yulo – King Ranch (YKR) managed by the Bureau of Animal Industry of the Department of Agriculture. The City of Puerto Princesa on the other hand is yet to revalidate their outdated timber stand inventory. The process for FLUP formulation and approval was not anticipated to go beyond the initial one (1) year pilot testing period, as such, the implementation was stalled. Until then, nearly three (3) years after the PCSD adoption of the CnF Pilot Testing Guidelines, Executive Order No. 23 Declaring a Moratorium on the Cutting and Harvesting of Timber in the Natural and Residual Forests and Creating the Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force was signed by the President of the Republic of the Philippines on 01 February 2011. A few days later, Executive Order No. 26 was passed creating the national convergence of DA-DAR-DENR for the establishment of the National Greening Program (NGP) with the aim of planting 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares for a period of six (6) years (2011-2016) in all available public lands. Aside from being a reforestation initiative, the NGP is also seen as a climate change mitigation strategy as it seeks to enhance the country’s forest stock to absorb carbon dioxide, which is largely blamed for global warming. It is also designed to reduce poverty, providing alternative livelihood activities for marginalized upland and lowland households relating to seedling production and care and maintenance of newly-planted trees As a convergence initiative among the Departments of Agriculture, Agrarian Reform and DENR, half of the targeted trees to be planted under the program would constitute forest tree species intended for timber production and protection as well. The other 50% would comprise of agroforestry species. Areas eligible for rehabilitation under the program include all lands of the public domain. Specifically, these include forestlands, mangrove and protected areas, ancestral domains, civil and military reservation, urban greening areas, inactive and abandoned mine sites and other suitable lands. Table 1 below presents the accomplishment under the National Greening Program in Palawan for the period 2011-2014. Table 1. National Greening Program (NGP) in Palawan, 2011-2014

LOCATION/ MUNICIPALITIES

AREA AND NUMBER OF SEEDLINGS PLANTED

Area (Hectares) No. of Seedlings CORON 1,044 487,100 ROXAS 619 294,000 TAYTAY 1,114 815,280 PUERTO PRINCESA CITY 728 440,800 NARRA 477 557,002 QUEZON 614 1,002,475 BROOKES POINT 780 2,573,200


With the National Greening program at hand and its continuity being implemented multi-sectorally, the future supply of timber and other forest resources can be ensured through proper monitoring and implementation of appropriate silvicultural practices within the planted areas.

Timber Poaching

The PCSD is continuously seeking alternative solutions in combating Timber Poaching in the province of Palawan. Its PCSD Wildlife Enforcement Team is actively doing its role in arresting illegal logging activities in the province. Hotspots/areas were identified where illegal wildlife trade is happening and close monitoring of these areas were done to limit and arrest illegal activities. A few months ago, the enforcement team apprehended and seized illegal log shipment in Culion Island consisting of 100,000 board feet of premium hardwood species of timber. We are consistently improving in terms of intelligence gathering and doing arrests on illegal logging and wildlife trade in the province. We have just recently partnered and actually lead the Bantay Kalikasan Enforcement Team of the Provincial Government of Palawan to further strengthen our resolve to stop the proliferation of illegal logging activities in Palawan. Enforcement, to be supported by intensive IEC and community empowerment will play a greater role to combat such illegal activities in the province.


1.3 ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE In its periodic review report, the Palawan BR submitted the following proposed actions on this issue: intensify law enforcement, engagement of communities, training and deputation of Wildlife Enforcement Officers; Revitalization of the Community Listening Post and Quick Response System. Initiatives in the Palawan BR in response to this issue/concern:

Illegal wildlife trade was addressed through intensification of law enforcement by engaging local communities in surveillance and apprehension especially in providing reliable on-the ground and real-time information about illegal activities, strong partnerships/collaboration among different government agencies, training and deputation of Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEOs), establishment of Wildlife Traffic Monitoring Units (WTMUs), capability-building training of WEOs, and forward planning for revitalization of the Community Listening Post and Quick Response System.

1.3.1 Surveillance and Apprehension

Intelligence and surveillance activities are very significant and necessary in order to ensure effective enforcement and in order to ensure a sustained information gathering and surveillance on the ground, incentives/allowances must be provided to all involved. This is one of the strategies employed in order to level up the enforcement of wildlife laws and related policies. As a result, the operations of existing national and international organized/syndicated wildlife trading of Palawan wildlife species have been tracked down, structure of which is illustrated below.

Figure 1. The Structure of Organized/Syndicated Trade of Palawan Wildlife Species


Further, during the period 2010- 2015 (August), 39% of apprehended persons were foreign nationals and against whom cases were filed. This would imply an improved capacity of the PCSDS enforcement group being able to track down even the tactics of these foreign nationals with complex established network (refer to Figure 2).

Figure 2. Percentage of Persons Arrested/and Filed with Criminal Cases

1.3.2 Active Participation of Other Enforcement Agencies in Combatting Wildlife Poaching

There is a strong collaboration among the PCSD and other government enforcement agencies in combatting wildlife poaching. These agencies include the Philippine National Police–Maritime Special Boat Unit (PNP-Maritime-SBU), Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard and Western Command. Efforts of the said collaboration resulted to apprehension from 2012 to 2014 of foreign nationals and confiscation of subject wildlife species.

Appropriate disposition methods were employed to the confiscated dead and alive wildlife specimens in accordance with the related PCSDS guidelines. Live marine turtles were released back to open seas while dead ones were either buried or preserved. All were properly documented to ensure that these evidences can still be presented in court whenever necessary and/or as ordered requested by the same.

61%21%

17%

1%

Filipino Vietnamese Chinese Other Foreign Nationals


Top: In 2012, 43 heads of marine turtles and assorted marine shells were confiscated from Vietnamese aboard in a fishing vessel; 2nd Row: approximately 10,000 marine turtle eggs were confiscated from Malaysian in 2013; 3rd Row: In 2014, 500 marine turtles (dead and alive) were confiscated from Chinese aboard in a fishing vessel; Bottom: In 2014, 20 tons of different shark species were confiscated from Vietnamese aboard in a fishing vessel.

1.3.3 Training & Deputation of Wildlife Enforcement Officers

There were 65 individuals deputized as Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEOs) in the entire province. These WEOs represented the different entities such as Local Government of the municipalities of El Nido, Roxas and Puerto Princesa as well as from different government agencies such as PCSDS, Bureau of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Office of Transport Security (OTS), Baywatch and NGOs.


Wildlife Enforcement Officers’ Training. Left: Training of Philippine Navy Personnel in 2013; Right: WEO Training in Taytay, Palawan in 2014

1.3.4 Establishment of Wildlife Traffic Monitoring Units WTMUs assigned in airports and sea ports inspect cargoes to ensure that persons involved in illegal wildlife trade are apprehended, and at the same time, deter individuals from illegal wildlife transport/trade. The photographs below shows the WTMUs (in blue polo-shirt uniform) doing inventory of confiscated wildlife from airports and seaports.

Confiscated wildlife being inventoried by the Wildlife Traffic Monitoring Units

From 2010 to 2015, Wildlife Traffic Monitoring Units have been established in Coron, El Nido, Roxas, Quezon, Brooke’s Point and Puerto Princesa City (refer to Figure 3) especially in exit/entry points (eg. airports and seaports). These areas are identified as “Hotspot Areas” in the province because of the high occurrence/intensity of illegal wildlife trade. In these areas also, WEOs have been functioning and complementing with the WTMUs in their enforcement-related activities.


Figure 3. Strategic Locations of WTMUs and WEOs in Palawan

1.3.5 Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEO) Conference

On November 24, 2015, a WEO Conference was conducted by the PCSDS which was participated by deputized WEOs from the Local Government Units of Roxas, El Nido and Puerto Princesa City, Palawan as well as representatives from other government agencies. The conference aimed to understand the status of Wildlife Enforcement in Palawan especially involving deputized WEOs in order to formulate strategies to address the most pressing needs of Wildlife Enforcement to which WEOs can be of significance. The conference resulted to: 1) Identification of current challenges, gaps and needs of Wildlife Enforcement and corresponding actions or solutions, 2) Identification and development of the necessary procedures/protocol in wildlife enforcement involving deputized WEOs which shall later on be integrated into WEO manual of operations (eg. Information/intelligence report handling; actual enforcement operation), and 3) Performance evaluation of deputized WEOs.

Further, the development/revitalization of Community Listening Post and Quick Response System using short messaging system (SMS) was discussed in the conference and shall form part of the WEO operations manual that will be produced.


1.3.6 Capability-Building Training of WEOs, WTMUs and PCSD Staff

WEOs, WTMUs as well as PCSD staff were not only trained on how to conduct and accomplish the required forms necessary in the surveillance activities, apprehension and filing of appropriate cases in court but also on the required technical skills. Thus, in 2012 and 2014 trainings on wildlife identification, restraining and handling were conducted in order to facilitate confiscation procedures and minimize possible stresses to wildlife involved. Experts were tapped to give hands-on training for the purpose as shown in the figure below.

Demo-Training on Wildlife Handing and Ivory Identification. Top: Mr. Salvador Guion (left side), a wildlife handler of the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (PWRCC) and Dr. Rebong (right side) demonstrating proper wildlife restraining and handling; Bottom: Training of selected PCSD Staff by the USAID on Ivory identification

1.3.7 Creation of Multi-Partite Enforcement Teams/Bodies The Provincial Law Enforcement Task Force, Anti-illegal Logging Task Force and Environmental Enforcement Program were created during the period 2012-2015 to address illegal logging issues, illegal wildlife trading and poaching. Members of these teams are composed of representatives from the different enforcement entities such as BFAR, Provincial/City Police Office, CIDG, PNP-Maritime Special Boat Unit, Western Command, Naval Forces West, 570th Composite Tactical Wing, Philippine Coast Guard, Bantay Palawan Task Force, Municipal/City Gov’t, Palawan NGO Network, Inc.


1.3.8 International Cooperation In 2013 and 2014, PCSDS participated in the so-called “Operation Cobra” organized by China, USA, South Africa, ASEAN-WEN, SA-WEN and LATF which aimed to 1) prevent, detect, suppress and apprehend criminals and disrupt criminal networks that exploit elephants, rhinos, pangolins, big cats, Tibetan antelope and great apes in Africa, North America and Asia, 2) Gather information and intelligence on the illegal exploitation of elephants, rhinos, pangolins, big cats, great apes, Tibetan antelope and other wildlife, and 3) build wildlife law enforcement capacity nationally and regionally, among others. As a result, Philippine authorities, including PCSDS, that participated in the said operation were able to seize 65 pangolins, 2 giant clams, 6985 Trochus sp., 8 Triton sp., 157 Turbo sp., 496 Pinctada maxima, 55 Cassis cornuta, 124 Cypraea tigris and 42.05 kg parts of other different CITES specimens as shown below.

Seized wildlife species. Left: Pangolins, Right: Other CITES specimens


2 IMPROVED COASTAL AND MARINE MANAGEMENT

In its periodic review report, the Palawan BR submitted the following proposed actions on this issue: implementation of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management based on ECAN-SEP; Networking of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and enhancement of their effectiveness. Initiatives in the Palawan BR in response to this issue/concern: Blessed with more or less 2,000 km of coastline, sprawled beneath the seas of Palawan is nearly 11,000 sq. km of coral reefs, representing more than 35% of the Philippine reefs. Palawan has 379 species of corals, 31 species or 90% of the known mangrove species in the country making up the 63,532 hectares of mangrove forests or 4.4 % of the province’s total land area comprising 46% of the total mangrove forest of the country. The province’s mangrove forests accounts for a staggering 20.35% increase from the 1992 cover of 52,602 hectares. Seagrass species accounts for 13 out of the 16 species that can be found in the country, 15 of the 25 marine mammals in the Philippines, 89% of total reef fish recorder in the Philippines and four (4) of the five (5) marine turtles are found in Palawan. The terrestrial ECAN has long been established for the 23 municipalities and one (1) component city of Palawan. The preparation of the coastal/marine ECAN is now being done. The coastal/marine area zonation scheme recognizes the unique geographical characteristics, critical nature, and patterns of resource use. Equitable access to the resource and management responsibility by the local community is the underlying management philosophy.

2.1 Fishery Management

The province of Palawan is known as an important fishing ground for various fishery resource. One important resource is Decapterus species or roundscad. Palawan province supplies the majority of fish landed in Metro Manila and other major fishery landing sites. Decapterus sp. (roundscad or galunggong) is considered as a choice catch being considered as the “fish for the masses”. Decapterus catch comprised 92% of the landed catch at the Navotas fish port, a major fish port serving Metro Manila, and comprises 22% of the total landed catch nationwide. Due to the increased fishing pressure in Palawan waters, signs of overfishing of Decapterus sp fishery in Palawan, indicated by smaller sizes at first maturity and high exploitation rate (where fishing mortality exceeds natural mortality) were observed from the studies conducted. In 2014, a Technical Working Group (TWG) and a management Steering Committee (SC) was formed in which PCSD sits in both bodies with the objective of restoring the health of the Decapterus fishery in Palawan, so that it can become sustainable in the future and more resilient to the adverse impacts of climate change. In order to increase reproductive capacity, spawning potential and recruitment, the TWG and SC was able to pass a closed season covering the fishing grounds in northern Palawan from the West Philippine Sea to northern Sulu Sea. The close season covers the period of the species spawning period to its early life stages specifically targeting commercial fishing as an additional safeguard mechanism to the marginalized municipal fishermen. Similarly, PCSD formulated and approved the implementation of the revised policy regulating the reef-fish-for-food trade, by adopting PCSD Revised Administrative Order


No. 5 Series of 2014 or the “Guidelines for the Regulation and Monitoring of Catching, Culture, Trade, Transport and Export of Reef-Fish-For-Food in Palawan” effective December 11, 2014. Palawan is considered as a major source of live grouper (Family Serranidae, Subfamily Epinephelinae). Palawan live fish collection and trade industry was once a thriving industry, due to over extraction however, declining yield is now being felt. Studies by PCSD together with the academe and various non-government organization partners show that there is a steady decline in the fish production annually within the last decade due to unsustainable and destructive fishing practices. The mean size of fish collected is getting smaller and exploitation rates indicate serious overfishing which poses ecological risks for the stocks. Also, the fishermen attest that they have to go farther even beyond their municipal waters, for longer fishing trips. This, according to scientists, is in direct correlation to the degraded conditions of the coral reefs which serve as their habitat and spawning grounds. Currently, a one (1) year transition period is being implemented that aims to (a) help regulate the harvest of undersized groupers and would allow the replenishment of the grouper stocks in the wild; (b) developed a sustainable live fish industry for the fishing community of Palawan and (c) formulate a continuing source of revenue to be used for conservation and rehabilitation of degraded marine ecosystems.

Stakeholders’ consultation on the reef-fish-for-food policy at the Palawan Provincial Capitol Complex, 2014.

2.2 Sustainable Financing Mechanism

The municipality of Balabac, is one of the 24 administrative divisions of Palawan, located at about 340 kilometers southwest of Puerto Princesa with its farthest island, Mangsee is just mere four (4) hours boat ride to Malaysia. Bordering the Coral Triangle Marine Eco-Region, Balabac is a major marine Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) hosting a biodiverse marine environment. However, for quite some time, various non-compliance activities on law enforcement continue to exist including unsustainable fishing practices and marine wildlife poaching brought by continued poverty and low environmental conservation


literacy of the local community. To help address these concerns, providing a non-resource based sustainable financing mechanism to the coastal population is a targeted strategy coupled with the implementation of practices towards compliance management. In 2011, due to its track record in implementing the First and Second Phases of the Palawan Integrated Area Development Project in the 80’s and90’s, PCSD was awarded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to be the project executing agency for the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction (JFPR) USD 1.0 M Philippines grant for the project titled Developing Sustainable Alternative Livelihoods in Coastal Fishing Communities in the Coral Triangle: Indonesia and the Philippines, with the Philippines component target community is Balabac. The goal of the project is to raise the income levels of the poor coastal communities in Balabac, Palawan, Philippines by pilot-testing support mechanisms for sustainable alternative livelihoods that will involve women and indigenous people. After completing all preparatory documentation for project implementation, the project finally took off in March 2015. The project is seen to benefit the 41,000 poor coastal population of Balabac at the same time relieving pressure from the coastal areas. The project is expected to run for three (3) years with expected outcomes felt in 2020.

‘Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction’ Project launching in Balabac, Palawan.


3 INCREASE RESEARCH In its periodic review report, the Palawan BR submitted the following proposed actions on this issue: collaboration with universities and research institutions; revitalization of the Palawan Research and Development Consortium (PARDEC); development of Palawan BR Research and Development Agenda; organization and hosting of research fora and symposia; operation of Clearing House Mechanism.

Initiatives in the Palawan BR in response to this issue/concern: 3.1 Collaboration with Universities and Research Institutions ((upgrading of PARDEC

as ‘Palawan Knowledge Platform for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development’ or PKP, also the localized Clearing House Mechanism for Palawan)

The Palawan BR enhanced the collaboration among research institutions by establishing the Palawan Knowledge Platform for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development or PKP. This organized group has basically superseded and enhanced the previous Palawan Research Development Consortium or PARDEC. Through a Memorandum of Cooperation (a copy hereof is attached as Annex D), seventeen (17) institutions aside from Palawan Council for Sustainable Development agreed to share information through the PKP, which was formally organized on 11 December 2014. The PKP was established to facilitate, coordinate, maintain, improve and enhance the multi-agency sharing of biological and socio-economic data and information that will support the realization of the goals of the Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan (RA 7611), the relevant national and local laws and policies, and the Philippines’ international commitments. The PKP maintains a website, which is found at www.pkp.pcsd.gov.ph.

Figure 4. Screenshot of the Palawan Knowledge Platform (PKP) website

http://www.pkp.pcsd.gov.ph/


The founding members of the PKP are the following:

Palawan Council for Sustainable Development The Universities in Palawan: Palawan State University, Holy Trinity University

and Western Philippines University; Provincial Government of Palawan (through the Provincial Planning and

Development Office, Environment and Natural Resources Office, and Agriculturist’s Office)

City Government of Puerto Princesa (through the City Planning and Development Office, Environment and Natural Resources Office, and City Agriculturist Office)

Non-Government Organizations: Palawan NGO Network (PNNI), Katala Foundation, Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Tubbataha Management Office – Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Centre for Sustainability, World Wildlife Fund, and Conservation International

National Government Agencies operating in Palawan: DAR–Provincial Agrarian Reform Office, DA-Palawan Research and Experiment Station, DA–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, DENR–Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, and DOST–Department of Science and Technology.

The PKP also serves as the Clearing House Mechanism for Palawan, the local counterpart of the Philippine Clearing House Mechanism pursuant to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. This was made possible because of the assistance (by providing training to PKP members on ‘Biodiversity Data Management’ and Clearing House Mechanism Orientation Seminar’) by the Asean Centre for Biodiversity (ACB). As such, the ACB was also made the major partner of the PKP. The PCSD became a member of the Philippine Clearing House Mechanism, which ultimately recognized the PKP as its local version in Palawan.

Biodiversity Data Organization and Management Training for PCSD Staff and PKP Partner Organizations held on 26 February 2014 in Puerto Princesa City.


Clearing House Mechanism (CHM) Orientation Seminar for PCSD and Palawan Knowledge Platform Partners held on 7-8 May 2014 at Asean Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines In several instances these past years, the PCSD and Palawan BR commissions or collaborates with the universities-members of the PKP in the conduct of researches. Table 2 below presents the list of selected researches commissioned or jointly conducted with the universities in Palawan, and beyond:

Table 2. Selected researches commissioned by or jointly conducted with PCSD for the period 2012-2015

Title of Research Authors / Institutional Affiliation

Year

“Carrying Capacity of Bat Island in Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa City

University of the Philippines (Dr. L.Afuang)

2013

Oil Palm Industry in Palawan: Its Extent, Social and Environmental Impacts

Western Philippines University

2014

Total Economic Value of Mt. Bulanjao Forest Ecosystem Preservation and Economic Cost and Benefit Analysis of the Proposed Mineral Development Option of Mount Bulanjao Range.

Palawan State University (Dr. Patrick Regoniel, et al) and PCSDS

2012-13


Wetland Study of Lake Manguao as Special Co-management Area for Ecotourism in the Province of Palawan

Western Philippines University (Dr. Benjamin Gonzales, et al.)

2014

Almaciga Impact Study or "Policy Review of PCSD Resolution 04-233 Through Comparative Social Impact Analysis: The Case of Indigenous Batak and Palawan Almaciga Tappers from Tagnipa, Roxas and Amas, Brooke's Point"

University of the Philippines - College of Human Ecology

2014

Survey of Threatened Plant Species and Forest Stand, Type and Structure in Relation to ECAN Zoning

University of the Philippines Los Baños (Dr. Edwino Fernando)

On-going

3.2 Development of Palawan BR Research and Development Agenda

During the 2nd Palawan Research Symposium on 09-10 December 2015, a workshop on defining Palawan’s long term research and sustainable development agenda for 2016-2030 was held on the second day. The researchers, research institutions and the academic community discussed and agreed with the Palawan leaders, business and industry sector and other stakeholders on the sustainable development goals consistent to the newly-adopted UN Agenda 2030 (or the New Sustainable Development). The Palawan Research and Sustainable Development Agenda 2016-2030, as agreed by the stakeholders during the 2nd Palawan Research Symposium, is presented in Table 3 below. The long list of priority research topics on these themes will still be finalized by PCSD and its partners. Table 3. Palawan Research and Sustainable Development Agenda 2016-2030.

Agenda (Outcome) Themes Goals I. ECOLOGICAL STABILITY AND CONTINUOUS FORMATION OF NATURAL CAPITAL

Life on Land Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, watershed and freshwater ecosystems, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss. 1a. Ensure the sustainable management of forests. 1b. Prevent the degradation of water quality of freshwater ecosystems. 1c. Ensure availability and management of water and sanitation for all.)

Life Below Water Conserve and sustainably manage the coastal and marine ecosystems for sustainable development)


Combat Climate Change

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

II. ECONOMIC WEALTH CREATED AND EQUITABLY DISTRIBUTED

Sustainable Urban and Rural Communities

Make communities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

Innovation, Energy and Resource Efficiency, Enterprise, and Physical Infrastructure

(Ensure access to sustainable energy and resilient infrastructures, and ensure responsible consumption and production patterns.

Economic Growth and Sustainable Tourism

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and sustainably manage the tourism industry.

III. SOCIAL AND CULTURAL CAPITAL PROTECTED, DEVELOPED, AND ENHANCED; AND RIGHTS-BASED GOVERNANCE IN PLACE TO FACILITATE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Indigenous Peoples

Empower indigenous peoples and reduce poverty among them

Zero Hunger Ensure optimum fishery and agricultural yields and ensure food security

Equality and Prosperity for All

End or eradicate all forms of poverty and inequality

Quality Education for All

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Good health and Well-being

Ensure a quality and healthy life for all ages, improve human capabilities and reduce human vulnerabilities

Peace Justice and Good Governance

Promote peace, inclusive development, environmental justice and transparent and good governance)

Sustainable Financing and Partnerships

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the partnership for sustainable development)

It is expected that planning and policy decisions will be anchored from science-based findings.

3.3 Organization and Hosting of Research Fora and Symposia

The BR, through the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development has already organized and hosted two (2) research symposia: one (1) in November 2013, and the latest just this 09-10 December 2015.


First (1st) Palawan Research Symposium The first research symposium was held on 07-08 November 2013 at the A&A Plaza Hotel in Puerto Princesa City. It was the same time when “Typhoon Haiyan” entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (which greatly devastated the eastern Philippines and northern Palawan), such that the second day of the symposium was cut short to enable the participants to go home and avoid the onslaught of the typhoon. During that symposium, there were three (3) concurrent sessions that accommodated the several oral presentations from researchers all over and even outside Palawan. PCSDS Director for Operations Josephine Matulac delivering a Plenary Talk during the 1st Palawan Research and Policy Symposium in November 2013.

Speakers and participants of the 1st Palawan Research and Policy Symposium in November 2013.


Second (2nd) Palawan Research Symposium The PCSDS recognizes the important role of research in sustainable development. Thus, it is continuously strengthening its working relationship with local, national, and international research institutions such as the three (3) local universities: Palawan State University, Holy Trinity University, and Western Philippines University, as well as the USAID-STRIDE Project. It was held 09-10 December 2015 at the Citystate Asturias Hotel in Puerto Princesa City, at the heart of Palawan mainland. The research symposium, aside from highlighting research presentations conducted in Palawan, also provided the researchers and their institutions insights on technological innovations out of these conducted research during the “innovation workshop’ portion. On Day 1, more than one hundred thirty (130) participants attended, though there was slight reduction on the second day. USAID-STRIDE Chief of Party Dr. David Hall was the keynote speaker, while Dr. Gonzalo Serafica, a renowned DOST Balik Scientist, gave the plenary talk. Three (3) concurrent sessions were held, with the following sub-themes: ecological-biodiversity studies, socio-cultural-economic studies, and technology-innovation-natural resource management studies. A total of 24 oral presenters and 26 poster presentations were highlighted in the symposium. The best papers (oral presenters) and best posters were recognized by awarding them cash and other prizes in kind. The second day of the symposium focused on defining Palawan’s research and sustainable development agenda, conducted through a workshop, likewise dividing the participants coming the academe, research institutions and local government units into three (3) workshop groups: ecological, socio-cultural, and economic+governance/institutions.

The Organizers of the 2nd Palawan Research Symposium comprised of representatives from Western Philippines University, Palawan State University, Holy Trinity University and Palawan Council for Sustainable Development.


Top Photo: Speakers and participants during the 2nd Palawan Research Symposium. Middle photo: Symposium speakers (from left to right): Plenary Speaker Dr. Gonzalo Serafica, Keynote Speaker Dr. David Hall, PCSD Vice Chair & Palawan Vice Governor Victorino Dennis Socrates, PCSDS Executive Director Nelson P. Devanadera, Bottom photo: Participants intently listening to plenary presentations.

The full list of paper and poster presentations during the symposium as contained in the conference program is attached as Annex “D”. This collaborative activity will now be an annual event at the Palawan BR.

3.4 Research and Scientific Publications

To highlight and popularize the researches undertaken in Palawan for sharing, policy and decision making, the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development launched its scientific and research journal, named “Our Palawan”, in June 2015, during the 23rd Anniversary celebration of the Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan. This publication, which has been duly registered with the National Library (and Archives) of the Philippines, with ISSN No. 2423-222X, shall be issued twice a year. Digital copy of this journal can be accessed at www.pcsd.gov.ph.


Figure 5. The first issue of “Our Palawan” Journal, the research and scientific journal of Palawan BR.

Additionally, the PCSD has just published and released the 2015 updates of the state of the environment of Palawan. Printed copies thereof were already given to the university-partners, while the digital (PDF) format can be downloaded at Http://www.pkp.pcsd.gov.ph/images/redSOE2015.pdf.

Figure 6. The 2015 State of Environment Report-Updates of Palawan BR

http://www.pkp.pcsd.gov.ph/images/redSOE2015.pdf


4 INCREASE TRAINING AND EXCHANGE PROGRAM

In its periodic review report, the Palawan BR submitted the following proposed actions on this issue: pursue BR sisterhood with Jeju BR and Puerto Galera; establishment of volunteer programmes for researchers including support such as accommodation. Initiatives in the Palawan BR in response to this issue/concern: Training, Exchange Program, and Special Projects undertaken by PCSD. The PCSD Staff, for several years, has offered internship and training programs to build capacities of stakeholders and partners in co-managing ECAN landscapes and its resources. The program aims to transfer skills inherent in the organization to shape future environmental managers not only in Palawan, but for the Philippines and international individuals and organizations as well. The program also promotes innovation in conservation management and development. Hence, the interns are encouraged to test or apply new techniques in environmental management as long as it is in the framework of sustainable development prescribed in the Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan. To date, a number of undergraduate and graduate students from domestic and foreign institutions had provided their academic hours in the province. Their range of work is dependent on which division of PCSD Staff they qualify in. In addition, collaboration with biosphere reserves (BRs) also commenced in 2015 with the forging of a sisterhood agreement with Jeju Island BR. Linkage with the Puerto Galera BR in the Philippines is another partnership opportunity to be explored in 2016. Table 4 summarizes the training programs in collaborations with PCSD Staff from 2012-2015. Table 4. Summary of Training Programs and Partnerships of PCSD/Palawan BR

Trainings and Exchange Program

Description Partner Individuals or Organizations

Environmental Planning

This field enables the interns to conduct community organizing, focus group discussions, interviews with key informants, and needs-based analysis in a community or municipality. The interns will also learn to formulate an ecosystem management plan through participatory multi-stakeholder planning.

16 undergraduate students of University of the Philippines Los Baños

1 undergraduate student

from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia

Environmental Research and Monitoring

This field provides the interns a holistic approach in research and monitoring. The students are given assistance through the technological capacity of the organization in water quality monitoring, GIS mapping, and knowledge management. They are

1 undergraduate student of University of the Philippines Los Baños

1 undergraduate student

from Polytechnic


Trainings and Exchange Program

Description Partner Individuals or Organizations

guided on linking researches to sustainability challenges and issues.

University of Valencia, Spain

7 undergraduate students (Petroleum Engineering) from Palawan State University

Environmental Law and Enforcement

Interns are given opportunities to prepare environmental policy analyses related to environmental laws implemented by the PCSD. They are also coached in the preparation of legal documents for the PCSD Adjudication Board (PAB) – a quasi-judicial body of the PCSD.

4 graduate students of Bachelor of Laws from Palawan State University

Biosphere Reserve Sisterhood Relationship

The sisterhood agreement opens collaborations for the development of training and exchange of programs and enhancements of management and operation of BRs. Focus areas for collaboration are (1) promotion of biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism; (2) knowledge exchange on biosphere reserve management as well as on researches and technologies; (3) training and education on sustainability of BRs, including promotion and development of tourism; and (4) mutual cooperation and support in publishing research and literature on BRs and other categories of publication to attract more visitors.

Management authority of Jeju Island Biosphere Reserve

Partnerships Agreements

Collaborative activities between the PCSD Staff and its partner organization include (1) undertaking and/or training for cultivating experts on sustainable development, focusing on the issues related to society, economy, and environment; (2) organizing and/or convening workshops necessary for improving the capacity related to conservation development; and (3) any other areas of mutual interest identified and agreed by the two organizations.

Asia Climate Change Education Center (ACCEC), Jeju Island South Korea

Global Footprint Network www.footprintnetwork.org

Katala Foundation (through a project funded by Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation) - http://www.philippinecockatoo.org/

http://www.footprintnetwork.org/


Partnerships

The Palawan BR entered into partnership agreements with Jeju island BR (Korea) and the Asia Climate Change Education Center (ACCEC). A copy of the Memorandum of Understanding Between Asia Climate Change Education Center (Korea) and PCSD is attached as Annex “E” while the Memorandum of Understanding for Sisterhood Relationship Between Palawan BR and Jeju Island BR is attached as Annex “F”.

Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Asia Climate Change Education Center (ACCEC) represented by Dr. Dae Yeun-Jeong and the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development represented by Palawan Governor Jose Ch. Alvarez in June 2015.

Forging of sisterhood relationship between Palawan BR and the management authority of Jeju Island Biosphere Reserve at the Palawan Provincial Capitol in October 2015. From left to right: Jeju Island BR officials Manager Jeong Hwan Jang, Manager Byungjoon Koh, Manager Nami Kim, Director Yang Young-Hoan, Palawan Governor and PCSD Chair Jose Ch. Alvarez, PCSDS Executive Director Nelson Devanadera, Director Josephine Matulac, Division Chief Madrono Cabrestante.


Lastly, several ongoing foreign-assisted and special projects are being co-implemented by the PCSD as shown on Table 5. Table 5. On-Going Projects Co-Implemented by PCSD

Name of project Partner Organization

Description

Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services (CCRES), 2014-2019

University of Queensland, Australia

The project will demonstrate how communities can sustainably capture the benefits of services provided by coastal ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass and agricultural land. These services can include the provision of food such as fish and crops, the protection of the coast from erosion caused by waves and storms, the removal of pollutants from the environment, and income generation from tourism, fishing, and farming, among others. The project aims to: a. Determine the value and market potential of

services provided by coastal ecosystems such as coral reefs and mangroves;

b. Determine the potential for existing and new businesses to protect or improve the services provided by coastal ecosystems whilst making a profit; and

c. Promote change in the management of coastal ecosystems through outreach, decision support and learning using the results of the project.

JFPR (Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction) Grant 9160: Developing Sustainable Alternative Livelihoods in Coastal Fishing Communities in the Coral Triangle: Indonesia and Philippines, 2015-2018

Asian Development Bank

This project aims to develop model alternative sustainable livelihoods involving women and indigenous people in the municipality of Balabac. Components include social preparation the support the following activities: a. Poverty assessment to identify specific project

sites and potential beneficiaries, particularly very poor fishers, women, and indigenous peoples in the target coastal communities;

b. Social preparation to improve the attitude of target beneficiaries from mere recipients of government aid to managers of their own livelihoods;

c. Organization and training of beneficiaries in business and financial management; and


Name of project Partner Organization

Description

d. Participatory planning in selecting business enterprises and the conduct of feasibility studies.

Zero Carbon Resorts (ZCR) for Sustainable Tourism Project, 2014-2018

Center for Appropriate Technology (GrAT)

The project aims to reduce both energy cost and carbon emission of business establishments, particularly in the tourism industry SMEs. SMEs are provided access to energy-saving measures and new green technologies that will lessen their dependence on fossil fuels. The project applies 3R strategy: Reduce-Replace-Redesign. The first step was to reduce the energy consumption in hotels and resorts, and the second step was to replace inefficient fossil-based devices with better, greener technologies.

Philippine Wealth Accounting and Valuation of Ecosystem Services (Phil-WAVES), 2013-2017

World Bank, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources

The objectives of this project are to manage competing demands of Palawan’s resources and to ensure that regional sustainable and inclusive economic development is achieved through ecosystem accounts that will provide the necessary data and evidence-based analysis to decision makers. It focuses on the application of the Experimental Ecosystem Accounting methods developed under the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting. The PCSDS served as the Co-Chairman of TWG and the lead in the development of physical accounts for coastal and marine lowland ecosystems.

Knowledge Platform (PKP)

25 government and non-government research organizations

The Palawan Knowledge Platform (PKP) is a repository of all Palawan information established in partnership with various data-producing agencies and institutions operating in the province. It is a user friendly web-based information sharing mechanism initiated by PCSDS to provide data support for policy-making on priority concerns including poverty reduction and biodiversity conservation. All available information will be made accessible to users through the official website of the PKP. These include studies and researches on terrestrial and coastal marine resources, protected areas, and indigenous peoples. (www.pkp.pcsd.gov.ph)


5 TECHNICAL SUPPORT:

5.1 PRESERVATION OF INDIGENOUS CULTURE

In its periodic review report, the Palawan BR submitted the following proposed actions on this issue: link with programmes of the NCIP and the National Museum on IPs; establishment of Indigenous Culture Conserve Areas; documentation of indigenous knowledge system and practices through research; establishment of Palawan Access Benefit sharing scheme for IPs.

Population data shows that 40% of Palawan’s dwellers are indigenous peoples consisting of 7 major tribes: Batak, Pala’wan, Molbog, Tagbanua, Agutaynen, Cagayanen, and Cuyunon. They are usually roving around the mountain ranges to the coastal waters of the province where survival and comfort of their clan hinge on. Their life is attached to the natural resources in their respective environment. The current existence is anchored on the economic gains derived from the sale of the Non-timber forest products such as Almaciga resin, rattan, honey bee extract, and other forest resources acceptable to the lowlanders business including coastal resources. Hunting, fishing, highlands farming and wild root crops are the sources of their staple food supply. These tribes have distinct ways of life, beliefs, and culture. Actual Scenario:

• Unabated entry of development activities have had its toll in many indigenous

community conservation areas (industrial tree plantation, mining, tourism); • Lack of understanding on traditional knowledge/indigenous customary system of

governance and prejudice towards the skills of Indigenous peoples/communities in managing the environment is reigning;

• Wrong information/competition/ conflicting policies create indifference on the ability of the indigenous cultural community to sustain management/control and governance of their ancestral conservation areas;

• Weak/lack of policies/weak enforcement of immigration policy within the ancestral claim resulted to unabated clearing of critical habitat/sacred places/indigenous community conservation areas;

• Community readiness issues among indigenous community members for tourism industry; prone to exploitation, needs strict policy and monitoring;

• Needs livelihood support to reroute dependency from non-timber forest products (NTFP) to other sources.

Initiatives in the Palawan BR in response to this issue/concern: Palawan BR’s initiative on the preservation of indigenous culture works through policy and landscape integration to protect tribal people and preserve their culture, coupled with the protection and conservation of ecological network. The BR envision to build effective partnership jointly owned by the indigenous cultural communities, indigenous peoples, peoples’ organizations (ICCs/IPs/POs), non-government organizations (NGO), civic organizations (COs) and government agencies, through strengthening the capacities of ICCs to jointly uphold indigenous knowledge systems and practices (IKSP) and guardianship of different ecosystems/biodiversity in the ECANized tribal ancestral zone/indigenous people (TAZ/IP) territories.


5.1.1 Linkage with other agencies including National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and Conduct of Information Campaign

The PCSDS is continuously collaborating with concerned agencies with mandate on IP concerns. A development communication plan is currently being developed, spearheaded by the tribal affairs committee. Community discussions are focused on the permitting system for non-timber forest product, process for titling ancestral claim, and the rights and responsibilities of the Indigenous cultural community members. Due to resources limitations, only few communities were reached. Templates for the IEC are being prepared for management of areas such as Victoria-Anepahan Mountain Ranges. 5.1.2 Indigenous People Policy Studies and Researches 5.1.2.1 Plan formulation for the Indigenous Community Conservation Areas

Results/Activities taken: The PCSDS is pilot-testing plan formulation for IPs in limited site due to funding constraints. This includes one Batak community in the municipality of Roxas (in collaboration with the Lyceum Philippines University) and one Tagbanua community in the municipality of Quezon (partnership with the Western Philippines University). The draft conserved area resources plan for both IP communities have been completed. Several communities have requested recognition of the conserved areas by providing assistance in strengthening the enforcement of customary laws in their respective conservation areas. These are in terms of support in the documentation of IKSP, demarcation and plan formulation of conservation areas due to intrusion of lowlanders which resulted to destructive activities within ancestral claims. The PCSDS’ limited funds were insufficient to cover all areas/tribes seeking assistance. The community request unattended by the PCSDS were forwarded to the concerned government agencies for action but were also hindered by their priorities and funding difficulty to pursue activities required. The PCSDS has started community preparation activities in some areas: Batak tribe: Sitio Tagnipa-Bgy Tinitian (pilot site, for barangay and municipal adoption), Sitio Nanabu-Bgy Caramay-Roxas, Sitio Timbuan-Bgy Abaroan- Roxas, Sitio Tagnaya-Bgy Concepcion, Sitio Kalakuasan-Bgy Tanabag, Sitio Manggapin-Bgy Langogan, Sitio Cayasan-Puerto Princesa City; Tagbanua tribe: Sitio Panamin, Sitio, Decala, Sitio Candamia, and Sitio Gawid in Caruray, San Vicente, Berong-Quezon; Molbog tribe: Bgy. Agutayan-Balabac; Pala’wan tribe: Bgy Amas, Sitio Sabsaban-Bgy Aribungos-Brookes Point. It is imperative that other funding sources are tapped to intensify assistance to the IPs. 5.1.2.2 Research on Indigenous Knowledge System (IKS) on sustainable land-use

strategies and Climate Change Adaptation (2015). Findings /Recommendation of the above-mentioned research The IPs are not adequately informed about the impending effects and impacts of Climate Change. Therefore the Commission on Indigenous Peoples , the PCSD as well as the partner agencies should work together to come up with a practical;, easily understood and culturally sensitive communication plan to impart Disaster Reduction Management and Climate Change Adaptation/Coping mechanisms . Moreover, a simplified training Community-


Based Monitoring and Information Systems (CBMIS) should be conducted for them to increase their knowledge and strengthen their decision making/coping mechanisms to current environmental problems and climate change. The need to protect the IPs’ intellectual property rights to their indigenous knowledge and traditional medicinal plants and healing practices. The need for banking their indigenous genetic resources/planting materials as these materials are proven to be disease resistant varieties for their swidden cultivation/kaingin farming, a central economic and cultural tradition to IPs supporting their food security. Alternative sources of livelihood should be made available to them as interval of fallow period becomes shorter, making slash and burn farming unsustainable. As tourist arrival is increasing, cultural tourism may be promoted to showcase their culture and traditions but appropriate safeguards should be looked into to protect their culture and their indigenous rights from negative effects of tourism.

5.1.2.3 Policy study on Indigenous Peoples Livelihood: Almaciga (2014) This study led to the following findings/recommendations: The need to provide IPs with seed capital/advance financial support for their application for almaciga concession coupled with the development of standard operating procedure/process flow chart on O.M.L. Almaciga License processing and renewal, giving them information on the requirements of permitting agencies as well as in providing them training on organizational capacity development, management and entrepreneurial skills. The PCSD in collaboration with NCIP and other partner NGOs will organise an IP Summit sometime next year hopefully to address the challenges pertaining to the IPs of Palawan. 5.1.3 Develop policy guidelines on the establishment of ECAN Tribal Ancestral Zone

(TAZ) conserved areas to empower and directly engage the IPs in the conservation measures within their ancestral domain

Land tenure instrument processing of tribal lands is within the mandate of the NCIP. Due to some limitations of that office, the process hamper the decisions to provide the ICCs with their awaited tenurial instrument. As such, the PCSDS tried to explore some mechanism to facilitate protection and conservation objective for the biodiversity of the province. Harmonization of SEP law with IPRA law was one instrument tried but PCSD declaration was postponed due to hold-in-abeyance notice of the concerned LGU Officials/Mayors. The issue was forwarded to the NCIP to perform administrative requirements to satisfy the social acceptability/harmonization criteria with the concerned Local Government units that calls for an endorsement of the former as required by the Council. In the exigency of service, the PCSDS tried another option of protection and conservation mechanism that calls for direct engagement of the IPs in the needed conservation measures within their respective ancestral claim. The guideline has been drafted and will be subjected to public hearing scheduled as 2016 activity.


Formulation/Development of Indigenous Community Conserved Areas Program

Recognition and support to the Indigenous Community Conserved Areas (ICCA) will strengthen effective governance and management of KBAs/hotspots. Support is needed to pursue other activities to complete the plan, documentation and implementation of IKSP by every ethnic/tribal group. The request for assistance could not be all implemented by the PCSDS due to limited funds of the ECAN Zones Management Component for every year of operation. The distinction of every tribe calls for a complete documentation of IKSP for guidance in the implementation and management of conserved areas and basis of decisions in the conflict resolution. It is also recommended that documentation of the IPO, IPS and Community Resource Development Plan of each tribe be pushed through. This will serve as guide for appropriate approach, support, and project implementation process in each community.

0 For the expansion of protected area within the Cleopatra’s Needle, the PCSDS in

collaboration with non-government organizations will assist the tribes in the documentation/plan formulation and implementation of identified programs for the protection and conservation of biodiversity within the ancestral domain claims.

5.1.4 Other Activities Toward Preservation of Indigenous Peoples and Their Culture

- Converged NGOs and POs in form of focus group discussions for processing of collaborative activities in the protection and conservation of other mountain ranges (like Victoria and Anepahan).

- Provided assistance in the preparation of framework plan for the Community Royalty

Development Fund of ICCs covered by mining operations. Consultation meeting participated by the Tagbanua, Palaw-an, and Palaw-an Muslim tribes in Southern Palawan yielded to clarity in some of Indigenous peoples customary law with the intervention of the NCIP and the mining companies.

Community consultations with Indigenous People’s groups around Palawan


5.2 CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF THREATENED SPECIES AND THEIR HABITATS

In its periodic review report, the Palawan BR submitted the following proposed actions on this issue: declaration of Critical Habitats as Core Zones as under ECAN; establishment of Biodiversity Monitoring System; implementation of the programme on adoption of flagship species; operation as CITES Management Authority for Palawan; implementation of the Wildlife Act. Initiatives in the Palawan BR in response to this issue/concern.

All the accomplishments and related activities discussed below are within the legal framework of RA 9147 or the “Wildlife Act” which stipulates that the PCSD shall be the implementing agency in the province of Palawan. RA 9147 aims to 1) conserve and protect wildlife species and their habitats to promote ecological balance and enhance biological diversity, 2) regulate the collection and trade of wildlife, 3) to pursue, with due regard to the national interest, the Philippine commitment to international conventions on protection of wildlife and their habitats, and 4) to initiate or support scientific studies on the conservation of biological diversity. In pursuance to this, PCSD Administrative Order No. 12, series of 2011 (“Detailed Guidelines in the Implementation of RA 9147 & Joint DENR-DA-PCSD AO # 1 As May Be Made Applicable in the Province of Palawan”) was adopted and approved. This is the same Administrative Order that guides PCSD/S in its implementation of wildlife-related activities such as follows:

5.2.1 Habitat Protection And Management

Critical Habitats as Core Zones under ECAN The Legal Framework

The PCSD declared critical habitats as Core Zones under ECAN pursuant to PCSD Resolution No. 13-4811. The guidelines embodied in this resolution prescribe the requirements and procedures how the identified and established “Critical Habitats” shall be declared as “Core Zones” under the ECAN Zoning in accordance with the provisions of RA 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act) and the SEP Law. Moreover, the existing “Core Zone Areas” which can be identified through scientific methods as habitats of threatened species may be declared as Critical habitats to ensure strict protection. Penal provisions prohibit activities such as dumping of waste products detrimental to wildlife, squatting or otherwise occupying any portion of the critical habitat, mineral exploration and/or extraction, burning, logging and quarrying. An imprisonment of one (1) month to eight (8) years and/or a fine of Five Thousand Pesos (PhP 5,000.00) to Five million pesos (PhP 5,000,000.00) shall be imposed to those who will violate these.

To ensure the protection of the critical habitats, the “Critical Habitat Management Board” (CHMB) will be created. This will be responsible for the formulation of a “Critical Habitat Management Plan”. The PCSD will exhaust effort to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)/ Partnership Agreement with concerned Local Government Unit, 1 Accessible Online. Http://pcsd.gov.ph/resolutions/resolutions/wildlife/PCSD%20Resolution%20no.%2013-481.pdf


People’s Organization (PO), Non-Government Organization (NGO), Indigenous People/Indigenous Cultural Community (IP/ICC), private sector or other concerned entities for the management of critical habitat ensuring shared governance/responsibility in managing natural resources. Critical Habitats in the Province of Palawan In accordance with the said guidelines, certain areas in the municipality of Dumaran, Palawan are already declared as Critical Habitat in 2014 through PCSD Resolution No. 14-513 (A Resolution Declaring Certain Areas in Brgys. Poblacion, Sto. Tomas, Bohol and San Juan in the Municipality of Dumaran in the Province of Palawan as Critical Habitat Pursuant to RA 9147) hereto attached as Annex “I”. In order to strengthen the enforcement of wildlife laws and policies within the Dumaran Critical Habitat, trainings for the deputation of Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEOs) were conducted through the collaboration of the Dumaran Municipal Government, Katala Foundation, Inc. and PCSDS. There are a total of fourteen (14) KFI personnel deputized as WEOs who can police within the range of the Dumaran critical habitat, and by virtue of the Wildlife Act they are already empowered to enforce existing wildlife laws, rules and regulations. Other identified areas will likewise be declared as critical habitats. Initial works related to these areas have been done already by several entities such as PCSDS, Local Government Units concerned, Western Philippines University, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Palawan NGO Network Inc. (PNNI), Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC), IDEAS, Crocodylus Porosus Philippines, Inc. (CPPI) and Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP). These proposed critical habitats include the “Victoria-Anepahan Mountain Range (VAMR), Lake Tagbunsaing in Quezon, Palawan; Lake Manguao in Taytay, Palawan; Crocodile Sanctuaries in Balabac and Rizal, Palawan; Cleopatra’s Needle which is adjacent to the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR); portion of the ancestral domain claim of Batak Tribe in Roxas, Palawan. Specific actions conducted in the proposed sites in relation to the guidelines for the declaration of “Critical Habitats” area already identified (please refer to Table 6).

Table 6. Proposed Critical Habitats in the Province of Palawan

Proposed Critical Habitat Status/Updates

Victoria-Anepahan Mountain Range (VAMR)

Threats analysis conducted; Logical Framework Formulated; Coordinating Body created such as follows:

1. PNNI: Ms. Loreto Cagatulla 2. IDEAS : Mr. Roger Garinga 3. WPU: Dr. Lita Sopsop 4. NTFP-EP Philippines: Mr. Manuel Uy 5. PCSDS: Merlinda Hilario and Levita Lagrada 6. UNDP: Dr. Ma. Teresa Aquino 7. ELAC: Atty. Gerthie Anda


Lake Tagbunsaing in Quezon, Palawan

Community resource mapping conducted

Lake Manguao in Taytay, Palawan

Biodiversity Assessment conducted;

Declared already as Local Conservation Area by the Municipality of Taytay, Palawan

Crocodile Sanctuaries in Balabac and Rizal, Palawan

Confirmed already the presence of crocodiles through actual field surveys and community interviews. Surveys were conducted in partnership with CPPI and PNNI

Cleopatra’s Needle Biodiversity assessments conducted already by the Center of Sustainability (CS); community consultations performed;

Within Ancestral Domain Claim of Batak Tribe in Roxas, Palawan

Resource and biodiversity assessments conducted; consultation with the Barangay and Municipal LGUs and awaiting their response;

5.2.2 Species Management Policy Development: Adoption of Flagship Species Policy development in the adoption of flagship species by LGUs is now being undertaken to ensure the conservation of these species. The draft “Guidelines on the Selection and Management of Flagship Species by the Local Government Units” has been reviewed by the Palawan Wildlife Management Committee (PWMC) which recommended the same to the PCSD/Council for the latter’s subsequent adoption and approval. The guidelines aim to ensure that species selected by LGUs shall be effective, and that private entities are engaged in the conservation and management of the subject species including their habitats. In the same guidelines, all LGUs at the municipal level are required to submit to PCSD their respective selected flagship species for the latter’s approval and subsequent declaration as flagship species by the former. After which, LGUs are required to formulate “Conservation Strategies” for the management and conservation of their respective chosen flagship species. Policy Development: Adopt-A-Wildlife Species Program In order to provide avenues for a public-private-partnership among the Local Government Units (LGUs), the private sector, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Peoples’ Organizations (POs), academic and scientific institutions and other interested individuals to pursue and implement their respective mandates and advocacies as well as the government’s commitment to international communities towards biodiversity conservation and species extinction prevention, the Adopt-A-Wildlife Species Program, “A-Wild Pro” is established, adopted and approved by the PCSD through the PCSD Resolution No. 15-527 (“Establishing the Adopt-A-Wildlife Species Program, A-Wild Pro, for the Conservation of Threatened Species and Its Habitats in the Province of Palawan and Providing the Guidelines Thereof”) on May 28, 2015.


It is expected that through this program, conservation actions can be pursued in collaboration with private entities without making any additional costs to them in accordance with Section 34 of RA 9147 and Section 101 of RA 8424 or the Tax Code of 1997 which specifically provide for exemption from donor’s tax and allowable deduction from taxable income, respectively. In relation thereto, a mechanism is being worked out with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) of the Republic of the Philippines to make a guidelines that will identify and describe procedures that would enable the implementation of PCSD’s A-Wild Pro. It is expected that contributions or donations to “Adopt-a-Wildlife Species Program” would contribute to the protection and conservation of certain species of wildlife.

Policy Development: Disposition of Turned Over, Donated and/or Confiscated Wildlife Pursuant to Section 8 of PCSD AO # 12 which provides for the PCSD to establish wildlife rescue centers in Palawan, PCSD Resolution No. 13-480 (“Approving the Guidelines for the Establishment and Management of Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in the Province of Palawan”)2 was adopted and approved for implementation in the province. In the said guidelines, it is not necessary for the PCSD to establish its own center but it can accredit centers that would qualify to the standards indicated therein. Criteria for the disposition of wildlife housed at the rescue and/or rehabilitation centers are set in the same guidelines which guide PCSD/S in the disposition of donated, turned over or confiscated wildlife.

Policy Development: Threatened List In order to guide all entities working towards the conservation and protection of Palawan’s rich wildlife resources, the PCSD Resolution No. 10-413 (Updated List of Terrestrial/ Marine Wildlife in Palawan and their Categories Pursuant to Republic Act 9147) was updated in 2014 through PCSD Resolution No. 15-521 (A Resolution Approving the 2014 Terrestrial and Marine Wildlife in Palawan and their Categories pursuant to Republic Act 9147, otherwise known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act)3. In summary, the list included wildlife species which are classified as Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN) and Vulnerable (Vu) as shown in Table 7.

2 Accessible Online.Http://pcsd.gov.ph/resolutions/resolutions/wildlife/PCSD%20Resolution%2013-480.pdf 3 Accessible Online. Http://pcsd.gov.ph/resolutions/2015%20resolutions/15-521.pdf


Table 7. Summary of Wildlife Species and Their Conservation Status Pursuant to PCSD Resolution No. 413

Establishment of Biodiversity Monitoring System

In order to monitor the status of biodiversity for conservation and management purposes, the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) started in 2015 to employ Biodiversity Monitoring System (BMS) and will continue it on an annual basis starting next year. The Palawan Flora, Fauna and Watershed Reserve in Puerto Princesa City will be establishing monitoring plots within the area to commence in 2016. The Dumaran Critical Habitat (a local conservation area in the municipality of Dumaran, Palawan), through its forest wardens, performs regular patrolling within the designated areas which form part of the BMS methods. International Celebration

In accordance with the declaration of the “World Wildlife Day”, it was celebrated in the province in 2014 through exhibit which was displayed at Robinsons Place, Palawan. This aimed to promote people’s knowledge and awareness of Palawan’s very rich wildlife resources both terrestrial and aquatic as well as to encourage them to protect and conserve these resources. It was the same reason why the exhibit featured marine and terrestrial ecosystems of Palawan as can be seen in the photos next page.


All wildlife specimens utilized/displayed in the exhibit were either confiscated, donated or turned over to PCSDS during the period 2012-2015 for proper custody. These displays were witnessed/viewed by students from the different academic institutions in the City as well as the general public who visited the mall during the exhibit period (3 days).

Wildlife Exhibit during the World Wildlife Day in 2014 at Robinson’s Place, Palawan. 5.2.3 Regulation RA 9147 or the “Wildlife Act” does not prohibit the utilization of wildlife resources for economic purposes to contribute to the sustainable development goals. However, it ensures that these resources are not exploited and sustainably managed. Thus, in order to regulate the collection and utilization of wildlife resources, different permits as provided for in the act were issued by the PCSD/S from 2012 to 2015, depending on the type of uses. These permits include Wildlife Farm Permit (WFP), Wildlife Collector’s Permit (WCP), Wildlife Gratuitous Permit (GP), Local Transport Permit (LTP) and Wildlife Special Use Permit (WSUP).

As can be observed in Figure 7 (next page), there was an increase in the issuance of LTP, WCP and WSUP which started in 2014 until 2015 due to the implementation of the Revised PCSD Administrative Order No. 5, series of 2014 (Guidelines for the Regulation and Monitoring of Catching, Culture, Trade, Transport and Export of Reef-fish-for-food in Palawan) . Although this order allows the collection of economically important marine fishes for economic purposes, but specifically for Plectropomus leopardus, Epinephelus


coioides, E. fuscoguttatus only, it provides for size and seasonal restrictions to ensure that these resources are sustainably managed.

Figure 7. Number of Wildlife Related Permits Issued from 2010 to 2015

The issuance of WCP allows for the catching of the above-indicated species, WSUP allows individuals to engage in the buying and selling or trading of the same fishes and LTP allows WSUP holders to bring these marine fishes from the province to anywhere else in the Philippines. Further, PCSD, being the CITES Management Authority for both terrestrial and coastal-marine areas in Palawan as recognized by the CITES Secretariat in 2012, regulates the exportation and importation of wildlife specimens and for which, Export Permit, Import Permit and export/import certifications were issued by the PCSDS. Figure 8 shows that in a 3-year period of issuing export and import permits/certifications, PCSDS issued the highest number in 2014 specifically for non-CITES species. It was due to the operation in 2014 of Malaysian airlines from Malaysia to Palawan and vice versa which carried individuals from Malaysia with edible birds nest permitted by the Malaysian government to be brought/traded to the Philippines. Eventually, it decreased in 2015 with the absence of Malaysian airlines flying to Palawan.

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Figure 8. Permits issued for export and import of wildlife specimens

Export and import of CITES-listed species were issued with Export and Import Permits with CITES logo, respectively. While export and import of non-CITES species were issued with export and import certifications without CITES logo, respectively.

5.2.4 Local and International Cooperation In order that the global perspectives on wildlife resources conservation and protection, including their habitats, are implemented at the national and local scales, and at the same time, share the local experiences to global partners, PCSD/S and its partners/stakeholders in the province participated in the different international fora such as, among others, IUCN-SSC-Pangolin Specialist Group Conference in Singapore in 2012, ASEAN Meeting on the Protection of Marine Turtles Foraging Habitats in Malaysia in 2012, CITES Conference of the Parties (CoP) in Thailand in 2013, COBRA in Thailand in 2013 and First Pangolin Range States Meeting in Vietnam in June 2015. At the provincial level, the Palawan Wildlife Management Committee (PWMC) created under PCSD Administrative Order No. 12 is reactivated this year (2015) to provide technical assistance to the PCSD in its implementation of the Wildlife Act. PWMC is composed of the heads of offices of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources –Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-PENRO), Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), Palawan State University (PSU), Western Philippines University, Holy Trinity University, Provincial ENRO, Port Manager of the Philippine Ports Authority, Airport Manager of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Chairman of the League of Municipal Mayors of Palawan, Palawan NGO Network, Inc. and Provincial Philippine National Police.

Lately, a Consultation Workshop for the Development of a Wildlife Management Program of the province was held at the PSDTI Bldg. in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. It was participated by the different stakeholders and aimed to identify the gaps and pressing needs for wildlife management attuned to sustainable development agenda of the province and the State. The conduct of the said workshop was funded by the Philippine Tropical Forestry Conservation Foundation (PTFCF) and in partnership with the Katala Foundation, Inc (KFI).

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Participants of the Province-wide Consultation Workshop for the Development of a Wildlife Management Program of Palawan held on 23 October 2015


6 INCLUSION OF THE PPUR WORLD HERITAGE SITE AND ITS BUFFER ZONE INTO THE CORE AREA OF THE PALAWAN BR FOLLOWING THE ECAN OF THE SEP

In its periodic review report, the Palawan BR submitted the following proposed action on this issue: expansion of the PPUR area to include the surrounding adjacent forests.

Initiatives in the Palawan BR in response to this issue/concern.

The PPUR is locally known as the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) with a Philippine government declaration in 1999. The PPSRNP is part of the National Integrated Protected Areas System of the Philippines. The world heritage site follows a multi-zoning scheme, Figure 9, based on the zoning criteria of the Environmentally Critical Areas Network (ECAN) of the Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) for Palawan. The SEP law was signed in 1992 and adopted the UNESCO Man and Biosphere management zoning scheme. This same zoning for the PPUR is integrated into the ECAN zoning map of the City of Puerto Princesa duly adopted by the city government.

Figure 9. Map of current management zones of PPUR World Heritage Site/PPSR National

Park The PCSD and the Management of the PPUR recognizes the importance of including a buffer zone to protect the rich biodiversity of areas located adjacent to the declared core


zones based on recent scientific studies. The process of re-designing the zones specifically to include buffer zones is ongoing until 2016. This involves technical discussions and workshops, and stakeholders consultation. In addition, the absence of a long term tourism plan is being addressed in the on-going formulation of the PPSRNP’s Strategic Management Plan covering the period of 2016 – 2020. A related research on biodiversity to further expand the area of the PPUR is ongoing. The PCSD is likewise collaborating with research and conservation institutions. This includes collaboration with the Centre for Sustainability, to establish the Cleopatra’s Needle Forest Reserve, a Key Biodiversity Area, to ensure the protection of the biodiversity resources and eventually form part of the expansion of the existing Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park. The Memorandum of Agreement on this regard, signed in 2014, is herein attached as Annex I.


7 MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT THE CURRENT ZONES AND DELINEATE CLEAR DEMARCATION OF THE ZONATION

In its periodic review report, the Palawan BR submitted the following proposed actions on this issue: bio-fencing of selected core areas in the terrestrial zone; demarcation of MPAs.

Initiatives in the Palawan BR in response to this issue/concern.

Figure 10 shows the current breakdown of the Terrestrial ECAN Zones for the Palawan BR. The figure shows that more than a third of the Palawan BR is protection zone (Core Zone + Restricted Use Zone) with the rest under different levels of allowed activities/development.

Figure 10. Terrestrial ECAN Zones, Palawan BR The current zoning system (stipulated in PCSD Resolution No. 05-250 or the Revised ECAN Guidelines4) of the Palawan BR has its advantage of being strong in the three pillars of sustainable development: (1) environment by providing maximum protection to the environment and biodiversity such as natural forests, coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangrove forests, and habitats of endangered species and endangered habitats that provide ecosystem services that feed into the economy and general welfare of Palawan communities; (2) economy by advocating for the best use of areas for development; and (3) equitable access to natural resources including the provision of areas for indigenous communities.

4 Accessible Online. Http://pcsd.gov.ph/resolutions/resolutions/sep/res05-250.htm

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Multiple Use Zone Core zone Controlled Use Area

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Figure 11. Graphical presentation of the ECAN Zones of Palawan BR Furthermore, the designation of high elevated and sloping areas as part of protection zone are safeguards against soil erosion and landslides, while mangrove forests serve as the first line of defense against strong winds and waves. These make the current ECAN zoning system of the Palawan BR climate resilient. Figure 11 shows the graphical presentation of the zones of Palawan BR. The current ECAN zoning system is a dynamic process as it allows for changes in land use zones as latest scientific data are made available and as the sustainable development needs change overtime. This is now being experienced in the Palawan BR driven by the demand for space and materials with the fast paced development the province is experiencing. Actual ground delineation remains to be a challenge, an area that provide opportunity to link up with the other BRs and would require technical assistance. The current scheme is through law enforcement but remains to be partly effective and short term.


8 NEW ZONATION SYSTEM UNDER THE UNESCO BR CONCEPT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED

In its periodic review report, the Palawan BR indicated in its proposed action that its zonation is based on the UNESCO BR guidelines, as such, there is no further need to consider the new zonation system. Initiatives in the Palawan BR in response to this issue/concern. The new zonation concept that gives emphasis on the three pronged functions of BRs as areas for Conservation, Development and hosts/platform for research network is being pursued in the Palawan BR under the framework of the Strategic Environmental for Palawan Act, the Philippine law that institutionalize sustainable development for the province of Palawan and provided the ECAN as its main implementation mechanism. The three functions of the BRs are well articulated in the law through the provision of a system of research and environmental monitoring to track the implementation of initiatives in the Palawan BR, make adjustments, and provide options for the future. Among the initiatives being implemented include the establishment of Knowledge Platform to integrate information in the province and make available to everyone, the conduct of Annual Research Symposium for the sharing of information between researchers and research users, the crafting of Research Agenda driven by the development needs of the Palawan BR, and the development of a long term Biodiversity Action Plan that covers both biodiversity conservation, utilization, development, business enterprise, revenue, and financing in relation to CBD and the Aichi targets, among others.


9 IMPORTANT HABITATS OF MARINE ANIMALS (I.E. CORALS, MANGROVE, SEAGRASS) SHOULD BE IDENTIFIED AND INCORPORATED IN THE BR

In its periodic review report, the Palawan BR proposed the identification of the habitat of threatened species and designated as core zone of the ECAN. Initiatives in the Palawan BR in response to this issue/concern: Coastal Habitat Management. Protecting coastal ecosystems by declaring such as Marine Protected Areas (MPA) increases ecosystem resiliency to natural or man-made disturbances. In Palawan, PCSD is targeting for the declaration and management of at least 10% of the municipal waters protected. The 10% minimum target is part of the country compliance to the Aichi Biodiversity Target No. 11 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Aichi target aims for effective and equitable conservation and management of coastal and marine areas by 2020. At present, the province of Palawan has declared 13.44% out of the total 45,800 square kilometers of its municipal waters as MPA. Managed areas include marine component of nationally-declared protected areas, locally-declared sanctuaries and no-take zones as well as pearl farm concessions that are treated as de facto Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Breakdown of Palawan MPA status is shown in Table 9 below.

Table 9. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Palawan BR as of 2015.

Management of the rest of the declared areas or identification and declaration of new ones are target for completion by 2020. As the collaborator of the UNDP-GEF project titled “Strengthening the Marine Protected Areas to Conserve Key Biodiversity Areas”, PCSD is working for the effective management of the Southern Palawan MPAs and establishment of the Southern Palawan MPA network. A Palawan MPA Network Plan has been formulated and is currently being implemented together with the WWF-Philippines and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist. The plan works on clustering several area networks identified by geographic location for better manageability. The clusters area as follows: Southern Palawan – Sulu Sea Cluster, Western Palawan Cluster, Northern Palawan Cluster and Calamianes Group of Islands Cluster. PCSD works with the USAID–ECOFISH Project for the coastal assessment of the Municipalities in the Calamianes Group of Islands covering Coron, Culion, Busuanga and Linapacan. Calamianes Marine Protected Areas Network Cluster is being undertaken in partnership with USAID-ECOFISH Project and the Provincial Agriculture Office.

Marine Protected Area Management . Palawan. 2015

has. sq.km %Total Municipal Waters (in Has.) 4,580,000.00 45,800.00Total Declared 615,560.18 6,155.60 13.44Total Effectively Managed 398,656.03 3,986.56 8.70Total Proposed 13,580.81 135.81 0.30


10 PROVIDE ZONATION MAP OF THE COASTAL/MARINE PART

In its periodic review report, the Palawan BR indicated that this activity is ongoing based on the data and information from CRA and CRM. Initiatives in the Palawan BR on this concern: The Environmentally Critical Areas Network (ECAN) Zonation for Coastal/Marine Areas Various stakeholders have been involved in different initiatives in the province. Numerous local and international non-government organizations (NGO), national and local based government agencies, people’s organizations as well as academic institutions have either completed or are currently implementing project undertakings ranging from resource profiling; management and conservation; livelihood and enterprise intervention; capacity building and information; enforcement activities and policy studies and review among others. These initiatives are vital components in ensuring “shared benefits–shared responsibility” approach. Engaging various levels of stakeholders in local resource management ensures long-term sustainable use of marine and coastal resources of the municipality. Sustainable use of fishery resources secures the livelihoods of local fishery communities, alleviates poverty, enables locals to manage own marine and coastal resources, heightening awareness of environmental issues and management practices. To be able to effectively manage the coastal/marine areas, the Palawan BR though the PCSD has been implementing periodic assessment of the marine life condition through the Coastal Resource Assessment/Monitoring activities. Status of the mangrove forest, coral reef health, seagrass bed condition and fish visual census is being undertaken to provide a municipal and provincial coastal situational analysis. The output of this assessment serves as one of basis in the development of the ECAN Coastal Map. Existing locally or nationally-declared marine protected areas, privately–managed areas devoted for conservation as well as areas with commercial water lease agreements that are conserved and/or protected are likewise included in the map. Areas intended for general use as well as areas devoted for navigation and cultural use are considered as layers. Initial Coastal-Marine ECAN Zonation of Selected Areas in Palawan With the above process, the ECAN Map of Puerto Princesa City was completed and adopted by the City Council as shown in Figure 12. In 2015, the ECAN Coastal Map of the municipalities of Roxas and Taytay have been completed and are ready for adoption by the respective local legislative bodies in 2016. Both maps are shown in Figures 13 and 14, respectively. Current initiatives for the preparation of ECAN Coastal Maps are being undertaken for the municipalities of Aborlan and Cagayancillo in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund for Nature-Philippines, which are due for completion by 1stquarter of 2016. Development of the ECAN Coastal Maps for the northern Palawan municipalities of El Nido and San Vicente are targeted for preparation in 2016. Meanwhile, the ECAN coastal maps for the five (5) southern Palawan municipalities (Aborlan, Narra, Sofronio Espanola, Brooke’s Point and Bataraza) are set for completion in partnership with the UNDP-GEF project of the Department of Agriculture-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI) in 2018. Coastal-marine ECANization of all 24 municipalities is programmed to be completed by 2020.


Figure 12. Terrestrial & Coastal ECAN Map of Puerto Princesa City (Central Palawan)


Figure 13. Terrestrial & Coastal ECAN Map of Roxas Municipality (Northern Palawan)


Figure 14. Terrestrial and Coastal ECAN of Taytay Municipality (Northern Palawan)


IV. MOVING FORWARD: PLANNING FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE FUTURE OF PALAWAN BIOSPHERE RESERVE

Consistent with PCSD’s its mandate to set the direction and development trajectory of Palawan BR, the Council has initiated the crafting of the sustainable development agenda for Palawan. In 2014 the PCSD Staff, in collaboration with its public and private partners, has prepared the Palawan Sustainable Development Strategy and Action Plan (PSDSAP) (see http://pcsd.gov.ph/psdsap), consistent with the Aichi Targets on biodiversity and on the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP). The PSDSAP contains a menu of actions to maintain the uniqueness, natural capital, and outstanding ecological and cultural character of Palawan. It anticipates the future challenges facing the BR such as the negative impacts of climate change and extreme weather events. The PSDSAP is a product of a consultative and participatory process in order to take into account the concerns of all sectors of society. From July to September 2014, a total of four (4) intensive multi-stakeholder planning workshops were undertaken in Puerto Princesa City. Each workshop covered a geographic cluster of Palawan: northern Palawan Island, southern Palawan Island, island municipalities, and province wide. The workshops were attended by hundreds of participants from local governments, national government agencies, non-government agencies, representatives from farmers and fisherfolks, women, youth, indigenous cultural communities, business and industry sector, and the academe. The basic idea that underpins the PSDSAP is the maintenance of the natural resource base of Palawan that is the foundation of its socioeconomic and environmental sectors and industries. In so doing, it contributes to the perpetuation of goods and services provided by Palawan ecosystems which are under threat from both natural and anthropogenic threats. The continuous flow of these materials derives from the built-in design, structure, and functions of natural ecosystems that constitute the "ecological infrastructure" of Palawan, as opposed to built physical infrastructure. This natural resource base is the basis for the creation of economic wealth through the delivery of ecosystem services. The vision of PSDSAP is a good and dignified life enjoyed by the people of Palawan, through the establishment of a green economy supported by green jobs and sustainable energy. In the context of Palawan BR, green economy means the pursuit of an ecologically-balanced and biodiversity-centered economic development. This is only possible if development is undertaken within the carrying capacity of Palawan’s natural ecosystems, and the projects and activities to be introduced are geared toward maximizing the benefits derived from the environment and natural resources while preventing or minimizing the negative impacts from those projects and activities. As the blueprint for Palawan conservation and development, the PSDSAP strategy and actions focus on the following aspects:

re-greening of Palawan innovations in regulating the use of high-valued resources and effectively managing

high-conservation value areas (HCVAs) ECAN-based adaptation to climate change and extreme weather events creation of green jobs or jobs that contribute toward restocking of natural resources implementation of welfare projects (water system, roads, and classrooms)

http://pcsd.gov.ph/psdsap


broadening of the economic and agricultural base of communities, and development of sustainable energy sources

The PSDSAP strategy is the ECAN, the same sustainable development strategy outlined in the 1992 SEP for Palawan Act. ECAN provides the operational definition of sustainability through three (3) major actions: (i) the maintenance and protection of ECAN Core Zones, (ii) the wise use of ECAN Buffer Zones, and (iii) the sustainable management of ECAN Multiple Use Zone. The SEP Law in fact already provides the framework for pursuing sustainable courses of action when it declared that “[The State] shall support and promote the sustainable development goals [SDGs] for the provinces through proper conservation, utilization and development of natural resources to provide optimum yields on a continuing basis.” The PSDSAP actions are laid down in ten (10) core themes/sectors of ecology, economy, society, culture, and governance. With the adoption of seventeen (17) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015, the PCSD Staff and its partners decided to revise the PSDSAP core themes to come up with an enhanced set of local themes for Palawan BR. Below is the 13-point agenda of Palawan which has already been the basis of the sustainable development research agenda drafted during the 2nd Palawan Research Symposium recently held in Puerto Princesa City in December 2015.

Key words Statement

Goal 1. Ecological Stability and Continuous Formation of Natural Capital 1. Life on Land Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial

ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, watershed and freshwater ecosystems, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss. 1a. Ensure the sustainable management of forests. 1b. Prevent the degradation of water quality of freshwater ecosystems. 1c. Ensure availability and management of water and sanitation for all.

2. Life Below Water Conserve and sustainably manage the coastal and marine ecosystems for sustainable development.

3. Combat Climate Change Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

Goal 2. Economic Wealth Created and Equitably Distributed 4. Sustainable Urban and Rural

Communities Make communities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

5. Innovation, Energy and Resource Efficiency, Enterprise, and Physical Infrastructure

Ensure access to sustainable energy and resilient infrastructures, and ensure responsible consumption and production patterns.

6. Economic Growth and Sustainable Tourism

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and sustainably manage the tourism industry.

Goal 3. Social and Cultural Capital Protected, Developed, and Enhanced


Key words Statement 7. Indigenous Peoples Empower indigenous peoples and reduce poverty among

them.

8. Zero Hunger Ensure optimum fishery and agricultural yields and ensure food security.

8. Equality and Prosperity for All

End or eradicate all forms of poverty and inequality.

10. Quality Education for All Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

11. Good Health and Well-Being Ensure a quality and healthy life for all ages, improve human capabilities and reduce human vulnerabilities.

Goal 4. Rights-Based Governance in Place to Facilitate Sustainable Development 12. Peace, Justice and Good

Governance Promote peace, inclusive development, environmental justice and transparent and good governance.

13. Sustainable Financing and Partnerships

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the partnership for sustainable development.

For each of the thirteen (13) enhanced SDGs of PSDSAP, sustainable outcomes and measurable targets and indicators targets will be set to steer Palawan BR toward the desired state of shared economic prosperity, social development, and environmental protection. Collectively, the Palawan SDGs represent the complete package or the full recipe for protecting the future people and environment of Palawan. It also requires setting aside enough funds for the ecological security or insurance of Palawan ecosystems. This also requires an ecosystems ('whole-of-system') thinking and ecosystem-based adaptation wherein conservation supports development and actions are supportive of/or are appropriate to local culture. In order to protect the 'future', we need to protect first the present environment and natural resources, the present people, and the present economic system. To anticipate and directly address the threats to the natural assets of Palawan, a strategic set of objectives and indicators have to be put in place. The next step thus is for the identified SDGs to be vertically integrated or cascaded to all existing local plans (provincial, city, municipal) so that the plans are all consistent in terms of goals, objectives, targets, and success indicators. The targets at the provincial level will be disaggregated at the municipal level. An information system for all SDGs will be established to measure the sustainable development performance of Palawan and the success of each plan. The enhanced Palawan SDGs will serve as the primary reference in developing a monitoring and evaluation mechanism for the goals. This means that direct implementation of all plans, including PSDSAP, will lead toward the achievement of the Palawan SDGs. The PCSD Staff will lead the joint activity among stakeholders in Palawan and Puerto Princesa City to set indicators and corresponding quantitative measures of Palawan SDGs. The indicators and measures will be developed by experts and these will be communicated and mainstreamed to all concerned stakeholders. This activity will consolidate, organize, and unify the conservation and development goals of the public and private sectors in Palawan and Puerto Princesa City.


By 2016, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) will produce a Philippine Sustainable Development Plan. With the PSDSAP, Palawan is already in the frontlines in pursuing the post-2015 agenda of sustainable development and is on track toward meeting SDGs at the subnational level. To meet Palawan SDGs and enhance its BR status, the PCSD as the de facto management authority of Palawan BR will focus on the following components between now and 2020:

Strengthening and institutionalization of the ECAN Management of landscapes and resources ◦ Forest and watershed management ◦ Coastal/Marine resources development and management ◦ Wildlife and caves resources conservation and protection ◦ Management of HCVAs (protected areas, ancestral domains, and wetlands)

Climate change adaptation Enforcement of environmental laws and monitoring Implementation of support activities ◦ Interdisciplinary research and knowledge management ◦ Training and capacity building ◦ Environmental communication and advocacy ◦ Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation System (EMES)

Sustainable financing and partnerships Together with its sustainable development partners, the PCSD will lead the formulation and coordination of policies, guidelines, and mechanisms to meet Palawan SDGs and address gaps in their achievement. It will spearhead the monitoring and measurement of sustainable development performance indicators and the designation of model (demonstration) sites on sustainable development.


References:

Bream, Jesus E. (2015). Live Reef Fish for Food. Discussion Paper presented. 19 Nov 2015. 3pp Cadigal, Glenda M. (2015). ECANization of Coastal Marine Areas. Discussion Paper during the

Stakeholder’s Meeting, PCSDS Conference Room. 19 Nov 2015. 8pp Garinga, Roger, (2013). Revisiting Threats in Mt. Mantalingahan Protected Landscape (MMPL): A

Report”. A Project of Mt. Mantalingahan Protected Landscape - Protected Area Management Board (MMPL-PAMB) through the Institute for the Development of Educational and Ecological Alternatives Inc (IDEAS) funded by Philippine Tropical Forestry Conservation Foundation (PTFCF).

PCSDS (2014). Palawan Sustainable Development Strategy and Action Plan 2015-2020. Palawan

Council for Sustainable Development, Puerto Princesa City, Philippines. PCSDS (2015): State of the Environment, Province of Palawan, Philippines, 2015 Updates. Palawan

Council for Sustainable Development, Puerto Princesa City, Philippines. White, A.T. and A. Cruz-Trinidad (1998). The Values of Philippine Coastal Resources: Why

Protection and Management are Critical. Coastal Resource Management Project, Cebu City, Philippines, 96 p

Online References: Https://dapaes.wordpress.com Http://pcsd.gov.ph/resolutions/resolutions/wildlife/PCSD%20Resolution%2013-480.pdf Http://pcsd.gov.ph/resolutions/2015%20resolutions/15-521.pdf Http://pcsd.gov.ph/resolutions/resolutions/wildlife/PCSD%20Resolution%20no.%2013-481.pdf Http://pcsd.gov.ph/resolutions/resolutions/sep/res05-250.htm

https://dapaes.wordpress.com/


LIST OF ANNEXES

Page

Annex A Copy of the MAB-ICC Letter to UNESCO-Philippines 75

Annex B Checklist of MAB-ICC Recommendations to Palawan BR 78

Annex C Palawan LGU (Puerto Princesa City) Ordinance Adopting the Organic Agriculture Program for 2015

79

Annex D Memorandum of Cooperation of the Palawan Knowledge Platform for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development (PKP)

85

Annex E List of Paper and Poster Presentations During the Symposium as Contained in the Program

88

Annex F Memorandum of Understanding Between Asia Climate Change Education Center (Korea) and PCSD

94

Annex G Palawan BR and Jeju Island BR Memorandum of Understanding for Sisterhood Relationship

98

Annex H PCSD Resolution No. 14-513 (A Resolution Declaring Certain Areas in Brgys. Poblacion, Sto. Tomas, Bohol and San Juan in the Municipality of Dumaran in the Province of Palawan as Critical Habitat Pursuant to RA 9147).

100

Annex I Memorandum of Agreement Between PCSD and Centre for Sustainability on the collaboration to establish the Cleopatra’s Needle Forest Reserve adjacent to the Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park.

103


ANNEX ‘A’

Copy of the MAB-ICC Letter to UNESCO-Philippines




ANNEX ‘B’

Checklist of MAB-ICC Recommendations to Palawan BR


ANNEX ‘C’

Palawan LGU (Puerto Princesa City) Ordinance Adopting the Organic Agriculture Program for 2015







ANNEX ‘D’

Memorandum of Cooperation of the Palawan Knowledge Platform for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development (PKP)




ANNEX ‘E’

List of Paper and Poster Presentations During the 2ND Palawan Research Symposium Contained in the Program







ANNEX ‘F’

Palawan BR and Jeju Island BR Memorandum of Understanding for Sisterhood Relationship





ANNEX ‘G’

Memorandum of Understanding Between Asia Climate Change Education Center (Korea) and Palawan Council for Sustainable Development

(PCSD, Philippines)



ANNEX ‘H’

PCSD Resolution No. 14-513 (A Resolution Declaring Certain Areas in Brgys. Poblacion, Sto. Tomas, Bohol and San Juan in the Municipality of Dumaran in the

Province of Palawan as Critical Habitat Pursuant to RA 9147)




ANNEX ‘I’

Memorandum of Agreement Between PCSD and Centre for Sustainability for Collaboration to Establish the Cleopatra’s Needle Forest Reserve Adjacent to the

Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park






Documents

Republic of the Philippines Palawan Biosphere Reserve ... Periodic-Progress...Page List of Tables 4 List of Figures 5 Acronyms 6 Executive Summary 8 I. INTRODUCTION 15 II. PURPOSE