Adoption of Ridge to Reef Approach in Project Implementation
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LGU Participation in NORTHERN NEGROS NATURAL PARK Management: Vision Statement: Negros with a healthy environment where empowered communities enjoy sustainable economic growth based on equity. Adoption of Ridge to Reef Approach in Project Implementation UPLAND ECOSYSTEM – to achieve and maintain forest cover equivalent to 20% of the total land area of the province. MINERAL RESOURCES – to ensure equitable, responsible and judicious utilization of mineral resources. URBAN ECOSYSTEM – to achieve ecological and cost efficient management of solid waste through environmental governance and voluntary public participation. COASTAL ECOSYSTEM – to protect the rights of subsistence fisherfolk and the preferential use of communal marine and fishery resources. Facts about the NNNP Formerly, Northern Negros Forest Reserve (NNFR) established in 1935 thru Proclamation No.798, converted as a Protected Area thru Presidential Proclamation 895 in August 2005 ; . Unique Geologic Features and Largest Watershed of Negros Occidental; . Home to Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna; .Identified as an Important Bird Area . Total land area of 80,454.50 hectares. Its remaining forest cover is 30, 178.7 has.; . Located in the cities of Talisay, Silay, Victorias, Cadiz, Sagay & San Carlos and the municipalities of EB Magalona, Toboso, Calatrava, Salvador Benedicto & Murcia. Source of Data DENR, GIS (PEMO) Why we have to intervene? • In the 90’s, the implementation of the NIPAS Act was focused on MKNP. • NNFR was subjected to various Environmental abuses Processes in Establishing the NNNP The Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed Resolution No. 446 Series of 1996 declaring the NNFR as Wildlife Sanctuary. • Creation of the Management Council thru E.O. No. 96-006 amended by E.O. No. 02-002 - Province of Negros Occidental – Chair and head Secretariat The Council serves as the policy making and management body for NNNP. The Council was responsible for the following milestones: - Declaration of the NNFR as a Protected Area under NIPAS; - Establishment of NNNP Management Zones; - Creation of Community-based Forest Law Enforcement Groups (BBB); - Strengthening of ISF Associations and Formation of NNNP ISF Federation; - Formulation of Management Plan, Manual of Operations (MOP) and Business Plan; - Linkaging, Networking and Partnerships; - Twinning Agreement with Ta-al Volcano Protected Landscape (TVPL); - Co-management Agreement of the NNNP, Fund Agreement and Formulation of NNNP Protocol; - Winner of the International Green Apple Award in 2007; - H.B. 3087 establishing the NNNP; - Moratorium on the Construction of vacation houses & resorts Sustainability Mechanism • NNNP Fund Agreement: 1M for the Province; 500,000.00 for Cities and 100,000.00 for Municipalities; • Manual of Operations; • Protected Area Management Plan; • Business Plan- PES System is being set up; • NNNP Bill (Gov as Co-Chair & PEMO as member of the PAMB; Environment & Natural Resources Officers as Deputy PASus); • On-going Capacity Development Program for the PAMB and TWG; • Inclusion in the AIP of PEMO. Lessons Learned • Success Factors -Presence of Environmental Champion/s (4 consecutive Governor’s); -Cohesive, active and capable Technical Working Group; -Strong Linkages with Govt. Agencies, NGOs and Funding Agencies; -Financial Commitment from the Provincial Government; -Clear Direction (P.A. Plan and MOP), Transparency and Stakeholders Participation; - Strong Political Will. • Challenges & Issues -Presence of Illegal Structures; -Land Titling within the NNNP; -Selling of rights and influx of lowlanders; -Declining Forest Cover due to Illegal Charcoal making and Timber poaching; -Establishment and capacitation of the Park Administration; -Implementation of the Unified Protocol on Forest Law Enforcement. Recommendations for Up-scaling LCAs • Implementation of the Unified Protocol on Forest Law Enforcement; • Establishment & Implementation of Payment for Ecosystems Services; • Strict implementation of Zoning Policies and Demolition of Illegal Structures; • Establishment of Park Administration Center; • Mainstreaming of NNNP P.A. Plan to the LGU CLUPs; • Passage of the NNNP Bill; The Earth provides enough for every man’s need. But not enough for every man’s greed. Mahatma Gandhi.