Introduction

1. The Second National Conference on and Local Communities Conserved Areas and Territories (ICCA) was organized by the DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) as co-chairs, with support from the Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation (PTFCF), GIZ Protected Area Management Enhancement (PAME), the Foundation for Philippine Environment (FPE), the Philippine Association for Intercultural Development Inc. (PAFID), the Koalisyon ng Katutubong Samahan ng Pilipinas (KASAPI), the University of the -National College for Public Administration and Governance (UP- NCPAG), the New Conservation Areas in the Philippines Project (NewCAPP), and the Philippine ICCA Consortium to further advocate the role of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and their respective traditional practices in biodiversity conservation. This is drawn from the experiences of NewCAPP in seven (7) pilot sites and IP communities supported by PTCFC, FPE, and GIZ which are under the IP’s ancestral domain. These pilot sites demonstrated rich biodiversity which have been sustained by indigenous practices and traditions.

2. The Conference was organized to recognize the milestones realized since the First National ICCA Conference in 2012. It likewise served as a follow-up to the efforts and commitments made in the Declaration. Rep. Teddy Baguilat Jr., BMB Dir. Theresa Mundita Lim, DENR Usec. Demetrio Ignacio, and NCIP chairperson Leonor Quintayo during the 2nd ICCA conference exhibit opening at the Crowne Plaza in Ortigas on 21 Oct. 2014.

3. Similar to the First National ICCA Conference, the two-day Conference convened from 21-22 October 2014 was attended by IP leaders, government agencies, the private sector, civic and donor institutions, the academe, and members of the media. A total of 250 participants attended the event, a third of which were IP members from 40 tribes who represented the seven (7) ethno-geographic regions in the country. It is envisioned that the involvement of various sectors will provide a productive exchange and assessment of the status of ICCA in the country. It is also expected that the event will forge stronger partnerships to resolve concerns and produce strategies towards advocating ICCA as a governance mechanism for protected areas (PA).

4. With the theme, “PagpapahusaysaTradisyunalnaPamamahala ng LupaingNinuno at Pangangalaga ng Laksambuhay,” the conference program included opening and closing ceremonies, press briefing and ICCA material launching, workshop, networking hour and five (5) sessions which covered topics on the developments on ICCA, case studies on ICCA, Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development Protection Plan (ADSDPP), and Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).

Opening Ceremony

5. The opening ceremony kicked-off with a morning ritual led by Mr. Carling Domogot of the Ayta, Botolan, Zambales; KaBadong of the Ayta in Maporac, Zambales; and Datu Johnny of the Talaandig tribe in Bukidnon. A video presentation of the morning ritual was likewise shown to emphasize the significance of the event to the IP community.

6. Seven (7) messages were delivered during the opening ceremony. These include Hon. Leonor Oralde-Quintayo, Chairperson of the NCIP; Atty. Antonio G.M. La Viña, Chairperson, PTFCF (represented by Atty. Jose Andres Cañivel); Atty. Rose Liza E. Osorio, Chairperson and CEO, FPE; Dr. Stephanie Schell-Faucon, Principal Advisor, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit Conflict Sensitive Resource and Asset Management Program (GIZ-COSERAM); Ms. Amelia Supetran, Team Leader, Energy and Environment, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); Hon. Demetrio L. Ignacio, Undersecretary, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and; Hon. Teodoro “Teddy” B. Baguilat Jr., Representative of Ifugao Province, Philippine House of Representatives. 7. NCIP Chairperson Leonor Oralde-Quintayo explained the status of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) at the national and international level and emphasized the country’s prominence in the CBD implementation. She recognized the role of IPs in biodiversity conservation and ensured NCIP’s efforts to restore denuded forests and ecological balance as well as observe the laws in upholding IP’s rights and ancestral domain. She stressed that active participation of IPs and their FPIC as well as efforts from partner institutions such as the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) remains critical. As NCIP Chairperson Oralde-Quintayo stated, “[Ito] ang magdadala sa atin sa maunlad at mapayapang pamayanan na nagangalaga sa kalikasan.”

8. Atty. Jose Andres Cañivel, representing Atty. Antonio G.M. La Viña of PTFCF, underscored the importance of the Conference. As he provided, “[with] this Conference, we look forward to learning from you and the time tested conservation approaches that you practice to develop partnerships that will bring about joint problems solving, knowledge integration, etc.” He further recognized the variety in approaches employed by IPs in managing their ancestral domain and its possible replication in government-led conservation programs and institutions which advocate environmental conservation. He stressed the possibility of knowledge integration, partnerships and collaborative efforts to resolve concerns on environmental management.

9. Atty. Rose Liza E. Osorio posed questions within the context of efforts made since the First National ICCA Conference such as: (1) In ICCA-declared and to-be-declared areas, do our indigenous communities feel that the threats to their culture, food, and water sources have been significantly reduced, if not eliminated? If yes or no, why?; (2) In ICCA-declared and to-be-declared areas, do our indigenous communities feel that the local and national government authorities give them primary decision-making powers in how they should use and benefit from the natural resources within their domain? If yes or no, why?; (3) In areas already declared as an ICCA, do the indigenous communities know exactly what to do to sustain their ICCA and do they have the means and support to do it? If yes or no, why? She explained that answers to such questions will provide a good assessment of the status of ICCA in the country. As Atty. Osorio provided that, “Of prime importance in the empowerment of IP community and sustainability of ICCA governance is the livelihood and market support for IP products. There has to be a mechanism to address extreme poverty that continues to be a challenge for indigenous communities.” Within this context, she emphasized that FPE is willing to support ICCA initiatives given its role as Grant Manager of the regular grants portfolio and the GEF-Small Grants Programme 5.

Salvador ‘Ka Badong’ Dimain of the Ayta-Abellen tribe of Cabangan, Zambales hands out tokens to NCIP chair Leonor Quin- tayo and PTFCF executive director Jose Canivel. 10. According to Dr. Stephanie Schell-Faucon, “laws in the Philippines (regarding IP and local communities) are very progressive.” However, while recognizing the initiatives of the country in CBD, he stressed the need to pursue further knowledge on biodiversity conservation and in upholding IP rights and local communities. On the other hand, Ms. Amelia Supetran explained that the problems arising from natural resources management are drawn from Western-oriented legislations and their incompatibility with customary laws. She provided that developing the country’s natural resources is not directed nor strategically planned for wealth creation to resolve poverty. As she explained, “we have to be specific when laying down plans regarding the use of natural resources. The focus must be wealth creation from our resources.” Thus, she stressed that there is a need to recognize the value of traditional knowledge to generate substantial wealth for the country.

11. Usec. Demetrio L. Ignacio shared the efforts made by the DENR in addressing IP concerns and land tenure. These include the issuance of an administrative order to clarify land management concerns and facilitate dialogues among stakeholders and harmonization of the records among Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), DENR and NCIP. Usec. Ignacio further affirmed the commitment of DENR in the ICCA initiative. He asserted that, “dapat manaig ang karapatan ng katutubo (IPRA).”

12. Hon. Teodoro “Teddy” B. Baguilat, Jr. explained that, “the resilience and commitment of indigenous communities is enough reason to be inspired and encouraged. Now we must open our minds to the wisdom of our indigenous brothers and sisters.” Within this context, he shared that, as a legislator, he is exploring possible amendments to the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992 to be able to accommodate indigenous management systems. He recognized the value of the Conference especially in the exchange of the best practices, the learnings of which may prove useful in pursuing legislative amendments.

Session 1: A Review on National and International Development on ICCA Recognition

13. The first session covers the developments on the initiatives made on ICCA at the local and global level. BMB Director Theresa Mundita S. Lim discussed the highlights of the First National Conference on ICCA and the status of the national recognition on ICCA which includes the ICCA registry, ADSDPP, FPIC and PA System Masterplan. International Policy Assistant of the ICCA Consortium-Global Ms. Holly Jonas shared the development of ICCA within a global context. (Photo at left) Indigenous participants of the 2nd National Conference on ICCA pose with BMB Dir. Theresa Mundita Lim (center of photo) near the conference exhibit area at the Crowne Plaza in Ortigas Center, Pasig on 21 October 2014. (Photo above) ICCA conference convenors and organizers pose for posterity together with regional participants.

14. The presentation of Dir. Lim highlighted the impact of the Manila Declaration: collaboration of IP leaders and other stakeholders leading to the documentation and mapping of ICCAs, recognition and integration of ICCA in the national and local development planning, capacity-building initiatives and development of alternative livelihood to finance ICCA plans. Moreover, it has led to the institution of the National Registry of ICCAs in the country, “School of Living Traditions” and the National ICCA Network in the Philippines. Dir. Lim further explained that other efforts have been done in line with the ICCA initiative. These include the completed documentation and registration with WCMC of three (3) additional ICCAs, securing a UNDP-GEF medium-sized grant for the National ICCA Program, legislative bill on ICCA, PES design for Mt. Kalatungan, creation of the Bukluran ng mga Katutubo Para sa Pangangalaga ng Kalikasan ng Pilipinas (BUKLURAN) or the Philippine ICCA Consortium, international linkages through the CBD Conference of parties, and presentation of the Manila Declaration in the World Indigenous Network (WIN) Conference. While there have been several positive outcomes since the First National ICCA Conference, Dir. Lim qualified that sustainability of these initiatives requires technical and financial support.

15. The prominent approach in advocating ICCA has been multi-level and integrated. As explained by Ms. Jonas, countries have been organizing groups and federations beyond the local level. Focusing on human rights, many countries are forging partnerships and institutional support not only from the government but other stakeholders as well which can provide financial and technical support for ICCA initiatives. She further emphasized that diverse sources of support prove advantageous in generating recognition for ICCA. In South America, the Confederación Mapuche de Neuquén in Argentina was mobilized to help address encroachment of Chevron on IP lands while IPs in Bolivia developed a toolbox for environmental monitoring of ICCAs. Similarly, ICCA was pivotal in coastal and marine biodiversity management in North and Central America. More importantly, ICCA has been cited in legal decisions and resolutions involving climate change, biodiversity and conservation.

16. The suggestions made during the open forum are as follows: inclusion of a cultural impact assessment in the ICCA process to be able to enforce accountability; formulation of an indigenous approach in resolving the issue of food security; inclusion of Bugkalot, Ilongot, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya as an ICCA; and highlighting of headwaters or water continuum as a concern on developmental aggression. It was also suggested that documentation and presentations be distributed to the participants for the IPs to have a ready reference upon their return to their respective areas. Nevertheless, there have been unresolved issues raised during the open forum such as the hapless means to protect their ICCAs and ancestral domain due to the lack of certificates and Regalian doctrine. Session 2: Case Presentation - A Report on the Issues and Challenges, and How ICCA Helped in Addressing These

17. Five (5) case studies were presented in Session 2. Datu Rio Besto shared the experience of the Talaandig-Kalatunganon on ecosystem service, development of the Community Development Plan (CDP), and PES, while Falios U. Antaw of Buhid and Bangon of Iglit,Baco discussed their activities such as basic resource inventory, carbon monitoring orientation and training, data validation and analysis which were undertaken in partnership with Philippine Association for Inter-Cultural Development, Inc.(PAFID) and NewCAPP. Similarly, Albert Maiyag of the Banao Tribe in Kalinga shared the experience of the Banao community in developing the Balbalasang, Balbalan National Park as an ICCA in collaboration with BMB, NCIP, Concerned Citizens of Abra for Good Government (CCAGG) and PAFID. Ms. Wendy Gumisa, Member of the Balatoc, Kalinga, discussed the experience of the Balatoc Tribe in ICCA registration. Susana Sabas explained the significance of Panlabao to the Mamanwa of the Manobo Tribe, the challenges in protecting Panlabao from militarization, mining and logging, and the value of ICCA registration to address these concerns.

18. Discussions during the open forum highlighted the value of ICCA in biodiversity conservation, upholding IP culture and integrity and, resolving concerns on ADSPPA, land tenure and resource sustainability. Some recommendations were also forwarded like: (1) ICCA should expand its coverage to include water resources and other areas such as the Maguindanao region especially the Tiruray Tribe; Brgy.Dibod, San Luis, Aurora; Brgy. Marine Norte, San Andres, Romblon; San Antonio, Nueva Ecija; (2) The role of IP women in the ICCA process should be highlighted; (3) Funding and timeframe requirements on implementing ICCA should be carefully considered to be able to maximise the advantages offered by the ICCA initiative; and (4) Financial support should be sourced beyond the government budget (i.e. tapping funding support from donor institutions) to be able to expedite the implementation process.

Cultural Night

19. The cultural night was organized to provide a venue for participants from various sectors to socialize and exchange insights on ICCA and IP-related concerns. The activity also served as a means to showcase IP culture through indigenous dances and musical presentations.

Datu Makalipay Ireneo Rico of Agusan, Carling Domogot of the Ayta tribe in Zambales, and BMB Director Mundita Lim share a light moment during the 2nd ICCA conference. Some of the participants of the two-day 2nd National ICCA Conference held at the Crowne Plaza in Ortigas on 21-22 Oct. 2014.

Session 3: ADSDPP as A Biodiversity Conservation Mechanism

20. The best practices in support of ADSDPP were discussed through two case studies in Mindanao. Mr. Owen Ducena presented the Conflict Sensitive Resource and Asset Management Program (COSERAM) implemented in the Agusan Marsh while Ms. Erlinda Malo-ay and Mr. Joping Malo-ay discussed the experience of the MAMACILA organization in the Bantay Kalikasan project.

21. The case of Agusan Marsh showed the significance of Participatory Action Research (PAR) in enhancing IP participation. Greater involvement of the IP in the COSERAM produced a culture-sensitive and conflict-sensitive plan as well as fostered ownership among the IPs leading to increased acceptability during program implementation. While the PAR proves beneficial, Mr. Ducena emphasized that the process is tedious and time-consuming. Hence, it is recommended that the process must be designed in line with the community process. It must likewise foster collaboration and harmonize the political structure of IPs as management bodies.

22. The case of MAMACILA organization in Claveria, Misamis Oriental demonstrated a partnership between the Higaonon tribes, Landcare Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. (LFPI), and PTFCF in implementing two (2) successful conservation projects in the area: (1) the Community-Based Conservation of Indigenous Trees Rainforestation at the Cabulig and Mt. Balatukan Forest Margins, and(2) the Expansion of Community-Based Conservation of Indigenous Trees: Rainforestation at the Cabuligand Mt. Balatukan Forest Margins. The partnership not only provided an opportunity for greater IP involvement but likewise paved way for the sustainability of the two (2) projects through the subsequent support provided by the Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU). These include financial support in terms of monthly honorarium for the Bantay Kalikasan (BK) (Forest Guards) and inclusion of the BK in the municipal budget since 2011, provision for supply paraphernalia for monitoring, training for BK second liners and implementation of sustainable livelihoods such as abaca production and agroforestry. Moreover, the involvement of the Higaonon tribes as BK empowered their role in protecting their ancestral domain. Conference convenors and participants pledge their commitment to strengthen the recognition of ICCAs like highlighitng the roles played by indigenous peoples in the conservation of biodiversity, among others.

Session 4: Harmonization/ Interface of ICCA/ Community Conservation Plan with Other Plans and Programs

23. Incorporating ICCA initiatives with prevailing administrative systems was highlighted in Session 4. This was demonstrated in two (2) presentations from Datu Alfonso Tumopas of the Menuvu Tribe and Ms. Elsa B. Dioayan of Tubo-Boliney. The two case studies showed that efforts towards integrating indigenous management systems in contemporary government frameworks are promising and favourable for both IPs and government institutions.

24. Harmonizing Menuvu’s traditional management system with the PA Management Plan (PAMP) proves difficult in the initial stages of integration. While the Menuvus recognize their own system of managing Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park, the DENR and the LGU struggle to understand and incorporate the system in their own management plans. To bridge the gap, the Menuvu tribe, in partnership with PAFID, DENR-Region 10 and UNDP-GEF NewCAPP, documented their ICCA and designed their CCP. These efforts led to a plan harmonization workshop between the Menuvu tribe, DENR regional office and LGU which resulted to the integration of the Menuvu’s CCP into the PAMP. The Menuvu’s strategy to translate and contextualize their traditional management system within the PAMP framework enabled a collaborative enterprise in designing a management plan for Mt. Kalatungan without compromising their traditional management system.

25. The integration of the LAPAT in the Department of Education’s (DepEd) local school curriculum in Tubo district produced better understanding and appreciation of the Maeng Tubo Ancestral Domain. This effort has also led to the recognition of the Sustainable Traditional Indigenous Forest Resource Management Systems and Practices (STIFRMSP) of DENR and NCIP and formal partnership among DENR, NCIP, LGU-Tubo and the Maeng Tribe. Moreover, the LAPAT became an integral management system recognized by the Municipality.

26. The discussions in the open forum focused on strategies to assist IPs in securing and protecting their ICCAs. The recommendations include the need for a more convenient and efficient mechanism in negotiating with the IPs to produce immediate government action in their favour, faster ICCA registration process and formal recognition among IP tribes to manage their own water resources. Session 5: Consultation on the Enhanced ADSDPP Guidelines/Discussion on FPIC Process in Zoning Traditional Areas- Operationalization of Section 25 of the FPIC Guidelines, S. November 2012 27. Led by Dir. Masli A. Quilaman, Session 5 was divided into three (3) sections. The first part was an overview of how NCIP prepares their respective plans in relation to the ICCA. The second part was the discussion of workshop mechanics while the third part includes the 2004 ADSDPP Guidelines and its relevance in the overall Major Final Output (MFO), work plans and activities of NCIP.

28. A workshop was conducted after the lecture presentations of Dir. Quilaman. During the workshop proper, participants were grouped into four (4). Each group was given an assigned provision of the proposed amended 2004 ADSDPP for discussion and refinement. Given the limited time, the results of the workshop were not processed and presented at the plenary. Dir. Quilaman informed the participants that the workshop outputs will be consolidated and processed by the Secretariat. The Secretariat will disseminate the results of the overall workshop to the participants via email and through NCIP regional offices. Dir. Quilaman stressed that the outputs are not for public consumption because theyareyet to be processed and made official by the organizers. For reference, the unprocessed workshop outputs are included in Annex 1 of this report. Summary of Challenges on ICCA, and Ways Forward

29. Mr. Giovanni B. Reyes, Secretary of ICCA BUKLURAN, explained the ICCA initiatives made since the signing of the Manila Declaration in 2012. This included the creation of the BUKLURAN and partnerships with UNDP, EMB-DENR and PAFID which paved way for the registration of two (2) successful models of ICCA in Kalatungan, Bukidnon and Maporac, Zambales at the World Conservation and Monitoring Center of UNDP. He further stressed that the presented case studies did not harbour any negative reaction from the IP participants because these have all undergone FPIC. However, he qualified that there is still a need to register these areas with the UNDP-WC to safeguard these areas against exploitation. Moreover, amendments to the ADSDPP require the participation of the IPs because their experiences testify to the effectiveness of traditional knowledge.

30. The donor community and civil society organizations (CSOs) were encouraged to take part in the ICCA initiative. Support may be channelled through (1) strengthening the BUKLURAN and the consortium; (2) establishment of a national registry which will serve as data repository of ICCAs; (3) documentation, mapping, declaration and registration of ICCAs; and (4) establishment of schools of living traditions.

Carling Domogot (center) of the Zambales Ayta tribe gets a copy of the coffeetable book Treasures of the Philippine Wild and a certificate of appreciation from BMB division chief Norma Molinyawe and PAFID executive director Dave de Vera. Some of the exhibits on display during the 2nd National ICCA conference.

31. Three (3) points were raised by Mr. Reyes: (1) the incorporation of the IPs in the Philippine Development Plan 2011-16. This includes implementing innovative financing mechanisms/ options to empower IPs in harnessing the potential of protected areas in ecotourism and employing strategies in improving IPs’ accessibility to justice, peace and security by means of a) strengthening processes towards full recognition of certificates of ancestral domain titles; b) establishing mechanisms to protect IP rights; c) complying with the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and Convention of the Rights of the Child; and d) ratifying International Labour Organization Convention No. 169, or the Convention on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples. (2) The importance of recognizing ICCA and the critical role of IPs in facilitating effective management of natural resources, and (3) The role the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) within NewCAPP. As a member of the project board of NewCAPP, NEDA’s support in expanding and strengthening terrestrial protected system remains critical. Support in terms of forging strong links to local communities and IPs through integration of new conservation areas are recommended.

Responses from Partners/ Commitment of Support and Commitment Signing

32. Commitments of support were given by eight (8) representatives from the national government, multilateral and development institutions.

33. For national government agencies, Comm. Antonio Bernardo of the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) expressed support in the implementation of the Manila Declaration. He further provided that the new HLURB Comprehensive Land Use Plan Guidebook has included steps for integrating the ADSDPP in the CLUP of municipalities and cities with ancestral domain. Moreover, he assured that the ICCA plans will be considered and adopted in the spatial planning of areas covered by the ancestral domain. Ms. Alice Raymundo of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) explained that the agency has organized dialogues in accordance with the IP advocacy. This include spearheading the inter-agency dialogues in Polomok, South Cotabato to expedite the resolution of Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT)/ Certificate of Ancestral Domain Claim (CADC) and Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) overlaps in the area; co- sponsoring an IP-Government Dialogue on the Ratification of International Labour Organization (ILO) 69 and dialogue with the NCIP-ADO office to draw consensus on issues concerning the funding of FPIC and Joint Administrative Order (JAO) 01-12 of DAR, DENR, Land Registration Authority (LRA) and NCIP. Moreover, two (2) members of the IPSC serve as representatives of the sector to the government organized body under Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) on the development of the peace framework in Mindanao. Participation in this endeavour will safeguard the rights of IPs in the Bangsamoro Basic Law. 34. Commitments of support were given by six (6) development and funding institutions. Ms. Anna Brillante of the International Land Coalition (ILC) explained that ILC has contributed to raising the profile and needs of indigenous peoples and land, territories and resources in seminal events such as the UN Permanent Forum for Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), and World Conference for Indigenous Issues. It has likewise conducted a study on indigenous peoples’ rights to lands, territories, and resources following a consultative process that helped mobilise ILC members and partners to share their experiences and perspectives regarding indigenous peoples’ rights to lands, territories, and resources. The publication synthesizes the outcomes of these consultations, and was peer reviewed by various indigenous peoples’ representatives and experts. Ms. Brillante stressed that indigenous peoples rights to land, territories and resources form a core component of ILC’s action at the national level and remains a priority area of action under ILC’s national engagement strategies (NES).

35. Mr. Genard (Gen) Castro of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UNFAO) expressed the institution’s support for the ICCA initiative. He likewise provided that the UNFAO presently conducts the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage which recognizes the significance of agricultural heritage systems in the country such as the Ifugao rice terraces in Hungduan and .

36. Mr. Yolando Arban of International Fund for Agriculture and Development (IFAD) explained the institution’s continuous commitment to the IPs in terms of ADSDPP formulation, livelihood support for IPs and strengthening of IP systems. He asserted that IFAD will continue to provide livelihood assistance and support in mapping territories especially among highland areas. Similarly, Mr. Andre Uychiaoco of GIZ committed to include the IPs in the initiatives undertaken by GIZ. Ms. Grace Tena of UNDP shared that UNDP is currently implementing projects which may prove helpful in the ICCA initiative. These include the Biodiversity Partnership Project, improvement of the ADSDPP guidelines, mandatory inclusion of IPs in local government processes, documentation of customary laws and practices, learning center of indigenous knowledge and the national ICCA project. These endeavours are implemented in partnership with NCIP, BMB and the ICCA Consortium. Atty. Onggie Canivel of PTFCF explained that the learnings acquired from the Conference will be shared to its partners. Moreover, he relayed that PTFCF may fund initiatives stipulated in the manifesto of commitment. He further shared that the Call for Proposals for 2015 is already posted.

Closing Ceremony

37. Messages from an IP participant, BMB and NCIP were delivered during the closing ceremony. Bae Helen Pojaras, member of the Steering Committee of BUKLURAN, expressed gratitude to the participants and for recognizing the efforts and initiatives of BUKLURAN. Equally, Ms. Norma Molinyawe, Chief of Biodiversity Management Division (BMD), was grateful for the support provided by the organizers, donor partners and participants. Comm. Era España of NCIP expressed appreciation to the organizers and participants, conveying further that the Conference provided a venue for dialogue between NCIP and various groups to collaborate in protecting and nurturing the environment.