Module 6

Biodiversity and Ecosystems Management

Biodiversity and Ecosystem

Biological diversity or Biodiversity means the variability among living organisms from all
sources including terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological
complexes of which they are a part. This includes diversity within species, between
species, and of ecosystems (Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992). Ecosystems are
complex sets of relationships between living resources, habitats, and human
communities.

Biodiversity conservation is an important aspect of environmental management, as

biodiversity represents a country's natural heritage and provides important natural
resources and ecosystem services. Biodiversity is human's life support system. The
quality of the air, the food, and the water that human uses depends on it. Alteration in the
ecosystems affects important services including the following:

a. Regulating services such as

• protection of water resources (regulation of flood and water quality)
• protection from diseases
• pollution breakdown and absorption
• contribution to climate stability
b. Supporting services such as
• soils formation and protection
• nutrient storage and recycling
• photosynthesis
c. Provisioning services such as source of
• food
• medicinal resources
• wood products
• ornamental plants breeding stocks, population reservoirs
d. Cultural services such as
• research, education and monitoring
• recreation, tourism and aesthetic values cultural values and spiritual benefits
• intrinsic value of life forms
Biodiversity and ecosystem services sustain development, and development impacts
biodiversity and ecosystem services. Both human well-being and long term economic
success depend on these services. Based on the Convention about Life on Earth as cited
in the website of the Convention on Biodiversity, at least 40% of the world's economy and
80% of the needs of the poor are derived from biological resources.

The significance of biodiversity and ecosystem services to human well-being, especially

in this country, is immense given the dependence of a majority of Filipinos on natural
resources that provide them life and livelihood. However, the economic contribution of
biodiversity is not fully accounted for because of the lack of valuation standards for the
resources and services that it provides.

Biodiversity in the Philippines

The Philippines is a treasure trove of biodiversity. It is believed to harbor more diversity

of life than any other country on Earth on a per unit area basis. It is in fact one of the 17
megadiverse countries that host 70-80% of the world's biodiversity. Philippine biodiversity
is alarmingly endangered, making it a biodiversity hotspot as well.

As a paradise of biodiversity, the country's terrestrial ecosystems are home to many of

the best and "rarest" wildlife species. It has more than 52,177 described species, half of
which are endemic or found nowhere else on Earth.

The country has more than 16,200 species of wild flora (plants) which makes it among
the top ranking countries in the world in terms of number of plant species. It is also
recognized as one of the most important centers of animal/faunal diversity, having an
estimated total of 1,261, species around 618 of which are endemic.

The archipelago also has the greatest concentration of terrestrial mammalian diversity
and the greatest concentration of endemic mammals in the world on a per unit basis. New
species continue to be discovered by survey teams from local and international academic
and research institutes.

Field researchers have found new species like murid rodents, mostly at high elevation
areas in Luzon, Mindanao, and Mindoro. Several new species have been discovered in
small islands such as Sibuyan like the new species of shrew (Soricidae: Crocidura) and
the Cebu hawk owl (Ninox rumseyi) and in Camiguin, a new species of parrot, the
Camiguin hanging parrot (Loriculus camiguinensis), Camiguin hawk owl (Ninox
philippensis), and Camiguin forest mouse (Apomys camiguinensis). This brings these
islands to a new status as centers of mammal endemism.

The Philippines' archipelagic character, along with its Ice Age history, had significant
impact on the distribution of animals in the country. The distribution of land mammals
illustrates that each island that existed in the Philippines during the latest Ice Age period
is a unique center of biodiversity. Smaller islands that remained isolated during the Ice
Age are also considered unique centers of biodiversity. One example is Sibuyan Island
(463 km), which hosts four species of endemic non-flying mammals (plus one bat), a total
exceeding that of any country in Europe.
Recent discoveries seem to show that not all centers of endemism in the Philippines have
been documented.
Because of global significance, some centers of biodiversity in the country have received
international designation as protected area. Some of these are part of ASEAN Heritage
Parks, including the following:
• Tubbataha Reef Natural Park
• Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary
• Naujan Lake National Park
• Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary
• Mt. Apo Natural Park
• Mount Makiling Nature Reserve,
• Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary
• Mts. Iglit-Baco National Park
• Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park
• Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park
• Timpoong and Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument

Threats to Biodiversity

Each level of biological diversity serves an important function. Any sudden change in the
environment caused by human activities can affect biological diversity, and may
eventually destroy it. Changes in global air/sea temperature by one or two degrees can
dramatically affect the species' habitats, with some becoming uninhabitable to some
species.
The interesting facts presented in the previous section on abundance and distribution,
as well as the threat level to which these resources are exposed, highlight the global
significance of conserving the Philippines' biodiversity. A rapid and effective response to
accelerate the coverage of conservation efforts in the country is called for.
Significant numbers of terrestrial wildlife species, including birds, are either extinct in the
wild, critical in population size, or endangered. The mammal assemblage in the
Philippines is one of the most threatened in the world.
The table below shows a summary in terms of the latest data on the total number of
species and the number of endemic and threatened species.
Philippine Biodiversity Summary Status (Source: www.bmb.gov.ph)
Total No. of species No. of Endemic Total No of
Species Threatened
Species
Fauna (Animal)
Mammals 231 130 42
Birds 616 195 126
Reptiles 298 198 29
Amphibians 116 95 14
1,261 618 211
Flora (Plant) 16,223 6,286 526

Habitat loss and degradation may be considered as the major driver of biodiversity loss.
Overexploitation and unsustainable use, invasive alien species, pollution and climate
change contribute to habitat loss and degradation. Various human activities contribute to
habitat loss and degradation in various ecosystems. Hence, appropriate management
schemes should be designed for specific types of ecosystems, among the examples of
which are as follows:
Forest and Mountain Ecosystems

Habitat loss and degradation in forest and mountain ecosystems is attributed to

deforestation due to forest-related practices (e.g. legal and illegal logging, unsustainable
agricultural practices such as slash and burn or "kaingin", forest fire, and mining). The
annual loss in forest cover during the period 2000-2005 considered the second fastest in
Southeast Asia (next to Myanmar) and the 7th fastest in the world.
There are many areas of significant biodiversity with overlapping tenurial instruments, and
with conflicting land uses and management objective The heavy influx of mining activity
since 2005 compounded by the fact that most of the country's priority conservation areas
sit on top of huge mine reserves, poses significant threat to habitats through loss and
degradation These mining projects normally come with other infrastructure development
projects, like road construction and land conversion for human settlements including
informal settlements, that pose a similar threat to various habitats.
Agricultural Ecosystems

Agrobiodiversity includes all components of biological diversity relevant to food and

agriculture. They also include the agricultural ecosystems or agro-ecosystems, which
encompass the variety and variability of animals plants and micro-organisms at the
genetic, species and ecosystem levels that are necessary to sustain key functions of the
agro-ecosystem, its structure and processes. The threats to the biodiversity loss in an
agricultural ecosystem is attributed to land use change, such as the conversion of
agricultural lands to residential, pollution due to the use of chemicals, introduction of
monocultures and agricultural practices incompatible with the conservation of agricultural
biodiversity.

Inland Waters

Biodiversity associated with inland water ecosystems include aquatic-influenced

environments located within land boundaries such as lakes, rivers, ponds, streams,
springs, caves, and floodplains, as well as bogs, marshes, and swamps. Inland water
biodiversity is important to socio-economic development and human well-being as these
regulate water quantity and quality. Wetlands vegetation perform important functions such
as filtering contaminants Biodiversity associated with inland wetlands includes fisheries
and other resources that are important to food security.
Many practices such as the diversion of rivers for irrigation and construction of dams for
hydropower have changed the habitat of riverine flora and fauna, migratory fish species
and invasive alien species have displaced indigenous species.
Karst and Cave Ecosystems

Karst is a type of landscape consisting of geologic features formed thousands or millions

of years ago. The major components of karsts are caves, defined in the "National Caves
and Cave Resources Management and Protection Act (RA 9072/2001, Section 3) as:
"any naturally occurring void, cavity, recess or system of interconnected passage beneath
the surface of the Earth or within a cliff or ledge and which is large enough to permit an
individual to enter, whether or not the entrance, located either in private or public land, is
naturally formed or man made.... also includes cave resources therein, but not any vug,
mine tunnel, aqueduct or other man-made excavation."
The fragile ecosystems of karsts and caves serve as homes for distinctive geologic
formations and habitats of unique species that developed specialized characteristics to
survive these kinds of environments. Most of the country's caves, as well as the geological
and biological resources within, are, however, in danger due to increased demand for
recreational sites, vandalism, treasure hunting, mining, pollution, illegal collection of cave
resources, deforestation, and rapid urbanization of adjacent areas.
Urban Ecosystems

Biodiversity conservation in an urban ecosystem is uncommon in biodiversity literature

and in conservation discussions, but the fact that the majority of people are living in urban
ecosystems points to its importance. Biologically dead rivers, impermeable open spaces
and polluted stormwater canals make cities inhospitable. Increasing population and the
development of urban areas have contributed to the fragmentation of previously
connected habitats.
Coastal and Marine Ecosystems

Coastal and marine biodiversity includes corals, reef fish, and mangroves. The
Philippines' excellent coral cover declined steadily, while poor coral cover increased from
2000-2004. Although there is an increasing trend of poor reefs, most reefs are still species
rich, though exhibiting signs of depletion (e.g. low abundance and biomass per unit area).
Reef fish are dominated by small to medium bodied species and families (e.g.
damselfishes, fusiliers, parrotfishes, wrasses, etc), and many large-bodied species
important to commerce and food security are rarely found in many reefs in the country.
There is a loss of seagrass beds and a decline in natural mangrove cover due to industrial
developments, ports, and recreation activities for the past 50 years. Coastal development,
marine-based pollution, sedimentation, overfishing, and destructive fishing contribute to
habitat loss and degradation, which may adversely affect biodiversity in coastal and
marine ecosystems.
The way development and the use of natural resources are managed greatly affects the
diversity of the living component or the biological resources in various ecosystems.

International Commitments and National Laws

Biodiversity is an international concern and a number of multilateral agreements forged

are relevant to the conservation needs of the country. The following are agreements and
commitments which the Philippines is a part of:
a. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
Aims to promote the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local,
regional, and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution
towards achieving sustainable development worldwide.
b. Convention on Biological Diversity
Aims to promote biological diversity conservation through sustainable us of its
components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the
utilization of genetic resources, taking into account all rights over those resources.
c. Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity
Aims to ensure an adequate level of protection in safe transfer, handing and use
of living modified organisms resulting from biotechnology, they may have adverse
effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking also
into account risks to human health, specifically focusing on transboundary
movements.
d. Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS)
 Aims to conserve terrestrial, marine and avian migratory species throughout their
range.
e. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora (CITES).
This is one of the most powerful tools for wildlife conservation through the
regulation of trade to ensure their survival in the wild. The CITES permit system
seeks to ensure that international trade in listed species s sustainable, legal, and
forceable.
f. World Heritage Convention
Aims to promote cooperation among nations to protect heritage around the world
that is of such outstanding universal value that its conservation is important for
current and future generations.
The local laws/policies and systems for ecosystems and biodiversity management are
highly influenced by these multilateral agreements and international commitments.
Republic Act 7586, otherwise known as the National Integrates Protected Areas System
(NIPAS) Act of 1992, and Republic Act 9147, otherwise known as the Wildlife Resources
Conservation and Protection Act of 2001 are the major laws governing the management
of threats to ecosystems and biodiversity in the country. Aside from these, the importance
of the protection of specific ecosystems as part of biodiversity management is highlighted
with the issuance of Republic Act 9072 (2001), also known as the National Caves and
Cave Resources Management and Protection Act and Executive Order (E No. 533 on the
Integrated Coastal Management (ICM). The following briefly describes these laws:

Republic Act 7586 (1992) or the National Integrated Protected Areas System
(NIPAS) Act
Through RA 7586, it is declared the policy of the State to secure for the Filipino people of
present and future generations the perpetual existence of all native plants and animals
through the establishment of a comprehensive system of integrated protected areas
within the classification of "national park," as provided for in the Constitution. The law
provides the legal framework for the establishment and management of protected areas
in the Philippines as a means of conserving biodiversity. The law defines protected areas
as the identified portions of land and/ or water set aside by reason of their unique physical
and biological significance. Under the law, protected areas shall be managed to enhance
biological diversity and protected against destructive human exploration. The following
categories of protected areas as described in the law were established:
a. Strict Nature Reserve
These are areas possessing some outstanding ecosystem features, with species
of flora and fauna of national scientific importance maintained to protect nature
and processes in an undisturbed state in order to have ecologically representative
examples of the natural environment available for scientific study, environmental
 monitoring, education, and for the maintenance of genetic resources in a dynamic
and evolutionary state

b. National Park
These are forest reservations essentially of natural wilderness character, which
have been withdrawn from settlement, occupancy, or any form of exploitation
except in conformity with approved management plans and set aside as such
exclusively to conserve the area or preserve the scenery, the natural and historic
objects, wild animals, and plants therein.

c. Natural Monument
This is a relatively small area focused on protecting or preserving nationally
significant natural features on account of their special interest or unique
characteristics.

d. Wildfire Sanctuary
This is an area which assures the natural conditions necessary to protect nationally
significant species, groups of species, biotic communities or physical features of
the environment where these may require specific human manipulations for their
perpetuation.

e. Protected Landscapes and Seascapes

These are areas of national significance which are characterized by the
harmonious interaction of humans and land, while providing opportunities for public
enjoyment through recreation and tourism within the normal lifestyle and economic
activity of these areas.

f. Resource Reserves
This is an extensive and relatively isolated and uninhabited area with difficult
access designated as such to protect the natural the area for future use, and
prevent or contain development activities that could affect the resource, pending
the establishment of objectives which are based upon appropriate knowledge and
planning.

g. Natural Biotic Areas

This is an area set aside to allow the societies living in harmony with the
environment to adapt to modern technology at their pace.

h. Other categories established by law, conventions or international agreements in

which the Philippine Government is a signatory.
Republic Act 9147 (2001) or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection
Act
RA 9147 declared it a Policy of the State to conserve wildlife resources and their habitats.
The overall goal of the law is to conserve and protect wildlife species and their habitats in
order to promote ecological balance and enhance biological diversity. The following
provisions of the law stated as objectives may be considered as the major strategies to
attain the said goal:
• To regulate the collection and trade of wildlife;
• To pursue, with due regard to the national interest, the Philippine commitment to
international conventions on the protection of wildlife and their habitats, and
• To initiate or support scientific studies on the conservation of biological diversity.
Among the key provisions of the Act are the following:
a. Conservation and Protection of Wildlife Resources through Regulations on the
following:
▪ collection and possession of wildlife and by-products/ derivatives
▪ local transport of wildlife, by-products and derivatives
▪ exportation and/or importation of wildlife introduction/reintroduction or restocking
of endemic indigenous wildlife
▪ introduction of exotic wildlife bioprospecting and biosafety scientific researches on
wildlife
▪ commercial breeding or propagation of wildlife resources
▪ collection of economically important wildlife species
▪ collection of threatened wildlife by-products and derivatives
b. Protection and Registration of Threatened Species through the following
▪ determination of threatened species based on scientific data and with due regard
to internationally accepted criteria
▪ conservation breeding or propagation of threatened species
▪ designation of critical habitats outside protected areas where threatened species
are found
c. Prescribing Illegal acts and corresponding fines and penalties

Republic Act 9072 (2001) or the National Caves and Cave Resources Management
and Protection Act
RA 9027 declared the policy of the State to conserve, protect, and manage caves and
cave resources as part of the country's natural wealth. Among the key provisions of the
act is for the DENR to coordinate with the DOT, the National Museum, the National
Historical Institute, concerned LGUs, the scientific community, and the academe in
assessing the caves' archaeological, cultural and historical value, in addition to its
ecological and scientific value. Among the prohibited acts are the following:
• Knowingly destroying, disturbing, defacing, marring, altering, removing, or harming
the speleogen (formations within caves that are created by the removal of bedrock
rather than as secondary deposits) or speleothem (a secondary mineral deposit
formed in limestone or dolostone solutional caves) of any cave or altering the free
movement of any animal or plant life into or out of any cave.
• Gathering, collecting, possessing, consuming, selling, bartering or exchanging or
offering for sale without authority any cave resource.
Through this Act, the DENR is mandated to formulate, develop, and implement a
national program for the management, protection, and conservation of caves and cave
resources. National and Regional Cave Committees are then created to oversee the
implementation of the Act and its support policies.
Implementing rules and regulations to operationalize the provisions of RA 7586, RA
9147 and RA 9072 are issued by the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR). Further information can be secured from the Biodiversity
Management Bureau (BMB) under the DENR as the lead implementer of these laws.

Executive Order (EO) No. 533 on the Integrated Coastal Management (ICM)
EO 533 adopts the Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) as a national strategy for
the sustainable development of the country's coastal and marine environment and
resources. The strategy aims to promote food security, sustainable livelihood, poverty
alleviation, and reduction of vulnerability to natural hazards, while conserving
ecological integrity. It intends to promote application of best practices such as:
• Coastal and marine use zonation as a management tool;
• Sustainable fisheries and conservation of living resources;
• Protection and rehabilitation of coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass, estuaries
and other habitats, particularly through implementation of marine protected
areas, nature reserves and sanctuaries;
• Development of upland, watershed, catchment areas and basin wide
management approaches; Integrated waste management, including, sewage
and solid, hazardous, toxic and other wastes by major sources;
• Integrated management of port safety, health, security and environmental
protection; and
• Involvement of the private sector/business sector as a partner in ICM.
Implementing Biodiversity Conservation

The country's key strategy for conservation of biodiversity is to identify targets and to
implement an action plan incorporating these targets. Through the years, the actual
enforcement of biodiversity action plans have been characterized by the following:
• Partnerships between and among the national and local governments, civil society
organizations, academic and research institutions and the private sector, particularly
in conservation programs for rivers and forests which incorporate provisions of
economic and livelihood benefits in project design.
• Coordination, communication, and resource-sharing among various actors as well as
other stakeholders.
• Consideration of traditional knowledge and the role of indigenous peoples and local
communities in the development of biodiversity-friendly businesses in conserving
critical habitats and protected areas.
• Incorporating biodiversity conservation and sustainable use in local land use plans.
There were several iterations of the action plan, the earlier version of which are the
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan or NBSAP (1997) and the Philippine
Biodiversity Conservation Priorities or PBCP (2002). The latest action plan called
Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP) of 2014-2025 has the following
goals:
a. Address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss
b. Reduce the direct pressures on biodiversity and promote sustainable use
c. Improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems, species and
genetic diversity
d. Enhance the benefits to all from biodiversity and ecosystems services
e. Enhance the implementation through participatory planning, knowledge
management, and capacity building.
The PBSAP is anchored on three major ecosystems (terrestrial, freshwater, and marine)
and three thematic areas (agrobiodiversity, urban biodiversity and genetic resources).
Details of the strategic priorities and supporting actions to attain the above-mentioned
goals along with the timeframes, responsible agencies, monitoring partnerships and
projected costs are presented in the PBSAP, a copy of which can be secured from the
Biodiversity Management Bureau of DENR.
Mainstreaming Biodiversity Conservation in National and Subnational Policies,
Programs and Plans
Since local level priorities and program implementation are guided by national and
subnational policies and directives, initiatives to effectively mainstream biodiversity
conservation into the following are continuously being undertaken:
 • Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2011-2016
• Local Land Use and Development Plans
• National Framework Strategy on Climate Change and the National Climate
Change Action Plan

Economic and Fiscal Incentives for Biodiversity Conservation

While it is important to conserve biodiversity for reasons earlier presented, it has to be
balanced with the needs of the local communities for subsistence and livelihood.
Philippine policies and programs allow for opportunities to provide local communities with
sustainable funds for protected area management and support for biodiversity-friendly
livelihood activities. Among the mechanisms instituted related to this are briefly described
as follows:
• Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF)
The IPAF is a mechanism created under the NIPAS Act to provide a source of
funding for the continued protection, maintenance, and management of the PA. It is
derived from taxes from the permitted sale and export of flora and fauna and other
resources from within the PA, proceeds from the multiple use areas, contributions
from industries and facilities and other fees.

• Innovative Financing Mechanisms

The development of biodiversity-friendly business plans and new livelihood activities
at the community level in protected areas intends to establish sustainable financing
mechanisms for biodiversity conservation. Among these financing mechanisms that
are currently undergoing pilot testing are Payment for Ecosystems Services (PES),
Users' Fees, Public-Private Partnership, Damage Estimation and Enterprise
Development.

Sector Policies and Programs

In recent years, efforts have been made to develop strategies and plans that address
unique areas of concern in specialized environments and industries. Specific action plans
have been developed for these including the following:
▪ National Cave Action Plan (2011-2016)
▪ National Ecotourism Strategy and Action Plan (2013-2022)
▪ Updated National Action Plan (NAP) to Combat Desertification, Land Degradation
and Drought 2010-2020 National Wetlands Action Plan (2011-2016)
▪ National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use and Protection of Philippines
Peatlands
Governance
The governance structure in biodiversity management is a mixture of central oversight of
the national integrated protected areas system and decentralized site management. It is
characterized by participation by all stakeholders from national government agencies
(including the executive, judiciary and legislative bodies), LGUs, Civil Society
Organizations (CSOs) and research institutions, private sector and local communities.
Protected area management at the site is carried out through the Protected Area
Management for the administration and management of protected areas.
Specialized governance mechanisms have been instituted to address specific special PA
concerns in the following:
• Municipalities or a group of municipalities located within and around boundaries of
critical Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAS) which are at high risk to climate change
(Ecotowns).
• The Bangsamoro Political Entity
• Indigenous Community Conserved Areas (ICCAS) where human activities are
prohibited in declared "sacred grounds" and traditionally managed following
customary laws and traditions such as Panubaran tribe of Bukidnon, LAPAT - Abra,
Isnag tribe of Calanasan, Apayao, Pinguo/ Tulandig Muyung Cordilleras/Ifugao,
Tayan/Batangan Mt. Provincelmong Kalinga, Kidjuhan/Kijuwan - Benguet

Enforcing Environmental Justice

With regards to adjudication of violators to the biodiversity conservation related laws, the
Supreme Court's Writ of Kalikasan applies. It is a legal remedy for citizens who aim to
stop projects and programs that could harm the environment. A number of Writs of
Kalikasan related to biodiversity conservation through ecosystems protection have been
issued by the Philippine courts and among these are listed in the table below
Example of Writs of Kalikasan Related to Biodiversity Conservation
Petitioner Date Filed Subject of Petition
Agham Party List v. DMCI January 2014 Against the leveling of a
Holdings Inc. et al mountain for mining
purposes and dumping of
soil offshore to create a
man-made foreshore area
(Zambales)
Greenpeace Southeast May 2013 Against the conduct of field
Asia (Philippines) et. al. v. trials for genetically
Environmental modified eggplant
Management Bureau et. al.
 Agham Party List v. LNL June 2012 Against the leveling of a
Archipelago Minerals Inc mountain for mining
activities (Zambales)
Pimentel III et al v. Aquino May 2012 Against large-scale black
et. al. sand mining operations
along the coast (llocos and
Pangasinan)
Bondoc et. al. v. Paje et. al. February 2012 Against the conversion of a
coastal area into a landfill
for city garbage (Bulacan)
Agham Party List v. Paje February 2012 Against the further
and Taal Volcano proliferation of fish cages in
Protected Landscape the Taal Volcano Protected
Protected Area Landscape and rehabilitate
Management Board the water quality to
standard levels (Batangas)
Hernandez v. Placer Dome November 2010 In relation to the Marcopper
Inc. mining disaster, to compel
rehabilitation of the land
and waters severely
polluted by mine tailings
(Marinduque)

For management of wildlife, the DENR adopted in October 2010, the Wildlife Law
Enforcement Manual of Operations as guide for the Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEO),
DENR Wildlife Traffic Monitoring Units (WTMU), Deputy/Special Deputy Environment and
Natural Resources Officers (DENRO/SDENRO) and other stakeholders in the
enforcement of the provisions of R.A. No. 9147 and other relevant wildlife laws, rules, and
regulations. This Manual provides the sets of standards and protocols in investigation and
surveillance, search, arrest and detention of suspects, apprehension, seizure and
handling of evidence, and filing and prosecution of cases. It takes into consideration the
existing procedures of various agencies such as the investigation process of the National
Bureau of Investigation, the rules of engagement of the Philippine National Police, and
the Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases of the Supreme Court, among others.
Research and Biodiversity Monitoring
Under the DENR, the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) was
established as the principal research and development unit focused on major ecosystems
in the Philippines including forests, upland farms, grasslands, degraded areas, coastal
zones and freshwater and urban areas. With proper planning and implementation of
research activities including interface with other agencies mandated to implement other
environmental laws, the ERDB can provide scientific inputs to policy formulation and
environmental management as a whole.
A Biodiversity Monitoring System has been established for more than a decade now, and
it focuses on identifying trends in biodiversity and its use, so as to guide actions for
protected area (PA) management. A key challenge is the establishment of a sustainable
PA management system, taking into consideration investment costs of establishment as
well as operational costs.