Republic of the Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT BUREAU Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center Quezon Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City Tel. Nos.: (632) 924-6031 to 35 Fax: (632) 924-0109, (632) 920-4417 Website: http:/ww.bmb.gov.ph E-mail: bmb@bmb.gov.ph ty JAN 15 2018 MEMORANDUM FOR ‘The Undersecretary for Policy and Planning ATTN 2 The Chief, Program Monitoring and Evaluation Division FROM The Director SUBJECT SUBMISSION OF BMB ANNUAL REPORT FOR CY 2017 Wee are pleased to submit the attached Annual Report of the Biodiversity Management Bureau for CY 2017. For your information and record. i am MUNDITA S. LIM United Nations Decade on BiodiversityDepartment of Environment and Natural Resources BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT BUREAU CY 2017 Annual Report |. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), as one of the staff Bureaus of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the lead agency tasked to conserve biodiversity, is mandated to protect the country's biological diversity and to properly manage and conserve its resources, as well ‘as, the ecosystem services they provide. The Bureau continuously implemented activities based on its three (3) major programs, namely: (1) Protected Area and Ecosystems Management and Protection; (2) Wildlife Protection and Conservation; and, (3) Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Conservation. Several policies and specific activities supporting the protection and conservation of Protected Areas, critical habitats, wildlife, caves, wetlands, and Coastal and marine areas were developed and accomplished. Furthermore, CY 2017 brought about several milestones for biodiversity conservation. The First National Biodiversity Congress in the country was conducted last May 22-24, 2017 which marked the first time that key stakeholders — national and local government, civil society, academe and the private sector - gathered to share models and lessons on biodiversity conservation initiatives in both large tentitories ‘and small communities. More so, the Twelfth Session of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild ‘Animals (CMS COP12) was held in the country last October 23-28, 2017 — the first time that the COP was held in Asia, I. ACCOMPLISHMENTS Hereunder are the major accomplishments of the Biodiversity Management Bureau for CY 2017. 1. Policy Formulation For CY 2017, the Bureau was able to prepare/dratt a total of 10 targeted policies. Of these, two (2) targeted policies were endorsed for approval and ‘among these policies, one (1) were approved. Specifically, the approved policy included in the targets for CY 2017 (Annex A) is as follows:> DENR Administrative Order 1. DAO 2017-12 entitled “Declaring Sibuyan Island in Romblon Province and its Coastal Areas as Critical Habitat excluding Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park” - approved by the Secretary last May 02, 2017 The endorsed policy awaiting approval, which are included in the CY 2017 targets, is: > DENR Memorandum Circular 2. Draft DMC on the 2017 List of Classified Caves - endorsed for the approval of the Secretary last June 05, 2017 The dratted policies, which are included in the CY 2016 targets, are: > DENR Administrative Order 3. Draft DAO on the Cave Rescue Protocol 4. Draft DAO on the Guideline on the Accreditation of Individuals Establishments, or Institutions including Community-based Organizations Engaged in the Artificial and Propagation and Trade of Wild flora 5. Dratt DAO on the List of Economically Important Plant Species 6. Draft DAO on the List of Economically Important Species of Wild Fauna under the jurisdiction of DENR 7. Dratt DAO on the National List of invasive Alien Species > Action Plan 8. Draft Procedural Guidelines on Urban Biodiversity Inventory and Assessment 9. Draft Wetland Conservation Plan Biodiversity Management Bureau CY 2017 Annual Report } 2]10. Wildlife Law Enforcement Action Plan (WildLEAP) Aside from the targeted policies, the Bureau was also able to prepare/draft 26 ‘additional policies which were not originally targeted for 2017. Among these, 24 policies were endorsed, and of these policies, 22 were approved, as follows: The approved policies which are not included in the CY 2017 targets are: > DENR Administrative Order 1. DAO 2017-09 entitied “Amendment of DENR Manual of Authorities for Technical Matters” ~ approved by Secretary last Apill 26, 2017 2. DAO 2017-11 entitled “Updated National Uist of Threatened Philippine Plants and their Categories". - approved by the Secretary last May 02. 2017 > BMB Memorandum Circular 3. BMB Memorandum Circular 2017-03 entitled “Adoption of the BMB Functional and Organizational Structure on Technical Concems” ~ approved by the Director last May 10, 2017 > Joint Technical Bulletin 4. Joint ERDB and BMB Technical Bulletin entitled “Guidelines on Enrichment Planting of Mangroves and Beach Forest for Biodiversity Conservation and Coastal Resiliency” > Technical Bulletin 5. Technical Bulletin 2017-01 entitled “Guidelines in Safeguarding Caves utilized for Ecotourism” - approved by the Director last January 09, 2017 6. Technical Bulletin 2017-02 entitled “Birding Guidelines in the Philippines” - approved by the Director last January 13, 2017 iodiversity Management Bureau CY 2017 Annual Report | 3]7. Technical Bulletin 2017-03 entitled “Clarifying Section 12 of DAO 2016- 24 on Revised Rates of Fees for Entrance and Use of Facilities and Resources in PA Amending DAO 1993-47" - approved by the Director last January 18, 2017 8. Technical Bulletin 2017-04 re: “Prescribing the Guidelines on the Preparation of the PAMB Manual of Operations” = approved by the Director last January 28, 2017 9. Technical Bulletin 2017-05 entitled “Guidelines on the Assessment of Coastal and Marine Ecosystems” - approved by the Director last February 08, 2017 10. Technical Bulletin 2017-06 entitled “Guidelines on Establishing and Managing Marine PAs" - approved by the Director last February 08, 2017 11. Technical Bulletin 2017-07 entitled "Clarificatory Guidelines on the Procurement of Watercraft for Survey. Assessment, Monitoring and/or Patroling" - approved by the Director last April 04, 2017 12. Technical Bulletin 2017-08 entitled “Proving the Checklist for the Review of PA Management Plans” - approved by the Director last May 12, 2017 13. Technical Bulletin 2017-09 entitled “Adopting the User Manual on BAMS for Terrestrial Ecosystems” - approved by the Director last May 15, 2017 14. Technical Bulletin 2017-10 entitled “Guidelines on the Conduct of KAP Survey for the CMEMP" - approved by the Director last June 27, 2017 15. Technical Bulletin 2017-11 entitled “Guidelines in the Identification and Recognition of Biodiversity-friendly Enterprises (BDFE)" - approved by the Director last July 25, 2017 16. Technical Bulletin 2017-12 entitled “Clarifying the Revenue-Sharing Scheme between Protected Area Management Boards (PAMBs) and Local Government Units (LGUs) with investments in Protected Areas" iversity Management Bureau CY 2017 Annual Report Hi- approved by the Director last September 08, 2017 17. Technical Bulletin 2017-13 entitled “Guidelines onthe Implementation of Environmental Standards for Diving and Snorkeling” - approved by the Director last September 22, 2017 18. Technical Bulletin 2017-14 entitled “Guidelines on the Application of Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) as a Strategy in the Implementation of the coastal and Marine Ecosystems Management Program (CMEMP)” - approved by the Director last October 09, 2017 19. Technical Bulletin 2017-15 entitled “Guidelines on Critical Habitat Management Pian” - approved by the Director last November 08, 2017 20. Technical Bulletin 2017-16 enfitled “information on Wildlife Management Fund (Fund 151) and Requirements for Special Budget Request for the Use of the Fund” - approved by the Director last November 10, 2017 21. Technical Bulletin 2017-17 entitled “Supplementary Guidelines on the Conduct of the Knowledge. Attitude and Practice (KAP) Survey for the Coastal and Marine Ecosystems management Program (CMEMP)" - approved by the Director last November 10, 2017 22. Technical Bulletin 2017-18 entitied “Adopting the User Manual and the Map Template of Socio-Economic Assessment and Monitoring ‘System (SEAMS) for Protected Areas” - approved by the Director last December 29, 2017 The endorsed policies awaiting approval, which are not included in the CY 2017 targets are: 23. Proposed DAO on the Institutional Amangements for the Management and Operation of the PWRCC - endorsed for the approval of the Secretary last July 20, 2017 /ersity Management Bureau CY 2017 Annual Report Hi24, Proposed DAO on Adopting the Crocodile Conservation and Management Plan - endorsed for the approval of the Secretary last December 27, 2017 The drafted policy not included under the CY 2017 targets is: 25. Proposed DAO on the Adoption and Operationalization of the Philippines National Wealth Creation Program 26.Criteria for the Selection of Partner Beneficiary Enterprises for Financial Assistance Relating to the Development and Recognition of Blodiversity-Friendly Enterprise Partnership agreements through MOAs/MOUs were also prepared, as follows: 1. MOAwith University of Canterbury regarding “Co's Digital Flora of the Philippines: Cybertaxonomy to the Rescue of Conservation” 2. MOA with Central Mindanao University regarding “Inventory and Conservation Studies of Endemic Endangered and Economically Important Flora and Fauna in selected Forests in the Philippines” 3. MOA with Guangai University regarding “Hydraulic and Functional Traits of Mangroves from Two Sites, China and Philippines: Implication for the Effects of Climate Warming” 4. MOA with Chicago Botanic Garden regarding “Phylogenetics and Pollination Biology of Artocarpus (Moraceae)" 5. MOA with Katala Foundation regarding “Philippine Freshwater Turtle Conservation Program” 6. MOA with University of Sto. Tomas regarding the implementation of the Research Project "Thomasian Initiatives to Study Philippine Flora and Fauna in Freshwater and Terrestrial Ecosystems” Lastly. draft policies. proposals, bills and resolutions were also evaluated. to wit: nine (?) MOAs; seven (7) local ordinances; 111 research/project proposals; and, more than 250 policies, research/project proposals, Bills (HB and SB, and resolutions. iodiversity Management Bureau CY 2017 Annual Report Eel2. Major Programs and Projects Implemented 2.1. Protected Area Management In accordance to the 2017 targets, the Bureau endorsed the proposed NIPAS proclamation of: Catanduanes Watershed Forest Reserve, Naga Cabasalan Protected Landscape, PASA of llog-Hilabangan Watershed Forest Reserve, and Timako Hill in Cotabato City as a National Park or Forest Reserve. Updates were also requested on the proposed proclamation of Mt. Tago and Mt. Pantaron Ranges as Protected Areas (PAs). Moreover, the disestablishment of Marcos Highway Watershed Reserve was also endorsed, Cognizant with the targets under the NIPAS Management, the Bureau was able to process and endorse 106 PA/PA Management Board (PAMB) appointments for PAMB Organization and Strengthening. For PAMB Operationalization, 124 resolutions and more than 75 minutes of meeting were evaluated. Moreover, 32 Special Budget Requests (SBRs) from different Protected Areas (PAs) including the Bureau were reviewed and endorsed to DBM, and 159 IPAF collection reports submitted by the Regional Offices were evaluated. Furthermore, the Bureau was able to evaluate: 14 PA management plans; eight (8) NGP reports within PAs for PA restoration; two (2) reports on PA boundary delineation/demarcation; 21 Survey and Registration of PA Occupants (SRPAO) reports; 32 PA Community-based Resource Management Agreement (PACBRMA]/Community Resource Management Plans (CRMP); 58 Biodiversity Monitoring System (BMS) reports; six (6) PA law enforcement reports; and, 11 Special Use Agreements within PAs (SAPA}/MOAs. Under Ecotourism Development, the Bureau evaluated 26 ecotourism reports from the Regional Offices and participated in three (3) Ecotourism TWG and one (1) National Ecotourism Steering Committee meetings. The Bureau also monitored the implementation of Ecotourism Development Program in 30 protected areas within Regions 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, and CARAGA, as well as, the implementation of NIPAS implementation in 37 protected areas. The Bureau led the conduct of the several workshops/leaming events to capacitate and converge with PA management implementers and Biodiversity Management Bureau CY 2017 Annual Report Eastakeholders, as follows: a) 467 participants from Regional Offices for the Learning Event on PA Policies Assessment-Workshops within Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao; b) ASEAN Heritage Park Planning Workshop for AHP PASUs, PAMB members, and Regional Offices: c) 59 participants for the Leaming Event on Mainstreaming Gender, Climate change, and Disaster Risk Reduction in PA Management Planning: d) 120 participants for the Assessment of the Community-based Program for Tenured Migrant Communities in PAs; and, e) 111 participants from the Regional Offices for the Orientation-Workshop on Socio-Economic ‘Assessment and Monitoring System (SEAMS) and its application to PA Management. 2.2. Wetlands Conservation Program Completed monitoring and evaluation of 13 wetland priority/ Ramsar/ ecotourism sites in Regions 2 (Banggalao Lake}, 5 (Taal Volcano PL, Bulusan Lake, lrosin Lake, Lake Buhi, and Lake Bato), 4-B (Naujan Lake, Apo Reef NP, Libuao Lake, and Puerto Princesa Subterranean River NP), 6 (Negros Occidental Coastal Wetlands Conservation Area), 8 (Leyte Sab-a peatlands), and CARAGA (peatland sites in Agusan de! Sur). Eighteen (18) Wetland Assessment Reports were evaluated from Regions 1 (Alaminos River, Matangra Lake and Bayuren River), 2 (Magat Dam Reservoirs and Usol Ecotourism Park), 5 (Lakes of Danao, Sumiang, Gabawan, Buhi, Irosin and Nag-aso; lakelets of Katugday, Makuwaw, and Manapao), 9 (Lake Maragang), 11 (Tagaktak Falls), and NIR (Siaton River and Polo Marsh} with complete recommendations forwarded to concemed regions. Likewise, three (3) Wetland Management Plans from Regions 8 (Nalukaban Freshwater Wetland) and CARAGA (RXllLTiktikan lagoon and Dinagat Island) were reviewed and evaluated. The Bureau conducted peatiand monitoring in Agusan Marsh, Leyte Sab-a Basin, and Basey, Samar, as well as, the assessment and maintenance of boardwalk in Caimpugan Peatiand last May 18, 2017. iodiversity Management Bureau CY 2017 Annual Report | a]The Enhanced Incentive Scheme for the Philippine Wetland Award was presented to the Wetlands TWG last December 01, 2017. Inputs provided were used for the further enhancement of the document. The Bureau also participated and provided assistance on the In-house Leaming Event on Ecosystem Approach, Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction (ECoDRR) and Ecosystem-based Climate Change Adaptation (EbA) last May 2-3, 2017 and Ramsar activities, such as: Ramsar Site Manager's Meeting last October 24, 2017: Consultation on the Preparation of the Philippine National Report to the Ramsar Convention last December 01, 2017: and, assistance to the site exposure trip of Ramsar Secretariat and Fil Chief to select and possible Ramsar Sites in the country, 2.3. Cave Management Program The Bureau accomplished the monitoring of 16 classified caves including cave ecotourism sites in Regions 1 (Cabalyorisa, Cacupangan, and Sto, Rosario Caves) 2 (Tabaco, Tangadan, Alllaw, Ngiwatan, and Banggalao Caves), 4-A (Pamitinan PL), 4-B (St. Paul and Ugong Rock Caves), 9 (Gomez. Zapanta, Duhig and Agustin Caves), and NCR (Apugan Cave}. The review and evaluation of 22 Cave Management Pians and 74 Cave Assessment reports with complete recommendations forwarded to concemed regions were also accomplished. Moreover, an additional 92 caves were classified and inventoried for 2017 (Draft DMC for approval of Secretary), making a total of 547 caves classified since 2012 The draft National Cave Strategy and Action Plan was presented through a National Consultation last April 29, 2017 to concemed DENR field personnel. The contract for the Consultant cum Writer was awarded to Dr. Corazon Catibog-Sinha. The first draft was submitted to the Bureau Director for evaluation. Furthermore, the Bureau facilitated the ‘conduct of the Appreciation Training and Orientation on Cave Management and Protection for the New National Cave Committee members last July 17-21, 2017 in Sta, Teresita, Cagayan, as well as, the Leaming Event on Cave Biodiversity ‘Assessment (Luzon Cluster) for DENR personnel last November 20-24, 2017 in Pangasinan. Biodiversity Management Bureau CY 2017 Annual Report | o|The 17th National Cave Congress was conducted in Zamboanga del Norte last March 24-28, 2017 which was participated by concemed DENR regional representatives and BMB staff. 2.4, Urban Biodiversity The Bureau conducted an In-house Orientation/Familiarization on the Dratt Policy regarding Urban Biodiversity Assessment last April 10-11, 2017 and Technical Workshop on Urban Biodiversity Assessment with experts from National Museum and UPLB MNH last September 20-22, 2017 in Avilon Zoo, Rodriguez Rizal. The draft policy/guidelines on Urban Biodiversity Assessment will be refined based on the comments and recommendations from the said workshops. 2.5. Agrobiodiversity The list of small and medium enterprises from Regional Offices and the inventory of bamboo natural stands and species within protected areas wos endorsed fo the Undersecretary for Field operations last April 04, 2017. Ukewise, the list of potential and/or identified Biodiversity-Friendly Enterprises (BDFE) were updated in the existing database. The Bureau conducted on-site verification of identified Biodiversity-based Practices in Shumei Farm in Tanay, Rizal and Upper Marikina River Basin PL (UMREPL) as initial site assessment last January 19, 2017, in coordination with DENR Region 4-A and Biodiversity Partnership Project. Once verified, the Bureau conducted pilot-testing of assessment tools for the BDFE and agricultural practices for two (2) POs within UMRBPL. namely: Tulungan Sa Kabuhayan ng Calawis (TSKC) and Calawis Upland Farmers Assoc. Inc. (CUFAI) last 15-17 March 2017. In building support of stakeholders in Biodiversity Conservation, the Bureau has engaged with the following partners in Biodiversity Conservation: a) CSOs during the Sierra Madre People's Summit; b) Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, Inc. (PCEPSDI) regarding National Eco-labelling Program; c) PGS Pilipinas, SGP and BioFin regarding Participatory Guarantee System for BDFE; and, d) UPLB Museum of Natural History. Biodiversity Management Bureau CY 2017 Annual Report J 10 |2.6. Wildlife Resources Conservation Program 2.6.1. Threatened Species Conservation and Management Program The Bureau continuously implemented and monitored programs that focus on the conservation of threatened wildlife species such as the Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi), marine turtles, Philippine Cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia) and tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis). In lieu of this, the Bureau evaluated a total of 108 regional reports on threatened species, broken down as follows: 57 Marine turtle reports, six (6) dugong report, 19 Philippine eagle reports, four (4) Philippine cockatoo reports, 10 Tamaraw reports, and 12 crocodile reports. 2.6.1.1 Marine Turtle Conservation A total of 149 turtles were released of which 120 turtles were tagged. Thirteen (13) hatcheries were managed of which 7,071 hatchlings were released out of the 9,739 eggs transplanted. 2.6.1.2 Philippine Raptor Conservation For CY 2017, 25 individual sightings of the Philippine Eagle were reported to the Bureau, a slight increase from the 19 reported Individual sightings in 2016. 2.6.1.3 Tamaraw Conservation For the Tamaraw, a total of 401 individual Tamaraws was recorded in this year’s Annual Tamaraw Count conducted in Mts. Iglit-Baco National Pork (MIBNP), which is lower than the 2016 count. A number of factors affected the decrease of number of the Tamaraw sighted/recorded this year, as follows: 1) The early start of rain in the upper ranges of MIBNP affected the controlled burning in some low lying areas, hindering the sighting of the Tamaraws due to high vegetation; 2) Disturbances due to the traditional hunting activity of the IPs on their sacred place that happened on the start of the Tamaraw Count which was also delayed due to the early rainfall; and, 3) Disturbances due to regular movements of the IPs and other elements that pass through the area. jodiversity Management Bureau CY 2017 Annual Report Hi2.6.1.4 Philippine Cockatoo Conservation For the Philippine Cockatoo, head count was maintained at 535 individuals. 6.2. Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) A total of 320,168 waterbird individuals were counted nationwide involving 108 species in 169 AWC sites from Regions 2, 3, 4-A, 4-8, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, NCR, and CARAGA for the development of the National AWC report which was submitted fo Wetland Intemational last June 2017. 2.6.3. Establishment and Management of Critical Habitats For Critical Habitat (CH) management, a total of six (6) CH proposals were evaluated, as follows: 1) Caojagan Island Critical Habitat, Pambujan, Northem Samar; (2) Catmon Critical Habitat, Silago, Southem Leyte; 3) Anonang Lobi Mountain Range Critical Habitat, Baybay City, Leyte: (4) CH for Tarsier and other Wildlife Species, Sitio Ariston, Brgy. Poblacion, Malungon, Saranggani; (5) Critical Habitat for Dinagat Bushy Tailed Cloud Rat and other threatened species; and, (6) Juban CH in Sorsogon for Philippine ducks and other migratory birds. Evaluation results were transmitted to concemed Regions accordingly. Furthermore, implementation status of CH Management Plan of the following CHs were monitored: Cabusao Wetland CH, Rafflesia schandenbergiana CH, Malasi Tree Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. ‘Carmen CH, and Magsaysay CH. 2.6.4. Invasive Alien Species Management Three (3) consultation meetings were conducted with the Philippine Red Ust Committee (PRLC) and Philippine Plant Conservation Committee (PPC) for the review of the National List of Invasive Alien Species. Moreover, the Invasive Alien Species database and webpage was continuously maintained and updated. Biodiversity Management Bureau CY 2017 Annual Report ie2.6.5. National Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (NWRRC) The National Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (NWRRC), which is a component of the NAPWC. serves as a temporary refuge ‘and rehabilitation facility for confiscated, tuned-over, donated ‘and/or abandoned wildife. The NWRRC was able to maintain and care for 1,137 confiscated, donated and rescued wild animals, broken down as follows: 62 arthropods, 139 mammals, 369 birds and 567 reptiles. Guided tours and orientations of the mini-zoo and the NWRRC are being done regularly. Cognizant with the aim to improve the facilies within the NWRRC, 80 cages are continuously being maintained daily and the quarantine area is on-going renovations. Furthermore, a Training on Wildlife Forensics and Management of Wildife Rescue Centers were conducted for Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao clusters wherein around 93 Regional WRC personnel were trained. 2.6.6. Wildlite Disposition For wildlife disposition, the Bureau conducted assessment of Proposed release sites, as follows: Angat Watershed; Maklling Forest Reserve: and, Aurora, Quezon. Upon assessment, the following rehabilitated animals were released to their natural habitats: one (1) Hawksbill turtle at Morong, Bataan: two (2) Olive-idley turtles in Calatagan, Batangas; 12 Brahminy kites, three (3) Island collared dove, five (5) Monitor lizard, and 30 Asian box turtles at Angat Watershed, Bulacan; Philippine Eagle in Aurora Memorial NP: and, six (6) serpent eagle in Makiling Forest Reserve. 2.6.7. Wildlife Trade Regulation For CY 2017, the Bureau was able to process and issue a total of 1.142 CITES permits (export=793, te-export=47, _import=302) generating a total income of P3,266,605.18. For the conduct of researches on wildlife, 12 Gratuitous Permits were prepared and processed. Biodiversity Management Bureau CY 2017 Annual Report J} is]A total of 23 Regional monitoring reports on DENR-egistered facilities and WRCs in Regions 2, 3, 4-8, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and CARAGA were evaluated. Based on the submitted reports, the electronic recording ‘of animals being maintained at each facilities are updated. ‘On the monitoring of wildlife farms commercially-breeding CITES- listed species for international trade, a total of 10 farms have been monitored: (1) Birds R Us c/o Millard Pefiamante in Bulacan; (2) AS Twaio Farm in Pampanga; (3) Lady Let Orchids & Greens; (4) Avilon 700 Foundation: (5) Goldwing & Coral Farm: (6) Coral Agriventure: (7) ATM Bird Collection; (8) QSS; (9) M. Lhuiller; and, (10) Hampel ‘Mountain Spring. The database on CWRs, WFP. Importation Report, CITES Export/Import/Re-export Permits issued and Regional WRC were updated based on the reports received from the Regional Offices and CITES permits issued by the Bureau. 2.6.8. Wildlife Law Enforcement Continuing its fight against ivory trade, several activities were conducted by the Bureau. For 2017, the Bureau conducted 54 cyber surveillance moritoring, 45 inteligence-led case building operations and 23 actual law enforcement operations against violators on which confiscations were made. During these operations, around 1,523 wildlife species were confiscated. The Bureau trained around 210 public, as well as, private officials and personnel of various air and sea ports in the Philippines of the national and intemational policies goveming ivory and illegal wildlife trade in five (5) air and sea ports, to wit: a) Lipata Seaport, Surigao City; b) Matnog Seaport, Sorsogon: c) Liloan Seaport, Southem Leyte; d) Clark International Airport; and, e) lloilo City Airport and Seaport. Moreover. the Bureau conducted the 6 and 7 Training of Trainers {ToT} on Wildlife Law Enforcement and Retooling of DENR Regional Offices on Wildlife Regulation and Enforcement in General Santos ‘and Zamboanga City, wherein a total of 110 volunteers, public and Private personnel, and law enforcement officers were trained. Biodiversity Management Bureau CY 2017 Annual Report Jia]The Bureau of Customs officially tumed-over confiscated Rhino homs worth Php74-M to the Bureau last February 27, 2017. Based on the bill of lading, the homs originated from Mozambique. Lt. Angelito Cruz. Chief of the BOC-Environmental Protection Unit led the BOC team who tumed over the specimens to BMB. homs were intercepted by the BOC in September 2012 at the Manila Intemational Container Port in South Harbor, Manila. The shipment was declared as cashew nuts by the shipper, the Chistevas Import and Export, Maputo City. Mozambique. The Rhinoceros population is listed under Appendix | of the CITES, which means that international trade of the species, including its parts and by-products is strictly prohibited. 2.7. Coastal and Marine Management Program The Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Management Program (CMEMP) is tasked to comprehensively manage, address and effectively reduce the drivers and threats of degradation of the coastal and marine ecosystems in order to achieve and promote sustainability of ecosystem services. For CY 2017, a total of 99,075.07 hectares of coastal habitats have been mapped and assessed for potential livelihood opportunities including vuinerabilty to pressures and drivers. In order to measure the knowledge, attitude and practices of stakeholders relative to coastal and marine environment, the Bureau conducted KAP Surveys in 261 coastal barangays within NIPAS and Marine PAs (MPAs) Moreover. a total of 25 MPA Networks (MPANs) were established forging inter-institutional collaboration among neighboring local government with the assistance of other institutions such as non-govemment organizations, academe, goverment agencies, and development partners including donors. Furthermore, for the recognition of Biodiversity-Friendly Enterprises are Fie(BDFE), the Bureau provided support in the development of about 115 BDFES. ‘A number of trainings were also conducted and organized in terms of coastal and marine conservation. Three (3) batches of MPA Management Training was conducted, capacitating a total of 41 partners/stakeholders. ‘Also, 51 participants were capacitated during three (3) batches of the Social Marketing and Mobilization Enhancement Training. Lastly, the Bureau provided technical assistance to 120 local govemment units in the implementation of CMEMP. 3. Communication, Education, Participation and Awareness Program The First CEPA Strategic Planning and Writeshop was conducted last April 20- 21, 2017 to dratt the CEPA Plan and Core Group Guidelines and to identify the CEPA Focal Persons. Moreover, two (2) Youth Day activities were conducted at the Bureau in partnership with Philippine Native Plant Conservation Society participated by 30 college students from the Philippine Normal University and 30 high school students from San Francisco High Schoo! last February 18 and April 01, 2017, respectively. Additionally, a total of twenty (20) speeches for DENR/BMB Officials were prepared/dratted for various events. The Bureau alo produced, completed and distributed various IEC materials, such as: Draft Inland Wetland Conservation Plan, 2018 BMB Calendar, Cave Book, Ramsar Site Posters (in Sintra board), brochures and flyers on Wetlands and DRR, Ramsar Resolution XII.13, and CBD's EbA and ECODRR reprinted, bridged Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP) 2015-2028, flyers on bats, identification guides on raptors, posters and Infographics on biodiversity conservation, etc. 4. Managing the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center Continuous management and maintenance of the 22.7 hectare Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center (NAPWC) and its facilities are being done by the Bureau. The renovation of the old PAWB Building No. | to house the Protected ‘Area Gallery/Museum is targeted to commence on 2018 once proposed additional funds are approved. Furthermore, the renovation of the Crocodile Cage is completed. Biodiversity Management Bureau CY 2017 Annual verotMoreover, a total of 304,393 visitors were recorded for CY 2017 generating a total income of 8,773,380.00 from the entrance, parking and rental fees of the park. 5. Foreign-Assisted and Special Projects Implemented The Bureau continuously implements Foreign-Assisted Projects (FAPs) which support and enhance the implementation of policies and programs on Biodiversity Conservation. The mojor accomplishments of FAPs being implemented by the Bureau are presented below: 5.1 The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) The TEES Philippine Country Study (PCS) is part of the cross-country effort to pilot the TEES methodology that aims to make explicit the otherwise underestimated values of ecosystem services in policy and management decisions on the 175-hectare Las Piflas-Paranaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA). The project provided the process and tools for measuring and putting value of ecosystem service and the benefits that are lost resulting from ignoring the contribution of this natural capital in project decisions. The project highlighted the importance of decidedly including rehabiltation and/or restoration cost in reclamation projects in Manila in view of the declining provision of ecosystem services that provide benefits to potential losers of the reclamation pathway. 5.2 Protect Wildlife Project The Protect Wildlife activity supports initiatives to align conservation policy with on-the-ground wildlife management actions and enforcement from. June 17, 2017 to December 11, 2020, with a long-term vision to contribute toward biodiversity conservation in the Philippines. Protect Wildlife designed and led the first C4C activity in the Philippines with 24 participants. The 10-day training was held in the municipality of Brooke's Point, which also served as the case study site. The project provided technical assistance for preparing cost and revenue analysis of the operations of the LGU and RWSA-managed water systems in Biodiversity Management Bureau CY 2017 Annual Report jaz]Brooke's Point and the Zamboanga City Water District, and of the Santa Cruz Islands ecotourism enterprise. The analysis was used to determine the viability of these enterprises and the potential to generate new/additional financing {i.e., payment for environmental services) for the management and protection of their watersheds/ecotourism area. A collaboration with DENR, PCSDS and the Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC) was organized for a training program to equip trainees trom target LGUs and communities on core capacities required to serve as Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEOs). The enforcement specialists of Protect Wildlife served as key resource persons. The project also collaborated with DENR-BMB to train 161 national goverment staff in combating wildlife and environmental crime. Protect Wildlife provided financial and technical resources to DENR-BMB for the co- design and facilitation of national level wildlife law enforcement and prosecution training programs. The project completed participatory assessment of wildlife law violations, trafficking trends and local enforcement capabilities in Palawan (mainland ‘and Calamianes Group of Islands), Zamboanga City and Taw+Tawi. These assessments generated information on wildlife resources and uses, common violations and actors, wildlife trade routes, and gaps in policies, capacities and logistics. Protect Wildlife will apply findings to inform enforcement capability building programs in each site. 5.3 Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN): Building Transtormative Policy and Financing Frameworks to Increase Investment in Biodiversity Management BIOFIN provided technical assistance to the provincial govemment of Cavite in preparing a proposal entitled “Secured Water Supply. Sanitation ‘and Management to Mitigate Climate Change Impact in the Province of Cavite" worth P54, 099,148.00 to the Peoples’ Survival Fund. The project also aided in developing the following proposals: a) Scaling up of Maldives ~ Malita's MPA and Establishment of Sustainable Ecotourism: b) Livelihood Development Program for Busuanga, Palawan. The project also presented 4 enterprises (nipa palm sugar, aquaponic system, native tree landscaping, and ecotourism) to selected private sector representatives. It also provided assistance to FREEDOM for BMB recognition of nipa palm sugar as a biodiversity-friendly enterprise. iodiversity Management Bureau CY 2017 Annual Report iAs a result of the marketplace, C3 (Community-Centered Conservation), an NGO based in Busuanga, Palawan accessed a project preparation grant from the Forest Foundation of the Philippines (FFP) (formerly Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation) in the amount of P200,000.00 for its proposal entitles “Busuanga Island Forest Ecosystem Conservation and Management" amounting to P23,974,559.20. Two other proposals from Palawan Conservation Corps (Establishment of Communal Organic Farm and Food Processing facility at the Rural Agricultural Center (RAC) and Candis 3 Marketing (Strengthening Conservation and Protection Forest, Coastal and Endangered wildlife through community-based sustainable tourism) are under evaluation by FFP. BIOFIN also was successful in integrating the targets of the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP) into Chapter 20 (Ensuring Ecological Integrity, Clean and Healthy Environment) of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP). BIOFIN continuously receives support from Cong Josephine Ramirez-Sato together with Governors Mario Gene Mendiola (Occidental Mindoro) and Alfonso Umali.Jr (Oriental Mindoro) congressmen Paulino Salvador Leachon and Reynaldo Umaii for the projects localization effort in the isiand of Mindoro. The localization effort seeks to simplify and introduce the BIOFIN methodology to LGUs and at the same time, will test and showcase resource mobilization efforls at the LGU level. The LGUs selected are Naujan, Pola, Victoria and Socorro in Oriental Mindoro which encompass the Naujan Lake National Park while the LGUs of Sablayan, Rizal, Caiintaan and San Jose in Occidental Mindoro encompass Mt. Iglit aco National Park and Apo Reef Natural Park. A total of 18 income-generating and conservation proposals totaling P4, 128,945.00 for Occidental Mindoro and Php181,610,000 for Oriental Mindoro were formulated. 5.4 5% Operational Phase of the GEF Grants Programme in the Philippines (sGPs5) The project has a total of 54 proposal with a total commitment of USD134,738,385. Under outcome |, effective models for community-based governance of protected areas are demonstrated, the project supported seventy-four communities that exhibit management or co-management models of protected areas. It also establithed/enhanced community-managed Biodiversity Management Bureau CY 2017 Annual Report | 19 |protected or conservation areas covering a total of 96,825.88 hectares, Nine communities protected areas have conducted their baseline MET. Total management effectiveness scores of each protected area ranged between 35% and 63%. With regards to mangrove and/or seagrass areas, 12,070.70 has were protected and/or rehabilitated. Under outcome 2, commurity-managed landscapes and seascapes ily integrate biodiversity conservation objectives, the project ‘arranged 309,108.79 has of community agricultural, fishing or forestry area under verified sustainable use by communities that are recipients of grants. Under outcome 3, altemative biodiversity friendly agriculture, fisheries and forestry products produced and marketed by 30 communities, there are now 104 communities that produce and market biodiversity-triendly agriculture, fisheries, forestry and ecotourism products supported by 34 grantees. Under outcome 4, Increased capacity of GEFSGP Stakeholders to diagnose and understand the complex and dynamic nature of global environmental problems and to develop local solutions, a total of 3,554 community-level users have already been trained through the conduct of Training of Trainers (ToT) by the CPMU, through the localization of the training programs by the trainers produced by the ToT. Also three (3) out of four (4) local govemments who launch community-based partnership initiatives for GEP-SGP have already materialized, and there are a number of other partnerships being pushed by the grantees. 5.5 Strengthening National Systems to Improve Governance and Management of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Conserved Areas and Tertitories (ICCA) The project has already taken a cursory look of the ICCA policy landscape in the country through document review and interviews with agency focal person and other stakeholders. Also, the project is collaborating with the UNDP Smartseas Project regarding the possible inclusion of a provision on ancestral waters in the proposed Joint Administrative Order on Marine Protected Areas that the Smartseas Project will produce with DA-BFAR and DENR. The project provided technical support in the community orientation in Mt. Taungay in Kalinga and supported the Local Responsible Partner (KASAPI) Biodiversity Management Bureau CY 2017 Annual Report Eaassigned in the area in clarifying questions around the possible geographical expansion of the Project, need for counterpart funds from focal goverment units and other stakeholders, partnership arrangements, and improving communications from the national to local offices. Futhermore, KASAPI also completed the community orientations for Tinoc in Ifugao and Tinglayan in Kalinga. During the consultation with the LGU Tinoc, it was agreed that they will enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with KASAP! for the implementation of the Project. In line with the community consultation and validation of community request, PAFID finished the community orientations in Imugan, Santa Fe, Nueva Viscaya and San Toribio, Esperanza Agusan del Sur. A community validation was conducted in Imugan and a resolution identifying PAFID as their partner was signed by the community. In San Toribio, the orientation took place in the tribal hall of the Manobo community where a resolution formally adopting the ICCA project, as well as, endorsing PAFID as their Local Responsible Partner was signed by the community. A consultation with the Mamanwa Community was also conducted by PAFID where the latter expressed their regret in joining the Project due to mining issues within their community. Due to this instance, proposal for possible replacement for the Mamanwa site in Dinarawan was created. The project supported the Meeting and Planning Workshop of the BUKLURAN Steering Committee. The activity enabled BUKLURAN to review their Vision, Mission and Goals: identify threats in the ICCA sites; and identity areas where they need capacity building and strengthening so they can respond and support as an organization. The project is currently collaborating with NCIP for the Commission's Philippine Indigenous Peoples Ethnographies (PIPES) Project. The collaboration focuses on the alignment of PIPES to the Philippine ICCA Project's output on the revision of the ADSDPP Guidelines. Additionally, the project has been working together with the Green Bills Network towards refining the ICCA Bill and coming up with the advocacy activities for its passage. The Green Bills Network is a coalition of civil society organizations advocating for the passage of the ICCA Bill, Forest Management Bill, National Land Use Bill, and the Altemative Minerals Management Bill. ANGOC-ILC, NIFO-EP, LRC-KSK, Tebtebba, and UGAT are some ofits members. eee cavawanon KE5.6 Sulu-Sulawesl Seascape (SSS) For CY 2017, the project has achieved most of the indicators per outputs. In particular, the project has successtully conducted the delineation of proposed sites in Balabac on March 2017. The project is also on the process of hifing a Balabac-based NGO who shall assist in implementing the activities. For output 2. the Marine Turtle PA Network Memorandum of Agreement (MIPAN-MOA) was successfully signed during the side-event of the Convention on the Migratory Species of Wild Animals Conference of Parties (CMS COP 12 at PICC, Pasay City on 24 October 2017. Among the signatories were DENR Secretary as represented by Asec Baleva, DENR 4B through Regional Director Natividad Bemardino, DENR 9 Regional Director Felix Mirasol, Jr, and Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez. Governor Rashidin Matba of Tawi-Taw is yet to affix his signature on the MIPAN-MOA. For output 3, the project provided capacity building inputs to the three sites based on the results of the Management Effectiveness Assessment. For output 4, climate change adaptation plans are being integrated in the revised PA Management Plans of ENTMRPA and TIWS. The project also assisted ENTMRPA and TIWS in updating their respective PAMPs pursuant to BMB Technical Bulletin (2016-08). For output 5, the project identified the development of an Enforcement Coordination and Communication Protocol as the enforcement strategy. The Protocol is slated to be validated and finalized by January 2018. A training on pilot-testing the protocol will also be done on January 2018 through the assistance of the consultants, Tanggol Kalikasan. 5.7 Protected Area Management Enhancement Projects (PAME) The project has achieved the overall goal of improving the quality of PA Management, expanding the breadth of protected areas and integrating biodiversity protection and conservation in spatial planning. The project achieved its target to improve the management effectiveness (METT score) of the 64 supported existing protected areas in selected Key Biodiversity Area. The METT score has been improved by an average of 39% compared to the initial situation (approximately 1.3M hectares of terrestrial Biodiversity Management Bureau CY 2017 Annual Report | 22 |and 0.3M hectares of marine national PAs). The overall number of PA sites, that were addressing with their Public Awareness Materials all three foundations of sustainability at the same time, increased from 40 sites (25% of sites) to 104 sites (65% of sites) over-shooting the target of 60% (or at least 96 sites). The project used two major approaches to establish new PAs: 1) Supporting local PA-specific legislation initiatives in KBAs, and 2) supporting municipal Comprehensive Land Use Planning using Integrated Ecosystem Management as its base in 9 municipalities in Apayao and Cagayan Provinces. The Project has provided support that has resulted in the establishment of approximately 56 PAs or 170,000 hectares of new conservation areas of various ecosystem types: 104,000 has. - terrestrial, 73,000 has. - wetland, 2,000 has. - marine, and a handful of cave systems. 5.8 Strengthening the Marine Protected Areas to Conserve Marine Key Biodiversity Areas in the Philippines (SMARTSEAS) The following are the SMARTSeas’ accomplishments per site: Verde Island Passage. The Interim Secretariat Meeting was conducted last August 2017 and basic roles and responsibilities were enumerated. Southem Palawan. The collaboration between and among the DENR- PENRO, PCSD, and BFAR-NFRDI through joint activities on site has been strengthened. Tafion Strait Protected Seascape. Completed the Coastal zoning and Fisheries Resource Management Planning (CFRM) workshops conducted through July to September which was attended by over 400 representatives from the LGU offices and fisher organizations. Davao Gulf. Participated in the Local Assessment of the status of project implementation in the site. It was also the venue for the identification of Issues and challenges that the site is facing and how to address it. Lanuza Bay. The local monitoring team observed siltation in the Carrascal Marine Protected Area (MPA). The Adlay MPA on the other hand had clear waters and lesser hard corals covered in sit. This may indicate that the silt from the Bon-ot River and the mining adjacent to the Adiay MPA is being caried out of Carascal Bay, as shown by past and current (SMARTSeas) hydrodynamic models. Haribon will provide feedback to the LGUs on the jjodiversity Management Bureau CY 2017 Annual Report Elsiltation and recommend to reduce stressors to allow affected corals and the reefs to bounce back and survive. Haribon recommends to the PMU to study this further, both the status of the bleached corals and the non- normal response of normally bleaching susceptible corals by the 4th quarter. 5.9 Partnership for Biodiversity Conservation: Mainstreaming in local Agricultural Landscape (BPP) The project was conceived to address the different biodiversity concems as such as (i) inadequate policies, systems, tools and capacities at the national level; (i) weak capacities of LGUs and lack of tools to mainstream biodiversity: and relatedly. (ii) failure to integrate biodiversity concems in the local development planning process. Eight (8) KBAs were identified as pilot sites for this project, namely: the Northeastem Cagayan Key Biodiversity Area (NECKBA), Quirino Protected Landscape (GPL), Mt. Siburan Key Biodiversity Area (MSKBA), Malampaya Sound Protected Landscape and Seascape (MSPLS). Central Panay Mountains (CPM), Northem Negros National Park (NNNP), Lake Mainit Key Biodiversity Area {LMKBA) and Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (MHRWS). The project has managed to engage the DA in an ongoing dialogue to integrate biodiversity considerations in its national agricultural policies. While it did not achieve the desired policy outcome in the form of a DA- DENR joint administrative order, experiences on the ground for biodiversity- friendly agricultural practices (BDFAPs) remain a work in progress, an institutional mechanism for interagency dialogue has been set in place ‘and local BDFAP start-ups have commenced. The project achieved a solid gain in the integration of biodiversity in local planning and is considered as the main achievement of the project. Used properly, the inclusion of biodiversity in the CLUPs will have far-reaching Positive consequences for the environment within the LGUs benefitted by the project. In this respect, at least three of the sites (Ie. MHRWS, QPL and NNNP) have shown momentum that will cary the project even beyond its term. The project got a boost from the adoption by the HLURB of biodiversity as a key requirement in preparing or revising existing CLUPs. The tools developed should be disseminated as widely as possible even to LGUs that Biodiversity Management Bureau CY 2017 Annual Report | 24 |were not included in the project but harbor KBAs within their teritorial jurisdiction. The project created an enacting ordinance in San Isidro to expand MHRWS by virtue of the locally conserved area (LCA) modality. There was a positive interaction here between the BPP and NewCAPP. The project was able to engaged nine (9) POs in capacity and skills training for BDFE, to wit: GPL- MASREDECA. MSPLS: MPMC and SIKAP, NNNP- PAFISFA and VISFFA, CPM- TIGMAMUGON, LMKBA- SJVPA and EPATLEA, and MHRWS- LATAGG. 6. Gender and Development (GAD) Mainstreaming The Bureau participated in the celebration of the 2017 National Women's month last March 30, 2017 by conducting a Fun Walk around the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center. It was followed by the BMB GAD Culminating Activity - Inspiring Stories of Women in Biodiversity on 31 March 2017 in Sulo Hotel, Quezon City Moreover, the Bureau took part in the 18Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women trom November 25 to December 12, 2017, and with this year's theme: “VAW-tree Community Starts with me", the Bureau organized a short activity last November 25, 2017 wherein IEC materials like leatlets and tans were handed out to all of the visitors of the park. Furthermore, in connection with this activity, the Bureau, in coordination with Erasto Film Production, conducted a free screening of the movie “Boses” last November 27, 2017 Biodiversity Management Bureau7. Special Events Conducted 7.1. International Day of Biodiversity (IDB) ©. First National Biodiversity Congress In celebration of the IDBD and to » enhance the Filipinos’ appreciation of the country’s rich biological diversity. the First National Biodiversity Congress was conducted. Various policymakers and stakeholders have gathered together to promote the importance of protecting and managing the country’s rich biological diversity and ecosystems. Organized by the Bureau, the three-day event kicked off on May 22, 2017 until May 24, 2017 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Orfigas Center. With the theme, “Upwelling of Lessons, Sustaining Community Benefits in the Conservation of Landscapes and Seascapes,” the biodiversity congress marked the fit time that key stakeholders ~ national and local governments, civil society, academe and the private sector — gathered to share models and lessons on biodiversity conservation initiatives in both large temitories and small communities. The fist day of the congress was marked by the launch of the Bureau's three major initiatives: the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP) 2015-2028; the Philippines’ Voluntary Commitments on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Goal #14: Life Below Water Ocean Conference; and the Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Management Program (CMEMP) 2017-2018. © Launching of the Museum of Philippine Biodiversity and Junyee’s Installation Art The celebration for this year's IDBD with the theme “Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism” was made even more remarkable with the launching Biodiversity Management Bureau CY 2017 Annual Report Eaof the projects the Bureau takes pride in - the Museum of Philippine Biodiversity and Junyee's Installation Art. Thru the BMB's partnership with the UP Diliman and thru the initiative of Senator Legarda, the first permanent installation art in the country and an upcoming museum showcasing the richness of Philippine Biodiversity can finally be found in the heart of Quezon City. The projects are strategically located at the NAPWC - a Protected Area and an ecotourism site in ‘Quezon City. ‘A former BMB office building found inside the premises of NAPWC, the Salakot Building will be refitted into 2 museum which will feature the sublime beauty of Philippine Biodiversity by highlighting a number of Protected Areas : < representing the different and unique terrestrial and marine ecosystems. This museum will be an experiential and interactive venue that aims to impart the richness and importance of our biodiversity, as well as, the threats it currently faces and the repercussions of its loss. Ukewise, Mr. Luis “Junyee” E Yee, Jr. an artist who is a pioneer of installation art in Southeast Asia, has built the first Permanent installation art in the country which is also found within NAPWC. His artwork fitled “Ugnayan”, made use of big pieces of recycled hardwood pillars and metal to visualize the unity and cooperation of the 21 nations composing the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in pursuit of common goals in different fields. 7.2 Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP) The PBSAP is the country's roadmap to conserve its biodiversity and achieve its vision - “By 2028, biodiversity is restored and rehabilitated, valued, effectively managed and secured, maintaining ecosystem services to sustain healthy, resiient Filipino communities and delivering benefits to «ll. In order to implement and mainstream the PBSAP with the plans and Scares cavaPrograms of concemed national government agencies and local govemment units, including govemment-owned and controlled Corporations and government financial institutions, and state universities and colleges, the Bureau conducted a series of regional cascading workshops in Northem Luzon, Southem Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. This, was participated by around 276 participants from DENR Regional Offices NEDA, DILG, DOT, DTI. NCIP, HLURB, DA, academe, LGUs and other agencies concemed a 7.3 Global Biodiversity information Facility - Integrated Publishing Toolkit (GBIF- (PT) The Bureau successfully conducted the Global Biodiversity information Facility - Integrated Publishing Toolkit (GBIF-IPT) training on February 10-11, 2017 at the University of the Philippines ~ Baguio. Twenty six (26) participants composed of professors and IT experts from the three higher educational institution (HEIs) Involved in the CHED-funded project “Popularizing Access to. Biodiversity Information Data and Conservation Opportunities (PABIDACO) attended the 2-day training. The highlight of the training was the MOA signing between the Bureau ‘and UP-Baguio as the lead of the PABIDACO project. By signing the MOA, UP-Baguio became the 34th member of the Philippine Clearing House Mechanism (PhitCHM) where BMB is the National Focal Point. The Bureau also lead the training of 102 scientists and IT experts from 10 partner institutions for the Global Biodiversity Information Facility — Integrated Publishing Toolkit (GBIF-IPT). Biodiversity Management Bureau CY 2017 Annual rorot PE7.4 World Wetlands Day 2017 Every 2nd of February each year is World Wetlands Day (WWD). This day marks the date of the ‘adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971. in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea. The celebration aims to raise public awareness on the importance and value of wetlands. “Wetlands for Disaster Risk Reduction" has been adopted as this year's celebration theme to highlight the role of wetlands as a natural safeguard against disasters. The Bureau as focal agency for implementing the Ramsar Convention in the country, led the country’s celebration of the 2017 WWD. In celebration of the WWD, BMB and the Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands (SCPW) partnered in a series of activities including: a) Book launching of two (2) publications - BMB’s “Atlas of Philippine inland Wetlands and Classified Caves” and Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands’ (SCPW) “Youth Eco-Camp Training Manual”; b) Round Table Discussion on Ramsar Resolution XIl.13 “Wetlands and Disaster Risk Reduction”: and, c) Youth Eco-camp in Talisay, Batangas. 7.5. World Wildlife Day 2017 The Bureau led the celebration of the World Wildlife Day Celebration last March 03, 2017 with the global theme, “Listen to the young voices”, aiming to encourage the youth to take an active role in wildlife conservation and the fight against the trafficking and illegal trade of wildlife species. Now in its fourth year, the Wildlife Enforcement Awards served as a venue to formally recognize private individuals and non-DENR officials/personnel who have provided invaluable assistance and unqualified support to the DENR in enforcing the provisions of the Wildlife Act (R.A. 9147). For the past three (3) years the DENR has conferred the award to 271 recipients. For this year, 78 men and women from various law enforcement agencies and Non-Govemment Organizations (ie. NBI operatives/ agents [34], BOC [4]. Philippine Coast Guard [18], and Department of Justice [5]) as well as 15 private individuals, have been recognized for their significant contributions to wildlife law enforcement work trom March 2016 - February 2017. iodiversity Management Bureau CY 2017 Annual Report | 29 |8.1.2 ASEAN Working Group on Coastal and Marine Environment (AWGCME) The working group recognizes the importance of coastal and marine resources for the livelhood of ASEAN people and aims to protect the 173,000 km of coastline of the ASEAN nations. For this year, the Bureau hosted the 18th Meeting of ASEAN Working Group on Coastal and Marine Environment (AWGCME) last May 11, 2017 at the Conrad Manila in Pasay City. 8.1.3 ASEAN Task Force on Peatlands (ATFP) The Bureau participated in the 2nd Meeting of the ASEAN Task Force on Peatiands (ATFP2) and the Regional Peatland Governance Workshop on the Implementation of ASEAN Programme on Sustainable Management of Peatiand Ecosystems (APMSPE) 2014-2020: Successes, Challenges and Roadmap for Future Sustainable Peatland Management Programme in Putrajaya, Malaysia on February 13-15, 2017. 8.1.4 ASEAN Working Group on CITES and Wildlife Enforcement (AWG-CITES & we) As a party fo the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Bureau participated in the ‘ASEAN Expert Group on CITES and ASEAN Working Group on CITES and Wildlife Enforcement. The first Meeting of the Working Group was held last April 2-4, 2017 in Indonesia. 8.2 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) 8.2.1 Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) In line with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Bureau Director parlicipated in the Joint Meeting of the Bureaux of the Conference of the Parlies to the CBD and the SBSITA held in Mexico City last April 26, 2017. It was agreed to continue the proposal that Mexico promoted at COPI3 to integrate key sectors that contribute to the work of biodiversity conservation. Biodiversity Management Bureau CY 2017 Annual Report ElDirector Lim as SBSTTA Chair, also led the 21st Meeting of the Subsidiary Body for Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA-21) on December 11-14, 2017 in Montreal, Canada. 8.2.2 Intergovernmental Science - Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) The Bureau Director represented the country during the Sth Plenary Session of the IPBES held from March 7-10, 2017 in Bonn, Germany and during the IPBES Regional Dialogue Meeting for the Asia Pacific Region in Tokyo, Japan last July 20-21, 2017. 8.2.3 Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) The 12th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP12) together with the associated meetings of the Standing Committee was held in the Philippine Intemational Convention Center (PIC) last 23 to 28 October 2017. with the theme, Their Future is Our Future: Sustainable Development for Wildlife and People. The CMS (also known as the Bonn Convention) brings together the Range States - the states through which migratory animals pass - and lays the legal foundation for Internationally coordinated conservation measures throughout @ migratory range. More than 120 Parties and over 500 delegates and observers to the CMS gathered for COP 12. which meets every three years. Aside from the historic victory for migratory species protections, this year's conference was also the fist time the CMS held a meeting in Asia. The event concluded with the adoption of 54 resolutions and a declaration on the links between sustainable development and migratory wildlife, including the adoption of the African Elephant Action Plan. Furthermore, the Philippines has been named as one of Biodiversity Management Bureauthe five “Migratory Species Champions" in the world for its exemplary contribution in the global effort to protect migratory animals, Particularly the whale shark or butanding (Rhincodon typus). 8.2.4 Other CBD-related commitments Participated in the following CBD-telated meetings/workshops in Montreal, Canada: (1) Workshop on the preparation of the 6th National Report on December 9-10, 2017; (2)10th Meeting of the Ad Hoc Technical Working Group on arficle 8{j) and related provisions on December 13-16, 2017: and, (3) Workshop on Transdisciplinary Research and Governance on Climate-Geoengineering, ICAO, Montreal, Canada on December 17. 2017. 8.3 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) The Bureau represented the Philippines during the 23rd session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP23) in Bonn, Germany last November 6-17, 2017. 8.4 13th CTI-CFF Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM 13) The PH Gov't thru the DENR hosted and Chaired the 13th CT-CFF Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM 13) last November 27-30, 2017 at Dusit Thani Manila Hotel. CTLCFF is a multilateral partnership among the governments of Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands and Timor Leste to address the growing threats to the Coral Triangle. CT is important because 53% of the world’s marine biodiversity is here with around 120 million people depending on the resources. During this event county reports of accomplishments and recommended ways forward were presented Biodiversity Management Bureau CY 2017 Annual Report Ea[a OA0 ered OEE [a OA endorsed fo OSEC lara Jont ACEO feared urban ecosystem and BO-iendly enterprises |. Programsirojects Oevelopment implementation andan tPA ifs a = — “pes pa seared = [Fir rp rr Ea a a = {— aoa posed Safan —}~ — z [No of Resckitions reviewed 2 “8 Perr ho orate eing rv 18 = No of SER reer andred | m0 [ : Not calcined ton s0_| 28 Sa ‘reports reviewed in cere oe te ot PaNPerevend | | a0 = No oop evened | ~ al No create eimvmdend | 8 | 2 | ian E zal: | a i trp nd a | No. repre red eo | fF ho. trp owed [150 |No. of SAPAMOA reviewed 41 | S50 aoe ee ee “aa [No ot reports reviewed aa | 2678 a =a — ke arene wd = fe = a 1 sb — ae fi. of ects orgarized 1 3s oe eee, i ini fist Fane, Vii Sie Paring Here Verte coc 1 Wert fo Ector nate Nato Prk a —| Ce a | ccc on 1119 One 2017 bce te det | entra cons turer gt Pan Bata NP trentareaireg ‘5: Pit ising fs assoserert an air for HEEL | 62 Aesessment cf dered peatand se anPage 12i | i iDepartnant: ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES2 ee pees ca) es = [Torrie rs (Prepared by: ‘Approved by: ihe Lt eK reer