Mt. Kanlaon, Its Myths and Wildlife, Painting by Masaste

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(Note: This Management Plan was approved prior to the passage of RA 9154, declaring Mt. Kanlaon a Natural Park and authorizing PNOC-EDC to enter into 169 hectares of a so called "buffer zone" for the purpose for geothermal exploration and development. In this 2001 Management Plan, there is no room for PNOC-EDC's geothermal development. The plan is included in full in this website because it is closer to an ideal of how the plan should be. )

Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park

Management Plan: June 2001(Con't)

4.2       Strategies

The strategies are drawn out to attain the vision, goals and objectives of the management plan and identify the corresponding management programs. These multi- pronged strategies are complementary and mirror a high degree of inter-dependence between strategies designed to provide a comprehensive response to the management of the PA. The wide range of strategic options provided similarly reflects the connectivity and overlaps among the management problems and issues within MKNP. These strategies used in "stand alone" capacity or in combination with other options include the following:

1.  Adoption and implementation of appropriate management zoning regime that ensures the sustainable and equitable use of MKNP resources

Zoning involves the division of the park into appropriate management units with management prescriptions that specify what types of activities can be undertaken in specific areas to ensure the attainment of the goals and objectives of the plan. This strategy puts flexibility into the management system and allows the integration of conservation initiatives and sustainable development consistent with the essence and spirit of the NIPAS Act. In a way, it provides a social contract among the various stakeholders on how to manage the different management units of the PA. This strategy is a tool designed to harmonize conservation requirements with the needs of the communities for a better and quality life.

Management zoning has been started in the park. Initially, five (5) management zones are proposed for the park using biophysical criteria such as slope, vegetation and elevation. The zoning process also considered areas of high biodiversity, unique habitats, existing land uses and special unique features in designating the management zones. The proposed management zones are the strict protection zone, recreation zone, multiple use zone, sustainable use zone and restoration zones. These zones will be demarcated on the ground and their boundaries marked using natural structures or through planting of conspicious indigenous species.

The identification of the management zones has undergone a series of consultations with the various stakeholders. Validations with local communities have also been undertaken using community mapping techniques. The community resource management plans of the different communities provided additional inputs in the development of MKNP zoning. Moreover, land use plans of the different LGUs encompassing the park are also being considered in the development of MKNP zoning scheme.

2.                  Participatory development and implementation of an integrated protection, rehabilitation and monitoring programs that safeguards the integrity of MKNP as a protected area

This strategy is designed to immediately protect and conserve MKNP’s biodiversity values and its different ecosystems while at the same time, ensure the rehabilitation of its degraded and disturbed ecosystems. In operationalizing this strategy, community-based approaches will be adopted. The specific components of this strategy include a) resource protection and law enforcement, b) biodiversity monitoring system, c) restoration and rehabilitation of denuded areas, and d) wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.

a.  Resource protection and law enforcement

This component is geared toward the strict enforcement of the different laws and regulations that apply to the PA. Protection and enforcement will be done by the forest rangers and the deputized community-based Kanla-on Green Brigade (KGB ) with the support of the different institutions engaged in similar field of endeavor. It is expected that this strategy will minimize if not eliminate various types of illegal activities in the PA, protect existing forest cover and biodiversity and strengthen stakeholders’ participation in protection and law enforcement. The major activities under this are regular forest patrols, prosecution of apprehended violators and strengthening of community-based protection system.

b.  Biodiversity monitoring system

The continuous implementation of the DENR Biodiversity Monitoring System (BMS) in accordance with DAO 2000-13 is specially crucial, as this will provide up-to-date information on resources and levels of biodiversity. The result of which, shall then form part of the basis in coming out with timely and appropriate management decisions. Thus, the different BMS methods as described in detail in the DENR-BMS manual shall be undertaken in the PA. This will include 1) field diary, 2) transect walks, 3) photo documentation, 4) village meetings/focused group discussions with permanent community BMS groups and 5) wetland methods. The BMS shall be implemented in key locations within the park following an annual work plan.

c.  Restoration and rehabilitation

Rehabilitation or restoration of denuded areas in the park including wildlife corridors and the stabilization of riverbanks and critical slopes that are prone to erosion will be undertaken. These efforts are expected to enhance the watershed capacity and aesthetic values of MKNP as well as the population of threatened endemic species. Proper assessment and planning activities will be done to prepare a restoration and rehabilitation plan for the PA that is expected to reforest at least 3,000 hectares, stabilize major river banks, eroded areas and wildlife corridors and improve the quantity and quality of water supply. Community-based approaches to reforestation and other rehabilitation efforts will be adopted.

d.  Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation

This component is designed to rescue from captivity or rehabilitate wildlife for eventual reintroduction to their natural habitats in the park. It is projected that with this activity, MKNP will soon serve as one of the natural museum centers of the province for research and education. This component will involve the setting up of a wildlife rescue center and other infrastructures, conduct of wildlife research, wildlife rescue operations and implementation of appropriate IEC for popular education and support on wildlife.

3.  Research and documentation

Research gaps in terms of the status of biodiversity in each habitat in MKNP will be studied to establish baseline conditions of existing resources. This will include studies on resource uses and the impact of settlements and human activities on biodiversity. Research results will be analyzed and incorporated in the MIS so that they can be used in policy formulation and making critical decisions related to biodiversity conservation interventions. Members of the scientific and academic communities will be encouraged to undertake these researches.

4.  Organization and mobilization of communities and other stakeholders to support and develop community-based approaches to park management including the provision of appropriate land tenure security for both tenured migrants and IPs residing in MKNP

This strategy will promote active participation of local communities in all stages of resource management, from planning, implementation, to monitoring and evaluation. It recognizes the fact that government management of natural resources without strong community involvement will be inefficient and costly. A key requisite of this strategy is the formation of strong people’s organizations (POs) with close linkages with the Barangay Councils. These POs together with the barangay officials will be continuously supported in improving their skills in assessing , mapping, planning and in managing specific resources of the park. Community resource management plans will be formulated together with community resource use maps to serve as guides in the management of allocated areas in the park.

The specific strategies under this component will include the following: a) community development assistance b) provision of land tenure security and c) facilitation for the provision of basic social services.

 a.  Community development assistance

This activity is focused on the strengthening of peoples' organizations for self- determination and management and participation in environmental protection for sustainable development. It is expected to enhance the capacities of PO leaders and members to run their own collective activities, resolve internal conflicts and problems, mobilize resources and participate in the implementation of conservation programs and projects. Communities dependent on park resources will be organized with broad representation in the decision-making process in PA management. These will be done through various capability building activities, community organizing and advocacy efforts.

b.  Land tenure security

Appropriate land tenure instruments will be given to qualified tenured migrants and IPs in the PA. This will provide those who are qualified with security of tenure to enhance a sense of belongingness and  responsibility on the land as well as curtail further in migration into the park. In a way, the land tenure security will provide a strong social fence on the PA by which community members by themselves will protect and conserve the area from incompatible development. The tenurial instruments will cover areas within the multiple use zones following the provisions of DAO 2000-44. The PAMB may also enact additional guidelines that shall be incorporated in the land tenure agreement.

c.  Basic social services

Communities within the PA will be assisted in accessing quality social services from concerned government agencies. Focus will be given to building linkages and coordination between and among the communities, LGUs and NGAs to improve the delivery of services to hard to reach areas. Communities, through their POs will be encouraged to meet and talk to their government officials to plan out schemes and options that will strengthen the delivery of services on health, education, agriculture, infrastructures and other needs of the communities within the framework of sustainable development.

5.  Implementation of non-destructive livelihood alternatives that will promote sustainable local economy such as the development and implementation of community-based ecotourism and the establishment of cultural and tropical biodiversity museum

This strategy is designed to facilitate the provision of sustainable livelihood alternatives to increase household income and reduce the pressure on the park's resources. Technology training and livelihood support fund will be provided to tenured migrants and IPs to help the community shift from being resource dependent on the PA. Similarly, technical assistance will be given as necessary to insure the proper application of appropriate technologies such as the various types of SALT. Revolving funds managed by the communities will be developed to sustain their production requirements as well as ventures into more value-added enterprises.

A promising component of this strategy is the development of community-based ecotourism enterprises. This will lead to the development of ecotourism with the participation of communities taking into consideration environmental factors like carrying capacities, off seasons and compatible infrastructures, among others. Social marketing of the PA will also be undertaken to promote MKNP as a key tourism destination in the Visayas region. Other critical activities under this component are effective policy formulation, organizing communities for ecotourism related enterprises, capacity building for local guides, visitor education, infrastructure development and technical studies on impacts and carrying capacity.

6.  Comprehensive, multi-media and aggressive information, education and communication campaigns and social marketing to respond effectively to the PA’s multiple and varied stakeholders

There will be a sustained IEC and advocacy component in support to the different programs and projects that will be implemented in the park. These will be designed to increase awareness and understanding by the communities, stakeholders and other target audience on the park regulations and its values as life support system. Likewise, they will be undertaken to mobilize support and participation in the management of the park. Specific IEC designs will be prepared by component but coordinated with the overall IEC for the project to maximize its scope, coverage and cost effectiveness. Audio visual and printed IEC materials will be developed and communicated through folk, interpersonal, print and broadcast media. The implementation of the IEC activities shall also invoke participation of various stakeholders particularly the local communities not only as recipient of IEC materials but as communicators to further boost conservation campaigns.

7.  Human resources development/capability building to institutionalize and enhance local capacities for effective park management

This strategy will develop and implement a capacity building program that will improve the skills and values of stakeholders in PA management. The training will include the staff of the PASu, members of the PAMB, LGUs and the communities to enhance their abilities to perform varied but complementary functions and duties. Other groups and individuals who are similarly interested in biodiversity conservation and PA management are additional target audience for the different training activities. Training events will include technical, motivational and management categories to provide a comprehensive support system to the key players in the administration of the PA. It is envision that through this strategy, MKNP will become the training center for biodiversity conservation and protected area management in the region.

8.  Creative and sustainable resource generation and mobilization to establish a mixed and varied resource base for the management of MKNP

This strategy will help identify, access and mobilize resources from different partners and stakeholders in support of programs and projects for the PA. A resource mobilization program will be developed that will define and prioritize the resource requirements for the implementation of the plan. This will take on an aggressive and creative character to tap traditional and non- traditional sources of support. Linkages within and outside of the immediate stakeholders will be developed to broaden the resource base of the programs. Projects of line agencies will be tapped as appropriate. Internal generation of funds such as fees, donations and other forms of user's fees will be developed to help generate funds for program sustainability.

9.  Institutionalization of  protected area administration and networking with other institutions and organizations for the delivery of basic services, disaster management, legal support and other services including the declaration of the PA as a peace zone

This strategy is directed toward institutionalizing the different management structures, systems and policies needed for the administration of the PA. This includes the legislative proclamation of MKNP as a protected area, formalization of the PAMB and the PASu office, budgetary allocations, and coordinative functions and structures in support of PA management. Once functional, these bodies are expected to formulate appropriate policies and guidelines that will strengthen the management of the park, such as those related to  MIS, M & E, networking/linkaging and allocation of equipment and support facilities.

a.  PA Gazetting

This involves facilitating the formulation and passage of the bill by Congress proclaiming MKNP as a protected area under the NIPAS Law. This activity requires strong lobby and advocacy work with communities and lawmakers for sponsorship and approval of the appropriate bill.

b.  PAMB/PASu operations and policy development

The PAMB and the PASu are now formally constituted in MKNP. Support to these units will continue to be provided so that they will be able to develop and enforce appropriate policies and programs for the effective management of the park.    

c.  Support facilities and equipment

The PA management will endeavor to provide adequate facilities and equipment necessary in the administration of the park. Construction of office buildings, checkpoints and other infrastructures will be undertaken. Transportation and communications and other equipment will be procured to ensure adequate protection to park resources.

d.  Management information system (MIS)

The PASu will design and implement a management information system for MKNP. This is to facilitate generation, storage and retrieval of information necessary for policy formulation and critical decision  making of  the PAMB. This information shall also be made available to the public to heighten public awareness and support to the conservation efforts of MKNP.

e.  Networking/linkaging

Linkages with other organizations and agencies will be established to forge institutional collaboration and financing support. The park management will likewise establish linkages with other conservation projects to promote information exchanges and sharing of experiences.

f.   Monitoring and evaluation

This activity will cut across programs and components to provide managers and policy makers with relevant and up-to-date information on the status of the different programs and projects being implemented in the PA. M & E will be done by component to periodically track the progress of management interventions Similarly, corresponding evaluations will be done to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of PA administration. Appropriate M & E tools and equipment will be developed and adopted over time. This will complement the M & E design for the overall plan as discussed in the following major section on Monitoring and Evaluation.  

10. Disaster management

This strategy is designed to mitigate the impact of natural and man made disasters in the biodiversity and communities inside the PA. A disaster management program will be prepared and implemented to educate and train the communities inside the PA on effective disaster response in case of eruption, earthquakes, fires and other climatic disturbances. Disaster response will include proper coordination with the appropriate disaster management councils in the various level of governance to facilitate evacuation, relief and rehabilitation. This component will also focus on declaring MKNP as a "peace zone" in the armed conflict between the government and rebel forces in the island.

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