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)

 4.3       Management Zones

Zoning is a concept and tool in protected area management where different measures and prescriptions are introduced to respond to varying situations. It puts flexibility into the management system and allows the division of areas into manageable units. Zoning regime is a strategy introduced in the area to determine and implement site-specific management interventions that caters the needs of biodiversity conservation while addressing social, economic and cultural concerns of the communities.

As a general rule, zoning provides basis for the park wide development and implementation of rules and regulations in the administration of the protected area. It should be based on standards that are consistent with the goals and objectives of this management plan and form part of the guidelines for carrying out the different programs and projects.

One of  the significant strategies in protected area (PA) and buffer zone management as provided for in the NIPAS Act is the categorization of  these areas into  management zones  which includes; (1) Strict Protection Zone, (2) Sustainable-Use Zone, (3) Multiple Use Zone and others such as Cultural Zone, Recreation/Eco-Tourism Zone and Special Use Zone. These management zones are envisioned to provide flexibility in  PA management and  allow resource use of  PA residents.

In consonance with this strategy, CPPAP  adopted a pre-determined criteria in identification of  management zones anchored on technically, politically and socially  acceptable parameters.

The initial management zones were derived using overlays of thematic maps that  include, among others, the following sets of  valid information:

(1)               Land Classification;

(2)               Vegetative Cover;

(3)               Slope;

(4)               Elevation;

(5)               Infrastructure ( roads, bridges, transmission lines, dams , ports, etc.)

(6)               Hazard;

(7)               Minerals;

(8)               Drainage and River System;

(9)               Soil;

(10)           Biodiversity Indicators based on primary data;

(11)           Wildlife Habitat based on  elevation gradient as defined in the book of Whitmore;

(12)           Settlement and Tenure Claims;

(13)           Existing and proposed projects within the protected area;

(14)           Management issues and other concerns

Prior to manual overlaying, the following were the initial criteria used:

Strict Protection Zone – old growth, mossy, forest lands above 50% slope and with 1000 masl elevation, highly erodible and hazardous areas with high endemism and biodiversity, and existing natural forests below 500 masl, sub-watersheds with drainage system supporting key infrastructure (irrigation system, power) or a major coral reef or fishing ground.

Sustainable Use Zone – Below 50% slope and 1000 masl, existing adequately stocked residual forest or plantation forest, area highly suitable for plantations, generally accessible or not threatened by road rehabilitation activities, minimal or few upland clearings and kaingins.

Restoration Zone – deforested, degraded or highly marginal areas above 50% slope and near major waterways or near or inside critical habitats, areas in highly hazardous areas that are degraded.

Multiple-Use Zone / Buffer Zone -  those that are occupied or cultivated by upland farmers in areas below 50% slope, below 1000masl and generally accessible, those areas that are highly suitable for high value agricultural production and for small scale type of orchard or plantations.

To develop ownership among the different sectors that may be affected by the zoning regime, the derived management zoning map was subject to validation and consultation at various levels. Iterations based on these consultations were plotted  and revalidated until  sectors issue a resolution endorsing the zoning regime.

A “final” zoning map formed  part of the General Management Plan for the protected area. But these zones will be eventually re-zoned after successful implementation of the specific management prescriptions for each zone.

The different management zones of the MKNP are the Strict Protection Zone; Recreational Zone; Multiple Use Zone; Sustainable Use Zone and Restoration Zone. These zones shall be demarcated on the ground together with local community representatives.

1.     Strict Protection Zone

The strict protection zone is an important habitat of MKNP associated with high biodiversity. It is within an altitudinal range from 1,100 m.asl. and above and includes the natural and old forests that can still be found in the area, encompassing the lowland areas, montane and mossy habitats. Human activities in this area will be highly regulated including scientific studies and or ceremonial or religious use by IPs. The primary management objective in this zone is the conservation of the high biodiversity of MKNP.

The management prescriptions for this zone are the following:

a)      This zone shall receive highest standard of protection where park personnel and community volunteers shall initiate regular foot patrol activities to protect the area from illegal activities. All those who will be involved in protection efforts are required to undertake necessary training course on protected area management and be provided with appropriate uniform and identification card to establish authority;

b.)    Utilization of natural resources in this area and all environmentally critical projects are prohibited;

c.)    Only scientific studies, which are non-manipulative and non-intrusive shall be allowed following the system and control established by the PAMB and DENR. The management will also pursue further studies on the biodiversity and the ecology of the park that will enhance protection and conservation of the area;

d.)   Ceremonial and/or religious rites are allowed with prior PAMB approval. Such activities shall not in anyway damage the natural conditions of the park;

e.)    Introduction of exotic species are strictly prohibited;

f.)    Biodiversity monitoring system particularly the transect areas established for the purpose shall be maintained to monitor the biodiversity of the area. The monitoring shall be undertaken periodically and effectively by the trained PA staff with community participation and the information shall be presented to PAMB for appropriate decisions;

g.)   No infrastructures shall be constructed in this zone;

h.)   Only the officially designated trails leading to the summit of the park (Wasay/Bago Trail; Guintubdan Trail and Mananawin Trail) are to be maintained by the management. Other trails shall be closed using vegetative controls along approaches;

i.)     Discourage military operations and exercises and armed confrontation in the area.

2.                  Restoration zone 

These are degraded habitats and cover transition ecosystems that include logged over and open wooded areas and secondary forests with an altitudinal range from 900 m.asl. to 1,100 m.asl. Primary management objective for this zone is the restoration of natural habitats with its associated biodiversity through community based restoration and rehabilitation programs. Ultimately, it is envisioned that this area shall be rezoned to a more strict protection level. Natural regeneration shall be promoted along with human interventions such as the establishment of fire control measures and reforestation using indigenous species.

 The management prescriptions for this zone are the following:

a)    A site-specific rehabilitation plan is required to be approved by the PAMB prior to actual work implementation that would include site suitability assessment. The PAMB shall develop appropriate management regulations for the restoration activities taking into account the different standards as indicated in this plan;

b)    Restoration activities shall tap nearby communities and shall be linked with other environment-oriented institutions from both the government and non-government for possible assistance such as funding and technical support;

c)    Natural regeneration or succession through extensive protection of the area from any disturbance shall be promoted;

d)   Reforestation project that is designed to improve a marginal forest land must use indigenous species and must follow uneven-age and random distribution pattern to approximate the succession stage usually occurring in a typical rainforest ecosystems;

e)    Gathering and/or collecting of wild seedlings shall be allowed only for the purpose of reforestation of degraded areas of this zone and enrichment planting using proper silvicultural treatment and practices. Enrichment planting in marginal residual forest however, is allowed only if it is ecologically significant, and only if cost is insignificant to compete with the rehabilitation needs of other degraded sites. Reforestation of degraded sites for the purpose of restoration of original micro-ecosystem is to be priority over enrichment planting;

f)     Only organic fertilizer shall be used in reforestation projects;

g)    Gathering and/or collecting forest resources are prohibited;

h)    No expansion of existing agricultural farms and management measures to address the eventual phase out of these farms will be introduced;

i)     Tenured migrants occupying house lots in this zone shall be relocated to appropriate management zone of the park. A phase out scheme has to be developed by the PAMB for this purpose.

j)     Studies on the natural succession and assisted regeneration and biodiversity of the area are to be carried, including the monitoring of habitats and wildlife species in the area;

k)    Regular patrol operations shall be undertaken by protected area staff and community volunteers to protect the area from fires and other disturbance;

l)     Physical facilities that shall be constructed in the area are only limited to trails and forest nursery if necessary for the implementation of restoration activities, and watchtowers for monitoring and protection purposes.

m)   Environmentally  critical projects are prohibited in this zone.

3.      Sustainable use zone

This area comprises the open woodland, secondary growth forests and grass lands and located from 800 m.asl. to 900 m.a.s.l. This serves as the transition between the restoration and multiple-use zones where regulated resource collection and utilization maybe allowed following sustainable traditional methods. The primary management objective for this zone is to conserve natural habitats and its biodiversity while allowing sustainable use of resources by the IPs and qualified tenured migrants.

The management prescriptions for this zone are the following:

a)  The PAMB shall enact regulatory mechanisms for the sustainable use of resources in the area including the adoption of permitting, monitoring and evaluation systems and resource use framework consistent with applicable national guidelines for the purpose;

b)  Only the identified resources based on inventory shall be allowed for utilization;

c)  Formulation of resource use plan shall be carried out prior to actual utilization;

d)  Utilization shall only be allowed using traditional and sustainable methods and be limited to minor forest products;

e)  Only the IPs and qualified tenured migrants shall be allowed to utilize resources in the area;

f)   The protected area staff and community volunteers shall conduct regular patrolling and monitoring in this zone to evaluate the impacts on resource utilization and to make sure that the use of resources are consistent with the approved regulations;

g)   Infrastructures to be constructed in the area shall be limited only to trails and monitoring stations.

h)   Environmentally critical projects are not allowed in this zone.

4.         Multiple–use zone

The identified multiple use zone of MKNP are areas where thriving communities of both indigenous people and tenured migrants are concentrated, which covers within an altitudinal range of 400 m.a.s.l. to 800 m.a.s.l. It is here where barangay centers are located including infrastructures related to social services such as road system, markets, day care and health centers, barangay halls, water systems, electrical lines and schools among others. This is also the area where intensive agricultural development and other income generating activities are prevalent. The management plan takes into account the land tenure rights of the qualified tenured migrants and IPs. It tries to envision that though settlements are already existing, sustainable land use can still be achieved by introducing management measures that would involved the local communities in the over all efforts of conserving MKNP. This is the zone where sustainable economic activities shall be allowed but the use of natural resources shall be consistent with objectives of biodiversity conservation.

As such, the following management prescriptions shall be adopted in the multiple use zone:

a)  Qualified tenured migrants as defined by the NIPAS Act and IPs shall be accorded with appropriate land tenure security covering the areas they are actually occupying where sustainable land use and livelihood activities shall be pursued. The land tenure instruments shall promote community clustering and in no case that such instruments or the right and interest therein be transferred, sold, leased, encumbered, or be made as a collateral, security or joint venture. The land tenure instrument for IPs shall take into account the legislative measures enacted for the purpose;

b) There shall be a “clear cut” policy and program for the non-qualified tenured migrants in the area. Phase out scheme has to be developed and efforts shall be exerted in relocating them outside the boundary of the park employing humane strategies that shall be coordinated with various institutions;

c) Holders of land tenure instruments shall develop community resource management plans that will provide basis on the development of the area and in accordance with DAO 2000-44. It will include among others resource use plan, inventory of available resources, production and marketing safeguards, establishment of community-managed forest production areas, wildlife corridors, soil and water conservation measures, riverbanks and slopes stabilization techniques among others. These measures will be implemented in areas they are actually occupying;

d)  Any violations of the terms and conditions of the land tenure instrument or any provision or abandonment of a tenured migrant shall be sufficient ground for the revocation of such right. Upon cancellation of a tenured migrant instrument for cause or by voluntary surrender, the PASu shall take immediate steps to rehabilitate the area in order to return it to its natural state;

e)  Economic activities both commercial and non-commercial in nature by tenured migrants within this zone shall promote sustainable local economy with emphasis on the basic principles of food security while applying non-destructive and sustainable livelihood technologies such as agroforestry, organic farming, bio-intensive gardening and integrated farming system among others. The PAMB shall develop guidelines related to the different kinds of livelihood options in the area;

f)   Utilization of planted and deregulated species of trees shall be allowed following the guideline for the purpose already enacted by the PAMB (Resolution No. 9, Series of 1999). Such guideline however, maybe amended in part or wholly whenever the situation warrants;

g)  Utilization of minor forest products shall likewise be regulated through permitting system, which can only be done following resource and impact assessment;

h)  The use of organic fertilizer in food production related land development activities are encouraged;

i)   River banks stabilization and soil erosion control measures are to be promoted in different areas of the multiple-use zone;

j)   The management shall exert every effort to facilitate organizing of the different communities and in strengthening the existing community organizations, while at the same time providing and/or assisting in the access of resources for the implementation of sustainable livelihood activities;

k)  Existing infrastructure/facilities in the multiple-use zone by various institutions both the government and non-government shall be registered to the PAMB through the PASu Office and contracts and/or agreements shall be made. It will include among others the adoption of appropriate conservation measures and the imposition of users’ fee based on the computation of the estimated income derivable from the use of the resources. In the event that such facilities shall be repaired and/or upgraded prior clearance shall be secured from the PAMB before actual development shall be undertaken. Construction of additional facilities in this area likewise requires prior approval from the PAMB and the imposition of other applicable rules and regulations including the conduct of environmental impact assessment if construction warrants the implementation of such guideline;

l)   Within the multiple use zone, areas with scenic characters may also be developed for recreational purposes but shall be community-managed and should conform with the management prescriptions of the recreational zone;

m) Areas occupied by the IPs in this zone shall also serve as the center of MKNP cultural museum where support facilities for its development shall be made and managed by the IP themselves;

n)  Development of research and technology centers shall be promoted in different areas of multiple use zone to serve as model and demonstration areas for sustainable livelihood alternatives; 

o)  A solid and liquid waste management program shall be developed and approved by the PAMB for implementation by those communities in the protected area. It must contain specific designs, processess and alternatives for ease selection and adoption by the participating communities;

p)  Efforts shall also be exerted in promoting population control measures in the protected area;

q)  Cooperative agreements with the local government units and other interested groups for the multiple-use zone management of the park shall be pursued. This includes the formulation of development plan for barangays within the park and the delineation of  barangay centers.

5.  Recreation zone

These are areas identified in the zoning map with high recreational, tourism, educational or high environmental awareness values. Illustrative activities that may be allowed in this zone as prescribed in the management plan are sustainable eco-tourism, recreational, conservation education or public awareness. The primary management objective in this zone is the conservation of aesthetic and natural landscape values of the PA and the development of the site as model of community-based ecotourism in the country. The areas included as recreational zone are the Rafael Salas Nature Center in Bago City, Guintubdan in La Carlota City, the MKNP administration center in Calapnagan, Biak-na-Bato, Wasay Entrance Station in Murcia and Mananawin Entrance in Masulog, Canla-on City.  Included in this zone as well are the official and designated trails leading to the summit and the scenic spots along these trails as indicated in figure 17. Other areas that may be identified later and possesses unique features may be included as recreational zone. The management and development of MKNP recreational zone embraces the principles and ethics of ecotourism, by which it takes into account the biodiversity consideration and carrying capacity, promotion of environmental education and cultural development and invokes community participation and benefits.

As such, the following management prescriptions will be observed:

a)    Mountaineering which is defined as an undertaking carried out with the intent/purpose of reaching the summit of the volcano shall be governed by PAMB Resolution No. 17, Series of 1999. Such regulation however, maybe amended by the PAMB if circumstances warrant;

b)   Only the PAMB accredited porters and guides are allowed to exercise the profession of guiding and porter services at MKNP following the standards and guidelines enunciated at PAMB Resolution No. 7, Series of 1999;

c)   The development of Rafael Salas Nature Center in Bago City and Guintubdan in La Carlota City shall be guided and must conform with the management objectives, restrictions and prescriptions provided for in the memorandum of agreement entered into and between the PAMB, the local governments of Bago and La Carlota cities and the provincial government of Negros Occidental. Any development and/or interventions outside the scope of the MOA require PAMB approval. The ordinances enacted by the LGUs relative to the implementation of the MOA shall form part of the regulations of these areas; 

d)   Resource mobilization shall be exerted to establish in this area the MKNP museum;

e)   Volcano monitoring station may also be established for the purpose of monitoring volcanic activities and shall form part of the park interpretation program. Construction of such facility however shall be approved by the PAMB;

f)    The Wasay Entrance Station in Murcia shall serve as wilderness area where purely outdoor activities can be pursued. The existing DENR Rangers’ Station shall serve as the visitors’ information center. A shed house with comfort and shower rooms, trail system for bird watching and camping ground are the only facilities that shall be developed in the area;

g)   The MKNP administration center in Sitio Calapnagan, Brgy. Biak-na-Bato, La Castellana is the center of park administration, serving as the main station of the PASu and other PA staff. It will also be developed as the MKNP training institute for biodiversity conservation and protected area management. Support facilities for studies and researches shall be established. The area would also serve as youth camps;

h)   Qualified tenured migrants occupying the identified recreational zones shall be organized and trained to operate and cater various services like porter and guide services, operations and maintenance of park facilities and food services among others. Maintenance of public facilities like toilet and bath, parking areas, camp site, shed houses, look outs and gardens shall be turned over to the community, and dwellers who hold territorial rights over these areas will become the direct beneficiary on income sharing basis. All settlers will cooperate in keeping the pristine atmosphere of the area through landscaping and proper solid waste management;

i)    Only qualified tenured migrants are allowed to operate commercial establishments such as stores and souvenir shops following the regulations that shall be imposed by the PAMB for the purpose.

j)    No commercial lodging facilities shall be constructed in the area other than the existing facilities of the LGUs and DENR, but instead, the qualified tenured migrants will be provided with housing improvement assistance so that they will be able to renovate their houses and take guest on a “homestay program”;

k)   Visitors’ facilities in the area shall follow standard designs and concept to serve as model for exemplifying the continuing education of park development and their harmony with nature. All development should relate and blend rather in contrast with the environment, giving a natural appearance to the area as much as possible. Visitors’ facilities may include the following: road, trails and path walks, viewing decks, camping grounds and picnic areas, tree houses and shed houses, water system, botanical garden and swim holes instead of swimming pools (which shall not be allowed). The PAMB shall develop a guideline for the standard design and concept including interpretative displays;

l)     The interpretation program shall be carried out in recreational zones to provide continuing education to park visitors. This includes the setting up of interpretative displays and signs, production of IEC materials and development of education activities such as guided bird watching, volcano watch, etc.

m)   Visitors regulations in recreational zone would include the following: All visitors and guests are required to register and secure permit in designated centers of the park, as no one is allowed to go around the area unless they are properly briefed; camping, picnicking, eating and campfires are allowed only in designated areas;  only readies to cook foods are allowed in camping grounds  and butchering of live fowl, scaling of fish in camp kitchen are prohibited;  All visitors are required to follow the “carry in- carry-out” policy on waste management and to observe proper sanitation and behavior.  

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