4.5       Management Standards and Guidelines

The management standards and guidelines for the PA are park-wide rules and regulations that have to be observed in the administration of the area. They are subject to revision to enhance further the attaining or approximation of goals, objectives and expected outputs.

The standards and guidelines are likewise sensitive to the zoning regime and where they are not applicable the PASu must see to it that zone managers are aware of such restrictions. The standards and guidelines are by themselves activities that the PASu will undertake. Some of them are policy matters that will be implemented on a per zone basis if warranted.

Below are the minimum standards and guidelines covering the various fields vis-à-vis the protected area management.

1.         Biodiversity management

a.   The biodiversity management of MKNP takes into account the full implementation of the management zoning and the execution of the corresponding management prescriptions in every zone.

b.   Management decisions should always regard biodiversity conservation of MKNP as the utmost and priority considerations. Programs and projects that would likely pose significant threat to biodiversity shall be preceded by assessment of their consequences and environmental impacts. In the event that potential adverse impacts are not fully understood, the activities should not proceed.

c.   The biodiversity monitoring system shall be the primary tool in assessing the biodiversity status of MKNP. The result of which shall form part of the basis by PAMB in making policy decisions and the PASu in implementing the different management activities and in administering the protected area in general.

d.   Survey and assessment shall be made to identify and record the intrinsic values of forested areas for the conservation of flora, fauna and natural ecosystems.

e.   Preservation of the endemic species is of priority consideration. Introduction of exotic wild flora and fauna in the strict protection zone of the park is prohibited. Introduction of exotic species in other management zones shall be allowed only if the species to be used have been scientifically proven to cause no significant harm and danger to the ecology of the park.

f.    Protection activities shall be carried out primarily to protect the biodiversity of the area with first priority reference to habitat and ecosystems and species protection.

g.   Restoration activities shall also promote the improvement of marginal land for wildlife habitat enhancement. Wildlife corridors shall be enhanced and promoted.

h.   In the planning and implementation of social and economic activities in the multiple-use zone of MKNP due account shall be accorded to biodiversity conservation as an integral component of such development. The community resource management plans of the different people’s organizations shall consider biodiversity management as an important component.

i.    Encourage scientific studies with priority to be given on identifying the management indicator species per zone or habitat type.

2.         Wildlife Management

a.    Identify management indicator species (MIS) which will serve as planning constraints in conservation planning.

b.    Identify features species (FS) which will serve as planning constraints in economic planning.

c.    Conduct research on the natural interspersion of the various habitat types.

d.    Maximize habitat (structural) diversity in rehabilitation sites.

e.    There shall be designated wildlife viewing areas where wildlife watchers are allowed to stay following certain rules and regulations.

f.     Monitor species richness and diversity following a standard monitoring scheme.

g.    Establish wildlife rescue center with the main purpose of rehabilitating wildlife species in distress for eventual reintroduction to their natural habitat.

a.    No commercial collection of wildlife is allowed unless results of studies on their population and distribution show the practicability of engaging in the sustainable management and development of the economically important species.

b.    Commercial or sports hunting is prohibited unless otherwise scientifically determined to be appropriate following the specific management prescriptions and after results of studies on population and distribution show that such activity maybe allowed.

3.    Site rehabilitation

a.      Site rehabilitation activities shall conform in the management prescriptions enumerated in the restoration zone of the park.

b.      Natural openings must be retained as such:  afforestation is not allowed in the natural habitat.

c.      Enrichment planting in marginal residual forest is allowed only if it is ecologically significant and only if cost is insignificant to compete with the rehabilitation needs of other degraded sites.

d.      Reforestation of degraded sites for the purpose of restoration of original micro-ecosystem (included succession) is to be priority over enrichment planting.

e.      An approved site-specific rehabilitation plan is required prior to actual work implementation.

4.      Forest Protection

a.      Walking shall be the preferred means of transportation by the PA rangers in the conduct of their routine and related works particularly in areas other than in multiple use zone.

b.      Only officially designated trails are to be maintained by the PA management. Illegal trails are to be closed using vegetative controls along approaches.

c.      Officially designated PA rangers shall use proper identification.

d.      Deputized rangers are required to carry with them identification papers.

e.      All personnel involved in the protection program are required to pass a training course on PA management

f.       Protection must be community based through the organization of local forest guards.

g.      The Office of the PASu must conduct sustained IEC to enhance awareness and facilitate the mobilization of communities for protection work.

5.       Recreation

a.       Recreational activities shall conform with the management prescriptions identified in the recreational zone of the park;

b.       Recreational activities in the park shall promote conservation education through the implementation of appropriate nature interpretation programs;

c.        Activities related to recreation shall take into account the carrying capacity of the area and within the norms and ethics of biodiversity conservation and shall provide benefits to the communities. It will also promote respect to local culture and will enhance good relationship among the visitors and the local people.

d.        Livelihood related to ecotourism shall be promoted among the communities particularly at the recreational zones of the park;

e.        The development of facilities for recreational purposes must respect the quality of the landscape and environment. The scale, siting, planning and design should be in keeping with the landscape and should seek to enhance rather alter the natural appearance. It should also recognize that some areas are valued for being wild and remote.

6.       Soil Waste Management

a.      A solid and liquid waste management program shall be developed and approved by the PAMB for implementation by those communities who are located within the reserve.

b.      The solid waste management program must contain specific designs, processes and alternative for ease in selection and adoption by the participating communities.

c.      Soil waste management should be taken into consideration in all programs and projects that shall be implemented in the park.

7.     Livelihood and Economic Development

a.      The development of natural resources of the vis-à-vis designated multiple use zone must be subjected to the EIA process.

b.      The harvesting of renewable resources (minor forest products designated forest) are to be limited to supply the domestic requirements of those communities which are dependent on the park in gathering such products.

c.      Strengthening the implementation of CBFM program and related types in appropriate zones for purposes of increasing economic productivity of the land. Observe the basic principle of “food security” while applying sustainable development of resources with the application of appropriate technology, as defined in the Philippine Strategy for Sustainable Development (PCSD).

d.      The computation of the estimated income derivable from the use of the facilities or resources of the reserve by external entities must be prioritized by PA management. The computed value will be used in developing cooperative agreement between the reserve and the user.

e.      The harvesting of non-timber forest products is allowed only after official scientific studies are able to prescribe the specific zones and the sustained yield level for the products. In the absence of these studies, temporary volume maybe allowed subject to the recommendation of a designated scientific advisor on the matter.

f.       The use of organic fertilizer in reforestation and food production related land development activities would be encouraged.

8.      Project Development

a.      Proposed projects outside of those included in the approved management plan for the PA following the GMS planning process have to go through the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process.

b.      Critical projects included in the approved management plan have to go through the EIA process.

c.      The PAMB shall designate a protected area planning team to be led by the PASu. A planning team shall coordinate all matters pertaining to the development of specific projects prior to action by PAMB.

d.      Existing projects of the government and private institutions that are using the resources of the PA must enter into contact/agreement with the PAMB.

e.      The PASu and the PAMB shall establish linkage with both the local and provincial executives.

9.      Road Construction

a.     The government standards on road construction and maintenance must be strictly observed.

b.     Roads to be constructed must be located where there is least or negligible impact/damage to the micro-ecosystem and should only be limited within the multiple use zone.

c.     An approved road construction and maintenance plan is required prior to project start up.

d.     Appropriate road signs must be installed at critical sites along the stretch of the road.

e.     Off-road viewing areas (ORVA) are to be designated; scenic sites are to be selected following a system selection.

10.   PA Administration

 a.     The PASu being the chief executive officer of the DENR vis-à-vis protected area management shall assist the PAMB in developing the management plan for the area.

b.      The PASu shall guide the PAMB in developing protected area wide policies, assuring that such policies are consistent with national statutes or protected area administration and environmental management.

c.      The PASu shall implement the policies adopted by the PAMB.

d.      A decision flow following the PA organizational set up must be developed for the guidance of personnel and administrators.

e.      The PA infrastructures are to be developed with utmost regard for: 1. security and safety of personnel and visitors; 2. durability of facility; 3. cost of maintenance; 4. cost of construction; and 5. environmental compatibility.

11.    Information and Education Campaign

 a.     The production and use of information and education campaign (IEC) materials must be based on their practicability in terms of having the simplest individual understand the message being delivered.

b.      The development of IEC must take into consideration the real needs of the communities in appreciating any invitation to participate actively in PA conservation and management.

c.      The IEC shall primarily promote conservation of the area and to gain massive public support for its management.

 

 

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