7/31/2019 SIBP

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7/31/2019 SIBP

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Samar Island Biodiversity Project (SIBP) Phase I

Management Plan is undergoing updating and consultations for

eventual adoption by the 3 Provincial LGUs and the Regional

Development Council (RDC). Biodiversity monitoring continues

to be conducted in 5 BMS (Biodiversity Monitoring System) sites

within the park.

Conservation functions are fully operationalized

This output has not been fully achieved yet as the operational

guidelines are still being prepared. The drafting of the policy onthe functional relationship between the Protected Area

Superintendent (PASU) and the other DENR field units in the

management of the Park is ongoing. Likewise, the Manual of

Procedures for National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS)

is being drafted. In preparation for the capability building

program to be conducted for PAMB, PASu and PA staff, a training

needs assessment was conducted and a corresponding training

design and program for capacity development was completed.

Meanwhile, the project continue to support the regular meetings

of the PAMB.

Community-Based conservation frame-work is tested and effective

A community outreach programme (COP) was made operational

in 62 barangays, mostly in the buffer zones, during Phase 1.

During Phase 2, the community-based conservation framework

was assessed for the purposes of identifying gaps and updating

the Community Development Resource Management Framework

Plan (CDRMP). The plan provides the basis for capacity

development of COP barangays in community-based

conservation. Multi-stakeholder volunteer groups were provided

appropriate training prior to deputation. A total of 12 PACBRMAs

(Protected Area Community-based Resource Management

Agreement) were processed to improve tenure security of eligible

occupants of buffer zones.

Broad-based awareness of conservation values and management

needs

This is considered as a highly successful effort of the Project,

starting with Phase 1, where significant awareness-raising and

advocacy activities have unified the people of Samar and their

civic and religious leaders. The aggressive multi-sectoral

campaign for SINP was instrumental in the passage of the

Presidential Proclamation and the formation of the Samar Island

Council for Sustainable Development. Under Phase 2,

continuous advocacy works for the passage of the SINP has led

to the generation of 24 Sanggunian Bayan resolutions and a

pastoral letter endorsing the SINP Bill. Linkages were

continuously established with advocacy groups such as the

Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Progress, the academe

and other government agencies. Efforts to integrate biodiversity

conservation into the curricula of elementary education has led

to the pilot testing of said curricula in the elementary and high

school levels in Las Navas, Northern Samar and San Jose de

Buan in Samar. A tie-up with the University of Eastern Philippines

was made for a capability building program on ecological

governance in SINP.

Conservation internalized in sectoral development planning

To support the integration of conservation objectives in loca

development plans, the project assisted in the formulation of

Forest Land Use Plans (FLUPs) of SINP and the conduct of public

hearings for adoption of FLUPs in LGUs in Samar (Gandara

Paranas, Marabut) and Eastern Samar (Llorente, Lawaan

Dolores). The Biodiversity Monitoring System (BMS) was adopted

as the feedback mechanism tool for validation and monitoring

activities of the PAMB. A resource (biodiversity) valuation studyof SINP shall be undertaken in 2010 to provide the necessary

inputs to sectoral development planning at the regional/

provincial and municipal levels.

Barriers to wild resources are removed through demonstration

activities

Initial efforts under Phase 1 to promote alternative conservation

enabling sustain-able livelihoods include the preparation of a

feasibility study for NTFP (non-timber forest products) harvest

and the attainment of community consensus for ecotourism

priorities.

Under Phase 2, the biodiversity conservation compatible

livelihood framework was reviewed, revised and approved by

the PAMB. An Ecotourism Framework was likewise developed

with stakeholders and with the Department of Tourism (DOT)

Ecotourism support and promotion activities undertaken in

partnership with DOT include the following: formulation and

promotion of a site specific ecotourism/business plan fo

Sohoton; facilitation of the signing of 2 Memorandum of

Agreements (MOAs) between SINP-PAMB and public/private

investors (i.e. LGU of Las Navas, and tour guides, tour agents) for

the co-management of Pinipisakan Falls and Ginagatusan Caves

for ecotourism; formation of an ecotourism community

organization for Ulot Watershed; conduct of training onhomestay accommodation services, small business awareness

and appreciation, accreditation of eco-lodge/home stay

establishment of souvenir shops, production of various

ecotourism promotion materials, and development of visitors

facilities.

In relation to the development of NTFPs, updating of the inventory

of NTFPs in two Community-Based Forest Management Agreemen

(CBFMA) areas was undertaken in partnership with the POs

Harvest quota and benefit sharing schemes still have to be

determined.

On the establishment/enhancement of biodiversity compatible

farming systems, consultations with Department of Agriculture

(DA) were made and POs were oriented on the technica

procedure necessary for the successful establishment of demo

farms. Site identification and characterization were likewise

undertaken.

Mechanism to finance the recurrent activities in place

Initial talks with the academe and private sector are ongoing for

the forging of a MOA on the user fee mechanism for SINP.