Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 7586, the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992, as Amended by Republic Act No. 11038 (E-NIPAS Act of 2018)

DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-05

Subject: Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 7586 (NIPAS Act of 1992), as Amended by RA 11038 (E-NIPAS Act of 2018)

Issued: May 30, 2019 . Pages: 55

Legal Basis

Pursuant to Section 32 of the E-NIPAS Act, this IRR incorporates and integrates all existing regulations relevant to the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS).

Section 1. Title

Known as the IRR of the NIPAS Act, as amended by RA 11038 (E-NIPAS Act of 2018).

Rule 1.2 Coverage

This Order applies to:

1. The remaining initial components of the NIPAS
2. Protected areas established by Congressional legislation
3. Protected areas proclaimed by the President under the NIPAS
4. Areas covered by Presidential Proclamation or Executive Order recommended by the Secretary for inclusion

Section 2. Declaration of Policy

Recognizing the critical importance of protecting and maintaining the natural, biological, and physical diversities of the environment, the State shall secure for the Filipino people of present and future generations the perpetual existence of all native plants and animals through a comprehensive system of integrated protected areas within the classification of national park as provided for in the Constitution.

Effective administration is possible only through cooperation among the national government, local governments, concerned NGOs, private organizations, and local communities. Use and enjoyment of protected areas must be consistent with biological diversity and sustainable development.

The NIPAS shall encompass ecologically rich and unique areas and biologically important public lands that are habitats of rare and threatened species, biogeographic zones and related ecosystems (terrestrial, wetland, or marine), all designated as 'protected areas'. The System shall recognize conservation areas and management regimes by LGUs, local communities, and indigenous peoples (IPs).

Rule 2.1 Specific Policies

• (a) Protected areas and immediate vicinities shall be contiguous to ensure integrity. Police power and eminent domain may be exercised to achieve this policy.
• (b) Protected areas should complement each other in taxonomic representation, species migration patterns, maintenance of essential ecological processes and life support systems, and efficiency in conservation costs.
• (c) Management plans shall harmonize with biological diversity and sustainable development principles.
• (d) NIPAS management shall contribute to significant reduction of biodiversity loss, considering ecosystems' ability to adapt to rapid climate change, reduce disaster risks, and mitigate anthropogenic GHG emissions.

Rule 2.2 Strategies

• Conservation priority areas in identified biogeographic zones (aquatic and terrestrial) shall be primarily considered for inclusion
• NIPAS should complement designation of similar conservation areas under other domestic laws and management regimes of LGUs, local communities, and ICCs/IPs
• Must be consistent with the Philippines' obligations under treaties and international agreements

Note: This is the IRR of RA 7586 as amended; the full IRR (55 pages) is in the source PDF, including detailed rules on PA establishment, PAMB, NIPAS Trust Fund, zoning, and management plans.