The conservation and protection of wildlife species and their habitats to promote ecological balance and enhance biodiversity was provided under the Wild Life Conservation and Protection Act of 2001. This is in response to the international commitment on biodiversity. It prohibits and penalizes unlawful acts which are detrimental to wildlife resources and their habitats such as killing and trading of wildlife, squatting or dumping of wastes in critical habitats, mineral exploration and extraction, logging, quarrying and other related acts. Likewise, Republic Act (RA) 9072 or the National Caves and Caves Resources Management and Protection Act provides for the conservation, protection and  management of caves and cave resources as part of the country’s natural wealth.

 

   The promotion of biodiversity conservation as a way of promoting eco-tourism in the region was undertaken in CY 2005. The assessment of the 17 protected areas as potential sites for ecotourism was completed and updates of the resource inventory in these sites were available. The Bicol region has five endangered biotic areas: (1) Lagonoy Natural Biotic Area (445 has.); (2) Mananap Natural Biotic Area (5,420 has.); (3) Chico Island Wildlife Sanctuary (8 has.); (4) Naro Island Wildlife Sanctuary (110 has.); (5) Malabungot Protected Landscape (121 has.).

 

   Coastal Resources

 

   Deforestation in the upland and mangrove areas affect the coastal fishery. The food chain in coastal areas is dependent on surface runoff, river and discharges from the mangrove forest. Continuous surface runoff washing away of soil particles in valley floors, river beds and ocean floors results to flash floods and excessive flow of water during rainy season and drought during dry season. To protect this soil from possible erosion, vegetative and structural measures were implemented in CYs 2004-2006.

 

   Under RA 8550 or the Fisheries Code, the local government was given authority in the establishment, conservation, protection, utilization and disposition of all fish and fishery/aquatic resources within the municipal waters. The LGUs will have to establish fishery refuge and sanctuaries, and be responsible for prohibition and regulation of fisheries within their municipal jurisdiction. This is also in support to RA 8435 or the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1977 which promote sustained increase in agriculture and fisheries production. The law delineates strategic agriculture and fisheries development zones (SAFDZ) and provides the criteria for classifying various types of agricultural land for protection.

 

   In line with the conservation of coastal resources, the marine sanctuary in Marilag Prieto Diaz was proclaimed as marine protected area. Likewise, 5,483 kilometers of foreshore areas that are degraded  and idle were opened for aquaculture/silviculture in partnership with the communities. The Coastal Resource Management Project is being implemented in the provinces of Masbate and Sorsogon to arrest coastal degradation.

 

   Mine wastes and tailings contribute significantly to the siltation of rivers and irrigations. The mining industry in the Bicol Region played a vital role in the development of its economy due to the abundant mineral resources present in the region. The present mining activities posed a great environmental impact on the communities. The Philippine Mining Act of 1995 promotes responsible mining in the country; however, it also states that environmental management of mining should be in accordance with the anti-pollution laws. Under the Small Mining Act, regulatory boards of provinces or cities were created as the regulatory arm of the government for small scale mining.

 

  Ecological Solid Waste

  

   The growing population and emerging industrialization of the region are bringing about problems in solid waste management. In Bicol, the most commonly used method of disposal is open dumping. The passage of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003) provided opportunities to the local government units to adopt a systematic, comprehensive and ecological solid waste management program within their respective areas. The law provides that open dump sites have to be converted into controlled dumps or sanitary land fills.

 

   As of end 2006, there are already 42 functional controlled dump sites in the region. For local government units with no dumpsites, the Environment and Management Bureau (EMB 5) extends technical assistance in the assessment of potential sanitary landfill sites.This involves the field validation and assessment of the proposed area using an ideal site criteria. Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) are encouraged to be set up by local government units in order to lessen the volume of waste that is disposed. At present there are 29 functional MRFs and 81 markets in the region.

Clean Water

 

   The Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (RA 9275) provides for a comprehensive water quality management. It adheres to the policy of economic growth in a manner consistent with the protection, preservation and revival of the quality of our fresh, brackish and marine waters. The monitoring of water bodies was undertaken to determines the extent of possible sources of pollution if there are any in order that remedial measures may be acted upon. The indicators being measured are pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, and oil and grease.

 

   As of end 2006, 11 water bodies were monitored by the EMB 5. These consisted of six rivers, three lakes and two bays. Results of the monitoring showed that solid waste, discharge from oil mill, agricultural effluents, small scale mining residues, and oil and grease were the major pollutants of the water bodies. Point sources of pollution were identified and the polluters were admonished to comply with the environmental laws. The participation of local government units was solicited through the enactment of ordinances which will protect the water bodies from further degradation.

 

   On safeguarding water quality, the Eco-watch Program for Bathing Beaches and the TAPWATCH which monitors the surface water as source of drinking water in poor communities and barangays were pursued. The primary objective of Eco watch is to safeguard the health of the public bathers through the determination of the possible sources of pollution if there is any. Water samples from bathing beaches are collected and analyzed for fecal coliform counts. Seven coastal municipalities were the recipients of the Eco watch and four barangays each of Legazpi City and Naga City were the recipients of the project TAPWATCH. Drinking water sources were analyzed and assessed as to whether they conform to the Philippine National Standards for drinking water. Results of the analysis showed that the drinking water sources in the eight barangays conform to the national standards.

  Clean Air

   The Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 (RA 8749) provides for a comprehensive air pollution control policy. Regular ambient air quality monitoring is conducted in three major cities of the region --- Legazpi, Naga, and Iriga. Fixed Air Quality Monitoring Stations were installed in strategic locations in order to monitor the total suspended particulates (TSP) in the urban centers. Interpretation of the data generated for the year 2006 showed that these cities had fair quality air  with a concentration level of the suspended particulates between 81ug/NCM to 230ug/NCM.

Objectives

   The sustainable development objectives are:

1. To protect and conserve the remaining natural resources of the region like forests and watershed, mangroves areas, coral reefs and fishing grounds, and the biological diversity of the region.

2. Rehabilitate and restore the destroyed/degraded ecosystems.

3. To control pollution at a minimum level.

4. To develop public awareness on environmental values of natural resources and its productivity.

Strategies

 

   Protecting, conserving and restoring the region’s environment require the implementation of critical strategies. Environmental laws and policies are already in place. What is needed is a strong and active monitoring of the provisions of the law including the implementing rules and regulations. Strict implementation of the provisions of the environmental laws shall be implemented in cooperation and collaboration with the local government units. These shall be carried out through intensive information, education and communication activities.

1. Strengthen the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Environmental tools and processes were already in place and integrated  in the decision process. The consequence of the impact of the project to the environment is evaluated thru the environmental impact assessment (EIA). However, the present practice of project-to-project and ad hoc environmental impact assessment is inadequate in assessing the long-term consequences of environmental degradation. Steps should be taken to strengthen the present EIA system particularly the public review mechanism in evaluating environmental impacts of the project. Mechanisms should be set up to broaden the involvement of public in the planning process.

2. Land Use Planning/Zoning. Land use planning shall be done to determine the optimum land use allocation based on the environmental quality and ensure that environmental considerations are integrated in the decision making of the local government. Zoning and delineation of forest areas must be vigorously pursued to effectively delineate the protection forest from the production forestlands.

3. Strengthening LGUs and Citizens’ Participation. Formation of community organizations, non-government organizations, and civic organizations will be encouraged to assist the government in monitoring and promotion of environmental protection and conservation.

4. Enhance the monitoring capability of the environmental agencies, and strengthen the role of the local government units (LGUs) in the implementation of policies and structures in environmental protection.

5. Imposition of Environmental Fees. Environmental resources which have been degraded will be priced based on the polluters pay principle. The one who caused the damage to the resources will pay based on the cost of replenishing and increasing their supply and providing appropriate substitutes.

6. Conservation of Biodiversity. Preservation and conservation of wildlife for scientific, educational, cultural and historical values will be emphasized. The existing national parks and protected areas will be continuously conserved and protected.

7. Massive reforestation of denuded forestlands, denuded watersheds, rainforest, mangrove replanting, sea grass transplanting will be vigorously undertaken. Plantation of industrial trees and minor forest species in private lands will be encouraged to meet the demand for raw materials for wood and non-wood industries. This will alleviate pressures on protected forestland and watershed areas.

8. The rehabilitation of rivers and waterways will be pursued to reduce pollution and flooding in the community. Implementation of vegetative and structural measures along river banks to reduce soil erosion and flooding in the settlement areas will be fasttracked.

9. Provision of Alternative Livelihood. Alternative sources of livelihood will be implemented to support families while they serve as forest protector.

10. Pollution Control. The implementation of waste management system by the LGUs will be encouraged and a system of reward for the LGUs will be pursued.

11. Solid waste management program will be supported by the local government. Continuous monitoring of the quality of air and water will be conducted to maintain its standard quality.

12. Human Development. The delivery of social services such as education, health and nutrition will be strengthened and the promotion of environmental education will be pursued.

13. Advocacy and IEC. Massive information, education and communication advocacy involving multi sectoral institutions, i.e., government, business, and civil society will be conducted. Sustained awareness program on environmental values of natural resources shall be developed thru massive information drive.

14. Mainstreaming climate change adaptation to local levels through advocacy, political will and budget support.

Major Programs and Projects

1. Integrated Coastal Resources Management Program (ICRMP). This is an ongoing project of DENR implemented regionwide. It involves the assessment of coastal municipalities through a participatory coastal resource assessment, establishment of marine sanctuary, management and protection of mangrove stands, strengthening coastal law enforcement, coastal biodiversity conservation and policy study on coastal and marine resources management.

2. Biodiversity Conservation Program. This is an ongoing program of the Protected Area, Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management (PACZM) of DENR. It involves the implementation of biodiversity monitoring systems, monitoring of critical wetlands, establishment of wildlife rescue center,establishment of wildlife traffic monitoring units, implementation of nature conservation education program, inventory of existing monitoring facilities, breeding farms to ensure compliance with existing DENR rules and regulations.

3. Implementation of Natural Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS). This is an ongoing program of DENR-PACZM. It involves the protection and patrolling of protected area, operationalization of Protected Area management Boards (PAMB), delineation of management zone in Bulusan Volcano Natural Park, and boundary delineation/demarcation of protected areas.