Lesson Proper for Week 11

What is Biodiversity Conservation?

Biodiversity conservation is the protection and management of biodiversity to

obtain resources for sustainable development.

Why should you conserve Biodiversity?

 It is believed that an area with higher species abundance has a more stable
environment compared to an area with lower species abundance. We can
further claim the necessity of biodiversity by considering our degree of
dependency on the environment. We depend directly on various species of
plant for our various needs. Similarly, we depend on various species of
animals and microbes for different reasons.
 Biodiversity is being lost due to the loss of habitat, over-exploitation of
resources, climatic changes, pollution, invasive exotic species, diseases,
hunting, etc. Since it provides us with several economic and ethical
benefits and adds aesthetic value, it is very important to conserve
biodiversity.
Why is it important to conserve biodiversity?

 Biodiversity conservation is important because biodiversity provides

certain services and resources that are essential for life on earth.
Biodiversity also provides social benefits.
DENR MBB (Biodiversity Management Bureau)

PROTECTED AREA DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT

 This Program covers the main in-situ measures to conserve biodiversity

within and adjacent to protected areas pursuant to Republic Act 7586 or the
National Integrate Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992 as amended
by Republic Act 11038 or the Expanded NIPAS (ENIPAS) Act of 2018. The
passage also led to the legislation of additional 94 Protected Areas, making
a total of 244 Protected Areas composed of about 7.8M hectares (107
legislated; 13 proclaimed; 124 remaining initial components). It will ensure
that the current NIPAS and ENIPAS coverage is rationalized by maintaining
and prioritizing those with high biodiversity values while providing
appropriate governance regime for the protection of Key Biodiversity Areas
(KBAs) such as through Local Conservation Areas (LCAs) with the LGU
concerned and through Indigenous Community Conserved Areas (ICCAs).

MANAGEMENT OF COASTAL AND MARINE RESOURCES/AREAS

 This program focuses on the sustainable management of coral reefs, sea

grass beds, mangrove stands, soft bottom areas (mudflats), plankton
 community, and water quality of coastal areas. These coastal ecosystems
are important in the completion of life cycles of a wide variety of
commercially and ecologically important marine life which support
livelihood for nearly 60% of Filipinos. Under this Program is the Coastal
and Marine Ecosystems Management Program (CMEMP) pursuant to DENR
Administrative Order 2016-26 which aims to achieve the effective
management of the country’s coastal and marine ecosystems thereby
increasing their ability to provide ecological goods and services to improve
the quality of life of the coastal population particularly ensuring food
security, climate change resiliency and disaster risk reduction. It also
contributes to the achievement of the PDP and PBSAP targets including
international commitments such as the Aichi Targets and the UN
Sustainable Development Goals (Goal 14 – Life below Water).
PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION OF WILDLIFE

 This program deals with the conservation and protection of wildlife, and/or
maintenance, restoration, and enhancement of their habitats pursuant to
Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection
Act of 2001. Priority activities under this program are the following: (i)
Sustainable wildlife resource use; (ii) management of invasive alien
species (IAS); and (iii) Enforcement of wildlife laws, rules and regulations
which include the operations/mobilization of Wildlife Traffic Monitoring
Units (WTMUs); deputation and mobilization of Wildlife Enforcement
Officers (WEOs); operations and maintenance of Wildlife Rescue Centers
(WRCs); establishment and management of Critical Habitats; and
conservation of threatened wildlife species such as, but not limited to, the
marine turtle, dugong (Dugong dugon), tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis),
Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi), freshwater and saltwater
crocodiles (Crocodylus mindorensis; Crocodylus porosus), tarsier (Carlito
syrichta), Philippine cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia), and Visayan
spotted deer (Rusa alfredi).
Biodiversity Conservation Priority Areas in the Philippines

 From the identified biogeographic regions, the PBCPP convenors further

noted and mapped out 206 integrated priority areas for biodiversity
conservation initiatives, 170 of which are terrestrial and 36 are marine.
These biologically important areas were so named according to analyses of
data from five taxon-based thematic groups (plants, arthropods,
amphibians and reptiles, birds, and mammals), two ecosystem-based
groups (inland and marine waters), and one socio-economic group.
 The areas identified by the taxon-based and ecosystem-based groups, in
light of the input provided by the socio-economic group, were also
classified according to level of priority. For the 170 terrestrial priority areas,
there are 92 Extremely High, 60 Very High, 3 High, and 15 Insuffecient Data
(at the time of the PBCPP) areas, while for the 36 marine priority areas,
there are 14 Extremely High, 12 Very High, and 10 High priority areas.
WILDLIFE PROTECTION ACT

Legal Bases

Republic Act 7586 - National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS)

expresses the legal framework for the establishment and management of
protected areas in the Philippines. The Law defines protected areas as the
identified portions of land and/or water set aside by reason of their unique
physical and biological significance, managed to enhance biological diversity and
protected against destructive human exploration. The establishment and
management of protected areas are part of the international commitments signed
by the Philippine Government such Convention on Biological Diversity, Ramsar
Convention, World Heritage Convention, Convention on Migratory Species, and
the ASEAN Agreement on, the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

Republic Act 9147 Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act ensuring
ecological sustainability. The primary aim of R.A. 9147 is to protect our

The country's fauna from illicit trade, abuse and destruction, through:

1. Conserving and protecting wildlife species and their habitats,

2. Regulating the collection and trade of wildlife,

3. Pursuing, with due regard to the national interest, the Philippine commitment
to international conventions, protection of wildlife and their habitats, and,

4. Initiating or supporting scientific studies on the conservation of biological

diversity.

Things an Individual Can Do to Support these Acts:

1. If you observe an act of poaching, or see a poached animal, inform the local
Environment Management Bureau of the Local Government Unit. (LGU) at the
highest possible level. One can also report the event through the press. Follow
up to check that action is taken by the concerned authority. If no action is taken,
one must take it up to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

2. Say "No" to the use of wildlife products and also try to convince other people
not to buy them.
3. Reduce the use of wood and wood products wherever possible.

4. Avoid misuse of paper because it is made from bamboo and wood, which
destroys wildlife habitat.

Paper and envelopes can always be reused.

5. Create a pressure group and ask Government to ensure that the biodiversity of
our country is conserved.

6. Do not harm animals. Stop others from inflicting cruelty to animals.

7 Do not disturb birds' nests and fledglings.

8. When you visit the Zoo, do not tease the animals by throwing stones or feeding
them, and prevent others from doing so.

9. If you come across an injured animal do what you can to help it.

10. If the animal needs medical care and expert attention, bring it to the veterinary
clinic.

11. Create awareness about biodiversity conservation in your own way to family
and friends.

12. Join organizations, which are concerned with protection of biodiversity like
Worldwide Fund for Nature Philippines. (WWF- P), or a local conservation Non-
Government Organization.

FOREST CONSERVATION ACT

Legal bases

 Presidential Decree 389 (Presidential Decree 705) The Forestry Reform

Code codifies updates and raises forestry laws in the country. It
emphasizes the sustainable utilization of forest resources.
 Presidential Decree 330 and Presidential Decree 953 laws on penalizing
illegal cutting of trees
 Presidential Decree 953 and Presidential Decree 1153 – laws on tree
planting
  Presidential Decree 331-laws requiring all public forests be developed on a
sustained yield basis.
These Decrees were enacted to protect the forests of our country, and therefore
warrants great attention for the conservation of terrestrial biodiversity
consequently, the entire ecosystem

Things an Individual Can Do to Support these Acts:

1. Acquaint yourself with the laws, detailed rules and orders issued by the
Government

2. Be in touch with concerned local NGOs and associations. Organize one with
other like-minded people if none exist in your area.

3 Create awareness about the existence and value of National Parks and
Sanctuaries, and build up a public opinion against illegal activities in the forest or
disturbance to wildlife.

4. Pressure the authorities to implement the forest and wildlife laws and rules to
protect green areas.

5. Take legal action if necessary. Use the help of NGOs who can undertake legal
action.

6. Help to create public pressure to update and improve the rules, laws, and
procedures when necessary.

7. Use better, ecologically sensitive public transport and bicycle tracks. Do not
litter.

8. Participate in preservation of greenery by planting, watering and caring for

plants.

The Importance of Biodiversity

 Biodiversity is the amount of variety of life on Earth. It is the number of

different species of plants, animals, and microorganisms. It includes
organisms from Earth’s vastly different ecosystems, including deserts,
rainforests, coral reefs, grasslands, tundra, and polar ice caps.
 Our biodiversity is very important to the well-being of our planet. Most
cultures, at least at some time, have recognized the importance of
conserving natural resources. Many still do, but many do not.
 Biodiversity is important to humans for many reasons. Biodiversity is also
considered by many to have intrinsic value—that is, each species has a
value and a right to exist, whether or not it is known to have value to
humans.
  Economic—biodiversity provides humans with raw materials for
consumption and production. Many livelihoods, such as those of farmers,
fishers and timber workers, are dependent on biodiversity.
 Ecological life support—biodiversity provides functioning ecosystems that
supply oxygen, clean air and water, pollination of plants, pest control,
wastewater treatment and many ecosystem services.
 Recreation—many recreational pursuits rely on our unique biodiversity,
such as birdwatching, hiking, camping and fishing. Our tourism industry
also depends on biodiversity.
 Scientific—biodiversity represents a wealth of systematic ecological data
that help us to understand the natural world and its origins.
Any loss or deterioration in the condition of biodiversity can compromise all the
values outlined above and affect human wellbeing. The Millennium Ecosystem
Assessment in 2005 was the first global effort to examine links between human
wellbeing and biodiversity. The assessment found benefits to societies from
biodiversity in material welfare, security of communities, resilience of local
economies, relations among groups in communities, and human health. It also
emphasized the term ‘ecosystem services’ under 4 broad categories (Morton &
Hill 2014).