Module 9

• Sustaining living systems
• Biological conservation


  An approach to sustaining living systems
• Natural resource management

  Approaches to sustaining living systems
• The main objectives of the CBD are conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of utilization of genetic resources

  
• In 2010, the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), adopted the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2010-2020 and its 20 Aichi Biodiversity Targets

  
• In 2015, the members of the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
• The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) recognize the important role of protected areas as a key strategy for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development

  
• The Protected Planet Report 2016 assesses how protected areas contribute to achieving the Aichi Biodiversity Targets and relevant targets of the Sustainable Development Goals

  
• Possible ways of reducing direct pressures on biodiversity


  • Halting habitat loss and reducing its degradation and fragmentation
  • Increasing the use of ecosystem-based approaches, so that overfishing is avoided and recovery plans and measures are in place for depleted species
  • Promoting biodiversity on agricultural land and the use of agricultural production methods that foster greater biodiversity
  • Addressing multiple pressures, such as pollution, invasive alien species and other anthropogenic pressures

  
• Invasive


  Most common word used to describe nonnative species that are "non-native (alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm, or harm to human health"

  
• Nonnative and Nonindigenous


  Species that are not native to a focal ecosystem

  
• Exotic and alien species

  Nonindigenous at a large spatial scale—typically continents
• Introduced species


  Transported by humans from their native range into a new ecosystem in which they are nonindigenous, but not necessarily exotic
• Established or naturalized species


  Nonindigenous species that have established self-sustaining populations in the new ecosystem
• Nuisance or noxious species


  Unwanted by society
• The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) adopted the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2010-2020 and its 20 Aichi Biodiversity Targets

  
• Protected area


  A clearly defined geographical space, recognized, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values
• Benefits of protected areas

  • Maintaining a healthy environment for people and nature
  • Essential for biodiversity conservation and vital to the cultures and livelihoods of indigenous peoples and local communities
  • Delivering clean air and water
  • Bringing benefits to millions of people through tourism
  • Providing protection from climate change and natural disasters
• The first known legislation intended for establishment of national parks in the Philippines was signed in 1932
• The National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992 is the national framework for the establishment of protected areas in the Philippines
• Categories of protected areas in the Philippines

  • Strict nature reserve
  • Natural park
  • Natural monument
  • Wildlife sanctuary
  • Protected landscape and seascapes
  • Resource reserve
  • Natural biotic areas
• National Parks


  Forest reservations essentially of natural wilderness character which have been withdrawn from settlement, occupancy or any form of exploitation except in conformity with approved management plan and set aside as such exclusively to conserve the area or preserve the scenery, the natural and historic objects, wild animals and plants therein and to provide enjoyment of these features in such areas
• Natural Parks


  Relatively large areas not materially altered by human activity where extractive resource uses are not allowed and maintained to protect outstanding natural and scenic areas of national or international significance for scientific, educational and recreational use
• Natural Monuments


  A relatively small area focused on protection of small features to protect or preserve nationally significant natural features on account of their special interest or unique characteristics
• Protected Landscape/seascapes


  Areas of national significance which are characterized by the harmonious interaction of man and land while providing opportunities for public enjoyment through recreation and tourism within the normal lifestyle and economic activity of these areas
• Game Refuge and Bird Sanctuaries


  An area possessing some outstanding ecosystem, features and/or species of flora and fauna of national scientific importance maintained to protect nature and maintain processes in an undisturbed state
• Game Refuge and Bird Sanctuaries


  • OLANGO ISLAND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
• Resource Reserves


  An extensive and relatively isolated and uninhabited area
• Resource Reserves


  • Upper Agno River Basin
• Managed Resource Protected Areas


  An area set aside to allow the way of life of societies living in harmony with the environment to adapt to modem technology at their pace
• Managed Resource Protected Areas


  • El Nido Managed Resource Protected Area
  • Taklong Island National Marine Reserve
• Wildlife Sanctuaries


  An area which assures the natural conditions necessary to protect nationally significant species, groups of species, biotic communities or physical features of the environment where these may require specific human manipulation for the perpetuation
• Wildlife Sanctuaries


  • Agusan marsh wildlife sanctuary
• Philippines has 559 protected areas covering 45,762 square kilometers (15.32% of total land area) and 21,269 square kilometers (1.16% of total marine area)
• The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has overall management of the protected areas in the country
• Challenges to biodiversity conservation in protected areas


  • Require active management including onsite conservation, restoration activities, monitoring and enforcement
  • Need to compensate local communities to forego certain land uses to improve effectiveness of protected area management
  • Need demarcation and patrolling of boundaries, capacity building of staff, and information and education campaign

  
• Activities in protected area management


  • Reforestation for biodiversity conservation
  • Watershed protection
  • Carbon sequestration
  • Monitoring and protection of species
  • Visitor monitoring and trail maintenances for nature-based recreation

  
• Funding for protected area management


  Comes from government allocations and private donations or grants from international funding agencies, but there is an estimated funding shortfall of about 70%
• Community support for protected areas


  • Local communities are usually primary stakeholders and their support can be critical to the sustainability of protected areas
  • Lack of community support or conflict with protected area managers can arise from lack of awareness about biodiversity, neglect in decision-making, or perceived inequitable distribution of benefits or disadvantage to the community
• Protected areas remain as the major approach for biodiversity conservation worldwide