NIPAP in Sibuyan Island

The National Integrated Protected Areas Programme (NIPAP, 1996 - 2001) goal is to contribute to the conservation, protection and management of
natural habitats and biodiversity in the country's Integrated
National Protected Areas System (NIPAS).

The project objective is to establish effective protection and management of natural habitats and biodiversity in eight NIPAS sites representing seven of the Philippines’ fifteen bio-geographical zones.

The Original Eight Main Aims of the EU-GoP funded Project are the following:

• To protect the biodiversity of each selected Protected Area (PA);

• To ensure sustainable management of each selected PA;

• Contribute to enforcing the NIPAS act;

• To enhance the capabilities of the DENR/PAWB staff and local communities so that they will be in a position to take over and maintain the policies and facilities introduced during the life of the project;

• To develop and maintain the ecological benefits that the protected areas provide to local communities;

• To increase the wise use of available natural resources (especially those of forest and coastal areas;

• To create a public awareness, both nationally and locally, of the need to protect the forest and biodiversity; and

• To help ensure that rights of indigenous communities living in and around the Protected Areas are respected and likewise that gender issues are given due attention in project planning and implementation.

Two Supplementary Aims

• To emphasize a community-based sustainable protection strategy within the framework of the NIPAS Act); and

• To encourage and work closely with NGOs.

Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park

Located in Sibuyan Island in Romblon Province, Mt. Guiting-Guiting was proclaimed as a Natural Park in 1996 by President Fidel V. Ramos.

NIPAP worked closely with Kabang Kalikasan ng Pilipinas (KKP/WWF), which is implementing a livelihood-oriented project, “Protecting the Biodiversity of Mt. Guiting-Guiting through the Development of Sustainable Livelihood Enterprises” with funding from The Netherlands Government. This project will continue until 2002 and, significantly, KKP/WWF is committed to support conservation activities in Mt. Guiting-Guiting beyond 2002.

* Results of a Baseline Survey conducted in 1997 among communities living within
and around Mt. Guiting-guiting Natural Park by NIPAP

*Mt. Guiting-Guiting General Information by NIPAP