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It is widely recognized that the Philippines harbors rich biodiversity resources that are effectively managed by indigenous peoples, local communities and local government units (LGUs). Currently, the only means to recognize these areas under the protected area system is the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Law (Republic Act 7586). The enactment of the NIPAS Law essentially placed a mantle of national level policy towards the protection of a large proportion of these areas. The Law, however, overshadowed informal management regimes already existing, in an effort to involve as many stakeholders as possible in the management of protected areas.
The EDNSTPAP project aims to develop policies to accelerate the establishment of new conservation areas in order to expand the national protected area (PA) system, over areas harboring significant biodiversity resources. The Project has selected nine (9) pilot sites, representing a diversity of potential management regimes consisting of those covering ancestral domain lands, forest areas and agricultural landscapes where upland and adjoining lowland communities depend upon their livelihood; and areas where local government units have demonstrated strong resolve to support conservation objectives. The Project’s nine (9) pilot sites are located in key biodiversity areas (KBAs) representing a mix of biogeographical zones in the Philippines.
While there are potential new types of conservation areas that can be established, this is the first time that the country will make formal efforts aimed at their recognition as part of the national PA system.
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Duties and Responsibilities
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The assignment aims to provide high level advice to the Philippine Government to prepare a framework and strategy for the inclusion of new conservation areas in the national PA system, and in the process be able to provide international best practice perspectives.
The specific tasks are as follows:
- Prepare and deliver a paper on “Issues and Considerations in Recognition of Conservation Areas: What Governments and Society Can Do” in a forum to be organized by the Project, and to be attended by national and local stakeholders;
- Summarize relevant experiences in other countries at recognition of conservation areas as part of the national PA system; draw lessons and insights for the Philippines’ efforts under the Project;
- Review documented Philippine experiences on conservation efforts of indigenous communities, local communities and LGUs; as well as relevant policies and laws;
- Given the above, prepare options for the Philippines to recognize conservation areas as part of the national PA system; provide an exhaustive on strengths and weaknesses of each option, including the enabling policy and support from the state required to uphold/specify the rights and support the practices that contribute to conservation effectiveness; and protect these from both internal and external forces that could undermine local conservation efforts;
- Participate in a stakeholder forum to be organized by the Project to fully discuss the options developed, and facilitate in the consideration of the issues relevant to each option;
- Assist the Philippines to adopt a national definition of community conservation areas, given the nuances of Philippine culture, laws, values, traditions and economy;
- Based on the emerging priority options identified, develop an overall framework and strategy on how new conservation areas can be integrated into the national PA system; and outline the needed policy, institutional, technical, socio cultural support required to strengthen capacities of relevant bodies involved in the governance of such conservation areas;
- The framework should include the steps to take over a period of five (5) years; and should contain recommendations on the roles of the national government and relevant agencies; non-governmental organizations, local governments and local communities;
- Develop a framework for management planning and supporting new conservation areas; and
- Review the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) for measuring management effectiveness in protected areas; and develop a suitable tool for measuring and monitoring conservation effectiveness in new conservation areas.
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Competencies
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- At least 10 years experience in conservation work in South East Asia, with experience in the Philippines and/or familiarity with biodiversity and conservation issues, policies and institutions in the Philippines would be preferable
- Experience in international discourse in PA management and in recognition of conservation areas, such as IUCN, WCPA, and other bodies
- Sensitive to local culture, values and traditions
- Ability to relate well with a diverse range of stakeholders at local and national levels
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
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Required Skills and Experience
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Academic Qualifications:
- PhD in Environmental Management or related fields (Biology, Ecology, Systematics, Natural Resource Management (NRM), Anthropology, etc.)
- Master’s degree in Environmental Management or related fields (Biology, Ecology, Systematics, NRM, Anthropology, etc.)
Years of experience:
- The position requires at least 10 years of extensive international experiences in conservation works with emphasis on community conservation areas and their recognition.
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