Categories of Protected Areas under NIPAS and eNIPAS:
Strict Nature Reserve – is 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 in order to have ecologically representative examples of the natural environment available for scientific study, environmental monitoring, education, and for the maintenance of genetic resources in a dynamic and evolutionary state.
Natural Park – is a relatively large area 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 Monument – is 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.
Wildlife Sanctuary – comprises 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.
Protected Landscapes and Seascapes – are 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.
Resource Reserve – is an extensive and relatively isolated and uninhabited area normally with difficult access designated as such to protect natural resources of the area for future use and prevent or contain development activities that could affect the resource pending the establishment of objectives which are based upon appropriate knowledge and planning.
Natural Biotic Areas – is 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
Other Categories established by law, conventions or international agreements which the Philippine Government is signatory.
The e-NIPAS Act of 2018 brings to 248 the total number of Protected Areas in the Philippines which was previously 240 under the NIPAS law. View list of Protected Areas
| IUCN category |
NIPAS Act (Section 3&4) |
Remarks |
| Ia. Strict Nature Reserve |
Strict Nature Reserve |
Most restrictive category under the NIPAS Act that shows only scientific use for the area |
| Ib. Wilderness Area |
|
Included in the strict nature reserve |
| II. National Park |
Natural Park |
Essentially similar to "national park" - is a term used in the Philippine Constitution to designate a particular category of public lands that includes all protected areas, which is why it is not used as a category in the NIPAS Act |
| III. Natural Monument |
Natural Monument |
Essentially the same |
| IV. Habitat/Species Management Area |
Wildlife sanctuary |
Essentially the same |
| V. Protected landscape/seascape |
Protected landscape/seascape |
The NIPAS Act emphasizes opportunities for recreation and tourism |
| VI. Managed resource protected area |
Natural Biotic area |
The NIPAS Act emphasizes preservation of indigenous culture associated with the area |
IUCN and NIPAS Classification of Protected Areas in the Philippines
E-NIPAS: Salient Features
- Establishment of 94 protected areas classified as National Park based on the requirements of the Philippine Constitution and RA 7586;
- Provides permanency in setting the boundaries of protected areas pursuant to the Philippine Constitution;
- Creation of the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) for each of the protected area established under the System together with the appointment of a Protected Area Superintendent and regular PA staff with plantilla positions;
- Reiterates the provisions of RA 10629 on the retention of 75% of IPAF collection for the direct use of protected areas at the site and clarifies the utilization of 25% of the IPAF collection;
- Expanding the membership in the Protected Areas Management Board (PAMB); provides options for the inclusion of governors, senators and congressman and representatives of national agencies and academic institutions; and ensures ample representation of women in the PAMB;
- Emphasized the role of DENR in the administration and management of NIPAS thru the Biodiversity Management Bureau;
- Designation of Buffer Zones by the DENR upon recommendation of the PAMB;
- Recognition of existing local communities, townships and town centers, as well territories and areas occupied by indigenous peoples;
- provides mechanisms for renewable energy development within protected areas subject to adoption of reduced impact technologies, EIA and safeguards to ensure integrity of ecosystem functions and biodiversity;
- Revises/widens the coverage of prohibited acts (including Treasure Hunting) and updates the penalty provisions for easy evidence gathering and prosecution;
- Requires the Department of Justice to appoint special prosecutors for violators of the laws, rules and regulations in the protected areas;
- Imposition of higher fines and penalties;
- Inclusion of administrative and criminal liabilities of concerned Local Government Units (LGUs)
- Requires inventory of existing facilities within protected areas;
- Granting of tax exemption for all grants, bequests, endowments, donations, and contributions made to the IPAF;
- Funding priority is provided to legislated Protected Areas (by DBM)