Section 2Sec./Art. 2

Section 2 of Republic Act No. 7586 is hereby amended to read as follows:

"Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - Cognizant of the profound impact of human activities on all components of the natural environment particularly the effect of increasing population, resource exploitation and industrial advancement, and recognizing the critical importance of protecting and maintaining the natural, biological, and physical diversities of the environment notably on areas with biologically unique features to sustain human life and development, as well as plant and animal life, it is hereby declared the policy of the State to secure for the Filipino people of present for future generations, the perpetual existence of all native plants and animals through the establishment of a comprehensive system of integrated protected areas within the classification of national park as provided for in the Constitution.

"It is hereby recognized that these areas, although distinct in features, possess common ecological values that may be incorporated into a holistic plan to conserve and protect our natural heritage; that effective administration of these areas is possible only through cooperation among the national government, local governments, concerned nongovernment organizations, private organizations, and local communities; that the use and enjoyment of these protected areas much be consistent with the principles of biological diversity and sustainable development.

"To this end, there is hereby established a National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS), which shall encompass ecologically rich and unique areas and biologically important public lands that are habitats of rare and threatened species of plants and animals, biogeographic zones and related ecosystems, whether terrestrial, wetland or marine, all of which shall be designated as 'protected areas'. The System shall recognize conservation areas and the management regimes being implemented by local government units (LGUs), local communities and indigenous peoples (IPs).

"The State shall ensure the full implementation of this Act, the mobilization of resources for the institutional mechanisms herein established, and the full scientific and technical support needed for the conservation of biodiversity and the integrity of the ecosystems, culture and indigenous practices."