Section 3Sec./Art. 3

Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:

(a) Buffer zones refer to identified areas outside the boundaries of and immediately adjacent to designated protected areas that need special development control in order to avoid or minimize harm to the protected area;

(b) Conservation refers to any act or acts of preservation and sustainable utilization of wildlife or maintenance, restoration and enhancement of habitats;

(c) Indigenous cultural communities/Indigenous peoples refer to a group of people sharing common bonds of language, customs, traditions, and other distinctive cultural traits, and who have, since time immemorial, occupied, possessed and utilized a territory;

(d) Protected area refers to identified portions of land and water aside by reason of their unique physical and biological significance, managed to enhance biological diversity and protected against destructive human exploitation;

(e) Protected landscape or seascape refers to an area of national significance which is characterized by the harmonious interaction of human, land, and water while providing opportunities for public enjoyment through recreation, tourism, and other economic activities; and

(f) Tenured migrants refer to protected area occupants who have been actually, continuously and presently occupying a portion of the protected area for five (5) years before the proclamation or law establishing the same as a protected area, and are solely dependent therein for subsistence.