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 designate 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 (ICCs/IPs) refer to groups 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) National park refers to land of the public domain classified as such in the Constitution which includes all areas under the NIPAS, primarily designated for the conservation of native plants and animals, their associated habitats and cultural diversity;

(e) Protected area refers to an identified portion of land and water set aside by reason of its unique physical and biological significance, managed to enhance biological diversity, and protected against destructive human exploitation; and

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

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