Section 16Sec./Art. 16

Ancestral Lands and Domains. - The rights of ICCs/IPs in the NSMNP to their lands and domains shall be fully recognized. Traditional property regimes exercised by ICCs/ IPs in accordance with their customary laws shall govern the relationship of all individuals within their communities with respect to all land and other resources found within the ancestral lands and domains traditionally used by them.

The provisions of this Act shall be construed liberally in favor of the ICCs/IPs in accordance with the preservation and conservation objectives of the NSMNP and its resources. Nothing herein shall be construed to impair or diminish prior and existing rights currently enjoyed by the IPs/ICCs as provided by existing laws.