Section 9Sec./Art. 9

Zoning. - Zones shall be established within the NSMNP and its buffer zones giving primary consideration to the preservation and conservation of all life forms while according respect to the traditional areas used and recognized by ICCs/IPs. Zoning shall also take into account the tenurial and livelihood concerns of other communities and must ensure the efficient protection of habitats, fragile ecosystems and unique areas.

All primary (old growth) forests within the NSMNP, including portions which have been previously declared as alienable and disposable, shall be classified as strict protection zones and shall be free from all forms of logging or exploitation, whether commercial or otherwise. However, portions of primary forests may be classified as sustainable use zones. Strict protection zones shall also be established where necessary for the preservation of biodiversity including, but not limited to, the survival of rare and endangered species.

The establishment and management of zones must involve the community concerned by undertaking such steps as dialogue, community-based management approach, and land and resource-use mapping.

Multiple-use zones shall be validated on the ground, demarcated on maps, and monumented in the field with the assistance of communities and agencies concerned.

ARTICLE III

THE PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT BOARD