Tanon - Declaration Edits
Tanon - Declaration Edits
Tanon - Declaration Edits
Whereas, the Taon Strait Protected Seascape (TSPS) was created by virtue of Presidential
Proclamation No. 1234 in 1998 and is the largest marine protected area in the Philippines;
Whereas, the TSPS is one of the richest fishing grounds in the country, considered to be one of
the tuna highways of the Philippines, and is one of the Visayas regions seven distinct fisheries
ecosystems, supporting the livelihoods of tens of thousands of marginal fisher folk and their
families;
Whereas, the TSPS is a priority conservation site and key biodiversity area, an important
migration corridor for whale sharks, dolphins, and whales, serving as their breeding, nursery and
resting grounds;
Whereas, the TSPS is now overfished, its waters are threatened with pollution from poorly
regulated industries and sewage, and its habitats are getting degraded by destructive fishing
practices and poorly managed development projects;
Whereas, after seventeen (17) years since the TSPS was declared a protected area, the general
management plan has finally been passed by members of the Protected Area Management Board,
subject to refinements so that it can be implemented in the soonest possible time;
Whereas, illegal fishing activities continue to degrade fish stocks within the TSPS in a rapid
manner, and enforcement of fisheries and environmental laws is in need of improvement;
Whereas, the Taon Strait Protected Seascape Stakeholders Summit has identified major issues
that are critically affecting the long-term survival of this ecologically sensitive area;
Whereas, due to the large size of the protected area, there is a need for collaborative efforts
among government, civil society, the academe, and other stakeholders to ensure that the
management plan is effectively carried out;
Whereas, there is a need to work together with all relevant national government agencies and
local government units in promoting effective law enforcement and sustainable fisheries;
Whereas, the protected area is governed by a protected area management board led by the DENR
with provincial, municipal and barangay LGUs as members.
Whereas, there is an urgent need to consolidate the efforts of national government agencies, non-
government organizations, peoples organizations, the academe, and private citizens involved in
the TSPS to share information and data, refine the general management plan and implement
existing laws to protect and conserve our natural resources and environment, if we are to arrest
the continuing degradation the TSPSs environment and natural resources;
Therefore, after having conducted the First Taon Strait Protected Seascape Stakeholders
Summit, the parties herein hereby commit to:
For DENR-PAMB
(1) To coordinate with LGUs the approval process of SAPA to avoid construction of
illegal structures without SAPA
(3) To simplify the approval process of SAPA; All application for TSPS must be
reviewed and commented by SMUs
(4) Together with academic institutions, provide proper management zoning based on
scientific studies for protection of migratory species on the General Management
Plan
(5) To define the roles of the SMU and the stakeholders, create a model so uniformity
can be achieved in each unit
(6) To provide funds for annual resource ecological monitoring and evaluation
(7) To conduct massive IEC campaign and dialogue with stakeholders especially on
marine debris and pollution
(9) For the PASu in particular, define the roles of the SMU and the stakeholders,
create a model so uniformity can be achieved in each unit
(11) PAMB to create CRM monitoring team to assist LGU monitoring team (joint
monitoring)
(12) To create PAMB Adjudication Board and composite law enforcement team
(13) To provide paid law enforcers and incentives/reward system for protection and
rehabilitation of mangrove forest and MPAs
(14) To assist LGUs in the implementation of solid waste management law (RA 9003)
(15) To delineate the boundaries between municipal water and Tanon Strait
(17) To allocate/include budget for SMU operation in tandem with the concerned
offices of provincial government through MOA signing
(18) For SMUs to be consulted on new application for business permit within TSPS
For LGU
(1) In order to achieve PA objectives. Provide support for MPA and MPA Networks
funding for law enforcement (equipment, logistics, patrol boat, training/seminar,
permanent guardhouse, biophysical monitoring survey training)
(2) To create partnerships with other NGOs/private sector to mobilize resources for
mangrove conservation
(3) To enact ordinance adopting national law on solid waste management (Republic
Act 9003)
(12) To provide for budget in relation to fisheries management in the annual financial
plan
(15) To craft guidelines on patrolling and apprehension tailor fitted to the needs of the
locality
(16) To provide for the training and deputation of protected are rangers
(20) To have a livelihood programs and provide guidelines for the grants thereof
For BFAR
(5) To support LGUs and PA wardens to stop commercial fishing activities in Taon
Strait
For DOJ
This Taon Declaration is hereby adopted this 12th day of February, 2015, in the City of Cebu.