local government and concerned private organizations; that the use and enjoyment of these protected
areas must be consistent with the principles of biological diversity and sustainable development.
To this end, there is hereby established a National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS), which
shall encompass outstandingly remarkable areas and biologically important public lands that are
habitats of rare and endangered species of plants and animals, biogeographic zones and related
ecosystems, whether terrestrial, wetland or marine, all of which shall be designated as “protected
areas”.
SECTION 3. Categories – The following categories of protected areas are hereby established:
a. Strict nature reserve;
b. Natural park;
c. Natural monument;
d. Wildlife sanctuary;
e. Protected landscapes and seascapes;
f. Resource reserve;
g. Natural biotic areas; and
h. Other categories established by law, conventions or international agreements which the
Philippine Government is a signatory.
SECTION 4. De nition of Terms – For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall be de ned as
follows:
1. “National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS)” is the classi cation and administration of all
designated protected areas to maintain essential ecological processes and life-support systems, to
preserve genetic diversity, to ensure sustainable use of resources found therein, and to maintain their
natural conditions to the greatest extent possible;
2. “Protected Area” refers to identi ed portions of land and water set aside by reason of their unique
physical and biological signi cance, managed to enhance biological diversity and protected against
destructive human exploitation;
/