(3) The protection, rehabilitation and the sustainable development of forests, coastal, marine and other surface and sub-surface resources including the adoption of programs and projects to ensure the maintenance of ecological balance, shall be given priority; and (4) The Autonomous Regional Government shall likewise recognize and apply a true value system that takes into account social and environment cost implications relative to the utilization, development and conservation of our natural resources. SEC. 2. Mandate. - The Department is mandated to protect, explore, develop, utilize the natural resources, including surface and sub-surface rights, in-land and coastal waters, and renewable and non-renewable resources in the autonomous region and ensure the sustainable development of these resources. Muslims and other indigenous cultural communities shall, however, have priority rights to explore, develop and utilize the said resources in the areas designated as parts of their respective ancestral domains. SEC. 3. Powers and Functions. - The Department shall have the following powers and functions. (1) Recommend to the Regional Governor the enactment of laws relative to the exploration, development, use, regulation and conservation of the region‟s natural resources and the control of pollution; (2) Formulate, implement and supervise the implementation of the government‟s policies, plans and programs pertaining to the management, conservation, development, use and replenishment of the region‟s natural resources in accordance with existing laws, IRR, memorandum circulars which are hereinafter incorporated as integral part of this Code in so far as they are applicable; (3) Issue licenses and permits for activities related to the use and development of natural resources, treasure hunting, salvaging of sunken vessels and other similar activities; (4) Promulgate rules and regulations in accordance with law governing the exploration, development, conservation, extraction, disposition, use and such other commercial activities tending to cause the depletion and degradation of our natural resources; (5) Exercise supervision and control over lands, alienable and disposable public lands, mineral resources, and in the process of exercising such control, impose appropriate taxes, fees, charges, rentals subject to existing law, rules and regulations and any such form of levy and collect such revenues for the exploration, development, utilization or gathering of such resources; (6) Undertake the exploration, assessment, classification and inventory of the country‟s natural resources, using ground surveys, remote sensing and complimentary technologies; (7) Consult with the private sector on matters involving exploration, development, use and conservation of natural resources; 91