2013 ANNUAL WORKPLAN - United States Agency for ...pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00N4KN.pdf · 2013...

.

22 July 2013 Revision 7

Contract No. AID-492-C-13-00002

2013 ANNUAL WORKPLAN

Philippines Biodiversity and Watersheds Improved for Stronger Economy and Ecosystem Resilience (B+WISER) Program

This publication was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development. It was prepared by Chemonics International Inc. The Biodiversity and Watersheds Improved for Stronger Economy and Ecosystem Resilience Program is funded by USAID, Contract No. AID-492-C-13-00002 and implemented by Chemonics International in association with:

Fauna and Flora International (FFI) Haribon Foundation World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF)

The author’s views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government.

2013 Annual Workplan

Philippines Biodiversity and Watersheds Improved for Stronger Economy and Ecosystem Resilience

(B+WISER) Program

Revision 7

Implemented with:

Department of Environment and Natural Resources Other National Government Agencies Local Government Units and Agencies

Assisting Organizations

Supported by:

United States Agency for International Development Contract No.: AID-492-C-13-00002

Managed by:

Chemonics International Inc. in partnership with

Fauna and Flora International (FFI) Haribon Foundation

World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF)

22 July 2013

B+WISER | 2013 ANNUAL WORKPLAN | i

CONTENTS

ACRONYMS .................................................................................................................. iii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................... vii

I. INTRODUCTION OF THE PROGRAM .................................................................. 1

Program Overview and Approach .......................................................................... 1

Description of Program Results Framework ........................................................... 1

Alignment with GPH Priorities ................................................................................ 2

Alignment with GPH-US and Other Overarching US Priorities ............................... 5

II. THEORY OF CHANGE FRAMEWORK FOR ATTAINING B+WISERMULTIPLE GOALS ................................................................................................ 8

III. APPROACH TO IMPLEMENTATION .................................................................. 10

Work Planning Processes .................................................................................... 10

Components and Technical Activities ................................................................... 12

IV. PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ................................................................................ 24

Program Organization .......................................................................................... 24

Management and Program Operations ................................................................ 26

Management and Coordination ............................................................................ 27

Site Activities ....................................................................................................... 29

Priority Sites for Mangrove Reforestation ............................................................. 30

Role of the Field Coordinators .............................................................................. 30

Biodiversity Related Research Agenda Implemented and Strengthened .............. 31

Communications .................................................................................................. 31

V. PERFORMANCE MONITORING AND EVALUATION ......................................... 33

ii | B+WISER | 2013 ANNUAL WORKPLAN

LIST OF EXHIBITS

Exhibit 1. B+WISER Results Framework ........................................................................ 3

Exhibit 2. B+WISER Linkages to the Philippine Development Plan ................................ 4

Exhibit 3. The DPSIR (Drivers, Pressures, State, Impacts and Responses) Framework for Assessing Forest Degradation and the B+WISER Responses ..................................................................................................... 8

Exhibit 4. B+WISER Organizational Chart ................................................................. 25

Exhibit 5. Membership and Responsibilities in DENR Special Order (No. 2013-317) Creating the National and Regional Working Groups to Support the Implementation of the B+WISER Program .............................................. 28

Exhibit 6. Summary of B+WISER Performance Indicators and Targets ........................ 34

LIST OF ANNEXES

Annex A. Time Line of Mobilization Phase, Year 1 ....................................................... 36

Annex B. Implementation Plan and Timeline: 2013 and 2014 ....................................... 37

Annex C. Summary of Highlights of DENR/B+WISER Planning Workshop (29 April - 03 May 2013, Holiday Inn, Clark) ....................................................... 59

Annex D. B+WISER Priority Sites.............................................................. ....................63

B+WISER | 2013 ANNUAL WORKPLAN | iii

ACRONYMS

AA-EWCC Assistance Agreement for Environment, Water and Climate

Change

ADB Asian Development Bank

ADSDPP Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan

AILEG Analysis of Investment for Low Emission Growth

B+WISER Biodiversity and Watersheds Improved for Stronger Economy and

Ecosystem Resilience Program

BFAR Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

BRB Bicol River Basin

CCC Climate Change Commission

CDCS Country Development Cooperation Strategy

CI Conservation International

CLUP Comprehensive Land Use Plan

COP Chief of Party

CTI Cities Development Initiative

CVPED Cagayan Valley Programme on Environment and Development

DA Department of Agriculture

DAO DENR Administrative Order

DCOP Deputy Chief of Party

DENR Department of Environment and Natural Resources

DILG Department of the Interior and Local Government

DOST Department of Science and Technology

DPSIR Drivers, Pressures, State, Impacts and Responses

DRRM Disaster Risk and Reduction Management

EC-LEDS Enhancing Capacity for Low Emission Development Strategies

EcoGov Philippine Environmental Governance Project

ERDB Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau

FC Field Coordinator

FFI Fauna and Flora International

FI Forest Inventory

FLUP Forest Land Use Plan

FMB Forest Management Bureau

FMP Forest Management Plan

FRI Forest Resources Inventory

FY Fiscal Year

GEF Global Environment Facility

GHG Greenhouse Gas

GIS Geographic Information System

GIZ Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit

GPH Government of the Philippines

GSA Guided Self-Assessment on the State of Local Environmental

Governance

HLURB Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board

iv | B+WISER | 2013 ANNUAL WORKPLAN

ICRAF World Agroforestry Centre

IEC Information/Education/Communication

IEM Integrated Ecosystems Management

INREMP Integrated Natural Resources and Environmental Management

Program

IP Indigenous Peoples

IPAF Integrated Protected Areas Fund

IR Intermediate Result

ISF Integrated Social Forestry

JMC Joint Memorandum Circular

KBA Key Biodiversity Area

KP Knowledge Products

KWFR Kaliwa Watershed Forest Reserve

LEAD Low Emissions Asian Development

LEAF Lowering Emissions in Asia’s Forests

LGU Local Government Unit

LOP Life of Project

M&E Monitoring and Evaluation

METT Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool

MKAVI Mt Kitanglad Agri-Ventures Inc.

MKRNP Mt Kitanglad Range Natural Park

MRV Measurement, Reporting and Verification

MWCI Manila Water Company Inc.

NALECC National Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee

NAMRIA National Mapping and Resource Information Authority

NBSAP National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

NCCAP National Climate Change Action Plan

NCIP National Commission on Indigenous Peoples

NewCAPP New Conservation Areas in the Philippines Project

NGGI National Greenhouse Gas Inventory

NGO Non-governmental Organization

NGP National Greening Program

NIA National Irrigation Administration

NIPAS National Integrated Protected Areas System

NOAH National Operational Assessment of Hazards

NPC National Power Corporation

NSMNP Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park

NTFP Non-timber Forest Products

PA Protected Area

PAMB Protected Area Management Board

PAMP Protected Area Management Plan

PASu Protected Area Superintendent

PAWB Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau

PAWD Philippine Association of Water Districts

PAWS Protected Areas and Wildlife Service

B+WISER | 2013 ANNUAL WORKPLAN | v

PCAARRD-DOST Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources

Research and Development - Department of Science and

Technology

PDP Philippine Development Plan

PENRO Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer

PES Payment for Ecosystem Services

PFG Partnership for Growth

PIDS Philippine Institute of Development Studies

PMP Performance Monitoring Plan

PNRPS Philippine National REDD-plus Strategy

PO Peoples Organization

PPP Public-Private Partnerships

QMS Quality Management System

RA Republic Act

RABA Rapid Agro Biodiversity Appraisal

REDD+ Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation,

and the Role of Conservation, Sustainable Management of Forests,

and Enhancement of Forest Carbon Stocks in Developing

Countries

REECS Resources, Environment, and Economics Center for Studies

SAF Special Activities Fund

SRPAO Survey and Registration of Protected Area Occupants

SUC State Universities and Colleges

TAF Technical Activities Fund

TNA Training Needs Assessment

TWG Technical Working Group

UMRBPL Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape

UNDP United Nations Development Programme

UP University of the Philippines

USAID United States Agency for International Development

US-DOI United States Department of the Interior

USFS United States Forest Service

VRA Vulnerability and Risk Assessment

WAVES Wealth Accounting and Valuation of Ecosystem Services

WMC Watershed Management Council

WMP Watershed Management Plan

vi | B+WISER | 2013 ANNUAL WORKPLAN

B+WISER | 2013 ANNUAL WORKPLAN | vii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Designed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Technical Working

Group (DENR-TWG) in collaboration with United States Agency for International

Development (USAID), the five-year Biodiversity and Watersheds Improved for Stronger

Economy and Ecosystem Resilience (B+WISER) Program’s technical assistance and

services contract was awarded to Chemonics International Inc. on December 28, 2012.

This Year 1 Workplan covers the period January – September 30, 2013 (US FY 2013).

The B+WISER Program broadly contributes to the Government of the Philippines

(GPH)-US Partnership for Growth (PFG)/Country Development Cooperation Strategy

(CDCS) by focusing on inclusive and broad-based economic growth and ecosystem

services. The goals of the B+WISER Program hinge on a recent GPH move towards

watershed-based/integrated ecosystem management (IEM) approach and will support

comprehensive assessments and baseline data to ensure evidence and science-based

planning and decision-making in each of the seven priority watersheds and target

mangrove restoration areas. The B+WISER Program will prioritize four intermediate

results to improve natural resources and environmental services that complement and

support the GPH in implementing environmental policies and programs and complement

the CDCS development objective three, environmental resilience improved. The

intermediate results include: conservation of biodiversity in forest areas; reduction of

forest degradation in priority watersheds; enhanced capacity to conserve biodiversity,

manage forests, and monitor low emissions development; and increased capacity for

disaster management in highly vulnerable areas.

At the conclusion of the B+WISER Program, results will include: 1) improved

management and governance of 780,000 hectares of key biodiversity areas (KBA) and

their associated watersheds; 2) 78,000 hectares of restored forests, including 6,000

hectares of mangroves; 3) 1.9 million tons of greenhouse gases (GHG) (in CO2

equivalent) sequestered per year after the life of program and 3.4 million metric tons

GHG reduced; and 4) $5 million leveraged from public-private partnerships (PPP).

These results will be achieved through a three-phase process for implementation. The

Year 1 Workplan focuses primarily on activities for the first phase (year 1) including

mobilization, assessments, and building partnerships in each of the seven key KBA and

mangrove sites, setting the stage for years two through five. These activities that were

initially based on the original Program proposal and contract requirements and

deliverables were discussed in depth during a Department of Environment and Natural

Resources (DENR)/B+WISER Planning Workshop on 29 April-May 3, 2013 that was led

by the Forest Management Bureau (FMB).

The entry points for the B+WISER Program are the existing Protected Area Management

Plans (PAMP), Forest Land Use Plans (FLUP), Watershed Management Plans (WMP),

Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUP) and Ancestral Domain Sustainable

Development and Protection Plans (ADSDPP) that will be analyzed and enhanced in

viii | B+WISER | 2013 ANNUAL WORKPLAN

terms of mainstreaming of biodiversity, climate change, gender and indigenous peoples

(IP) concerns. Detailed forest cover and land use maps will be generated in collaboration

with FMB’s Geographic Information System (GIS) unit; these maps will be analyzed

and, in coordination with the Forestry Master Plan team and Protected Areas and Wildlife

Bureau (PAWB), will enable targeting areas for forest restoration, biodiversity

conservation and mangrove restoration. In addition, information from the DENR surveys

of forest land occupants, Survey and Registration of Protected Area Occupants (SRPAO)

and data from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) will be analyzed

for targeting the potential participants and beneficiaries of livelihood, forest restoration,

and protection activities

The first phase (Year 1) not only entails benchmarking of the state of natural resources

and environmental services of the sites, where data is current, but also includes design of

integrated assessments of biodiversity, forest and watershed health, governance, climate

risk, and social and economic conditions. These assessments will be harmonized through

an IEM framework that reflects interactions among various dimensions of forest

conservation. These interactions will be examined empirically in subsequent years for

which the detailed methodology and implementation plan will be developed in Year 1.

At the national level, the Program will set the stage for developing a concerted effort on

sustainable financing for protected areas, forest conservation and the maintenance of

watershed services. The Program will also contribute towards the harmonization of

methods among various initiatives for costing how much it takes to protect KBA and

manage protected areas (PA) under realistic site conditions and collaborative design of

training on ecosystems valuation that leads to payments for ecosystem services (PES),

including Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, and the Role

of Conservation, Sustainable Management of Forests, and Enhancement of Forest Carbon

Stocks in Development Countries (REDD+) mechanisms. B+WISER will add value by

developing benefits sharing approaches that are particularly targeted at deserving

disadvantaged groups, such as upland community groups, especially women and IP.

Another value adding will be the operationalization of methods for proper valuation of

forest resources and ecosystem services that would support FMB’s forest accounting, in

particular, and more broadly, the GPH efforts in natural capital accounting.

The Program will enhance national programs such as the National Greening Program

(NGP) (terrestrial and coastlines), the Philippine National REDD+ Strategy (PNRPS) and

GHG inventory. For NGP during the first year, support will be provided through the

dissemination of information on a science-based choice of species, sites and planting

materials. In terms of the GHG inventory and PNRPS, Year 1 activities will focus on (1)

updating the maps that are needed for the first set of estimates that are based on local and

the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) coefficients as prelude to the

local coefficients to be generated during subsequent years from measurement plots at the

Program’s watersheds. In addition, assistance will be provided to the FMB to substitute

new Forest Resources Inventory (FRI) plots from the KBA for those old plots that cannot

be relocated. In addition, the universe for the inventory plots will be re-examined to

include not only production forestry but also biodiversity protection, improvement of

B+WISER | 2013 ANNUAL WORKPLAN | ix

critical watersheds, community forestry and reforestation sites. Thus, the candidate, new

plot sites will include NGP areas (including mangroves), agro-forests in community-

oriented forestry, and forests in PA and surrounding B+WISER watersheds.

B+WISER supports the preparation of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

(NBSAP) through participation in its experts group and contribution of the B+WISER

technical specialists (TS) as resource persons in the regional consultations during Year 1

and funding of participants from the B+WISER sites for broader participation.

Processing of PAWB biodiversity monitoring data will be conducted to contribute to the

statistics that will be presented in the NBSAP.

In terms of capacity development, the Training Needs Assessment (TNA) that was started

in early May will be processed to guide the development of a coordinated training

program that would be jointly implemented by State Universities and Colleges (SUC) and

assisting professionals after Year 1. The training activities and follow through learning

by doing will be designed in Year 1 for implementation in Years 2-4 in coordinated

modules

Among the priority areas identified by the FMB and PAWB are: parks management; IEM

assessments and the most recent biodiversity monitoring tools. Existing training modules

of the World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF) and Ecosystem Research and Development

Bureau (ERDB) on vulnerability and climate risk assessment will be disseminated to

DENR and its partners. With respect to PPP and PES mechanisms, a review of recent

global experience with indigenous communities and women groups will be contracted for

implementation in Year 2.

The IEM framework will guide the Program throughout its implementation. This will

entail strengthening of working relationships among DENR implementers and between

DENR and other institutions, particularly local governments, the NCIP, the Department

of Agriculture (DA) and watershed-wide, multi-sectoral bodies. B+WISER’s value

adding to existing efforts at IEM is the use of economics and institutional analytics to

weave activities across the forest landscape.

The Special Activities Fund (SAF) will be operationalized towards the end of Year 1, and

research and development activities, specifically action research, will be identified. The

development activities for undertaking by ERDB and its partners will be prioritized.

The B+WISER annual workplan and the associated performance monitoring plan (PMP),

communications plan, and gender action plan, will guide program implementation and

reporting. Over the course of Year 1, B+WISER will remain flexible and responsive to

requests and reform priorities of USAID and counterparts from the DENR and other

partner agencies. In addition, more detailed inputs will be gathered during an intensive

period of participatory work planning at the site level and follow-through discussions

with senior program staff and GPH counterparts.

x | B+WISER | 2013 ANNUAL WORKPLAN

B+WISER | 2013 ANNUAL WORKPLAN | 1

I. INTRODUCTION OF THE PROGRAM

PROGRAM OVERVIEW AND APPROACH

Designed by the DENR Technical Working Group in collaboration with USAID, the

B+WISER Program takes an IEM approach to address biodiversity degradation in the

Philippines. With an understanding of current and emerging GPH programs, the

implementation approach is aligned with the realities on the ground and harnesses

opportunities for biodiversity conservation. Program objectives and activities reflect the

driving forces behind the rapid loss to biodiversity and the depletion of watersheds. Some

of these include: pressure for quick economic growth, stress caused by climate change,

insecure property rights, and inadequate information for decision-making and

management.

Philippine biodiversity is among the most endangered in the world. Fueled by pressure

for rapid economic growth, the increasing demand for food, energy and other goods has

destabilized watershed ecosystems and destroyed natural habitats, resulting in alarming

biodiversity loss. Responding to these problems, the B+WISER Program:

Addresses the drivers of biodiversity loss and deforestation such as habitat

destruction and undervaluation of natural resources as well as the failure of

existing governance mechanisms to curb these problems, strengthens targeted

national and local policies related to biodiversity conservation and forest

management, and spurs natural resources-based economic activities.

Implements capacity-enhancement programs at the national/sub national levels,

provides technical assistance to selected government agencies and local

government units, supports scientific and policy research by local higher

education institutions, and fosters “learning by doing.”

Reduces risks from disasters primarily through both mitigative and adaptive

actions such as direct reforestation and forest ecosystem restoration, improved

forest land use planning, and integration of disaster risk reduction principles into

local development plans.

DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM RESULTS FRAMEWORK

The B+WISER Program’s technical services seek to enhance the resilience of watershed

ecosystems and communities, generate financial incentives for biodiversity and forest

conservation, and build capacity for sustainable watershed management in the

Philippines.

2 | B+WISER | 2013 ANNUAL WORKPLAN

The B+WISER Program has four overarching objectives:

1) Conserve biodiversity in forest areas;

2) Reduce forest degradation in targeted priority watersheds;

3) Build capacity to conserve biodiversity, manage forests, and support low

emissions development, and;

4) Contribute to disaster risk reduction at the sub-national level.

The goals of the Program hinge on a watershed-based/IEM approach. Activities will

support comprehensive assessments and baseline data to ensure science-based planning

and decision-making in each of the seven priority watersheds and target mangrove

restoration areas. The following are some of the key results anticipated at the end of the

program: (1) improved management and governance of 780,000 hectares of key

biodiversity areas and their associated watersheds; (2) restoration of 78,000 hectares

of forests therein including 6,000 hectares of mangroves; (3) 1.9 million tons GHG (in

CO2 equivalent) sequestered per year upon Program completion and 3.4 million tons of

GHG reduced and (4) $5M leveraged from PPP.

The B+WISER Results Framework is presented in Exhibit 1, reflecting current draft

elements of USAID’s CDCS for the Philippines. The results framework is a planning,

communications, and management tool. It conveys the development hypothesis implicit

in the Program’s strategy and the cause-effect relationships between lower level results

and higher level results. By aligning B+WISER Program objectives with USAID’s

strategic objectives for the Philippines, it is ensured that program activities will achieve

mission results. The results framework is the linchpin between the workplan, where

activities are planned to achieve results, and the performance monitoring plan, where

progress is tracked against indicators to ensure that results at all levels of the framework

are being achieved and that the development hypothesis is correct.

ALIGNMENT WITH GPH PRIORITIES

B+WISER will improve natural resource management and environmental services in a

manner that complements and supports the GPH in implementing environmental policies

and programs. The Program includes collaborative activities with partners, knowledge

sharing with local populations, and is inclusive of marginalized groups: upland

communities, women and IP.

B+WISER’s IEM framework with explicit targets for the economy and resilience to

climate change directly contributes to the national strategy for inclusive and broad-based

growth as embodied in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP 2011-2016). The Program

employs approaches that are consistent with the PDP guideposts and directly contribute

to the achievement of sector outcomes. Exhibit 2 illustrates these relationships as well as

indicates numerical targets of the B+WISER Program. It also shows how each of the four

intermediate results directly leads to higher order results: natural resources and

environmental management improved and disaster risks reduced.


Exhibit 1. B+WISER Results Framework


Exhibit 2. B+WISER Linkages to the Philippine Development Plan

B+WISER LOP

Results

PDP Guideposts

and Sector Outcomes

780,00 hectares of hectares of biological

significance and/or natural resources under

improved management

Hectares of biological significance and/or

natural resources showing improved

biophysical conditions

78,000 hectares (including 6,000 hectares of

mangroves) restored and contributed to the

NGP

Integrity of the

Environment and Climate Change

Mitigation and Adaptation

Natural resources conserved,

protected and rehabilitated

Resilience of natural systems

enhanced with improved adaptive

capacity of human communities

Enhanced Environmental Quality

3.4 million metric tons of GHG reduced

1.94 million metric tons per year of GHG

sequestered

Higher number of stakeholders with increased

capacity to adapt to the impacts of climate

vulnerability and change

Improved capacity to conserve biodiversity,

manage forests, and monitor low emissions

Improved METT scores for PAMBs

Improved GSA scores for LGUs

Improved watershed management capacity

for WMCs/interagency coordination

Resource management improved from

enhanced monitoring of biodiversity, forests,

and watersheds

Evidence-based policies and management

plans

Land use overlaps and tenure insecurity

resolved

Anti-Corruption/Transparent,

Accountable and Participatory

Governance

Stable macro-economy achieved

Improved performance of agriculture,

tourism and industry

Higher economic benefits from sustainable

natural resource management and

conservation

Increased income of 10% upland population

in project sites

Increased inclusion of Indigenous Peoples

and women

Increased access to IPAF

Poverty reduction

Empowerment of the poor and

vulnerable

Growth and Increased income in

agriculture and fishery

Rapid, inclusive and sustained

economic growth

Improved performance of tourism,

agriculture and industry

Sustainable financing of forest conservation :

PA and Watersheds

$ 5M investments leveraged from private and

public sectors

Higher economic value of forests from PES/

REDD+ mechanisms


Other significant GPH initiatives include: the National Climate Change Action Plan

(NCCAP), the Philippine National REDD+ Strategy (PNRPS), the National Biodiversity

Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), and the National Greening Program (NGP). In

addition to collaboration with the DENR and its attached agencies, particularly the

National Mapping and Resources Information Authority (NAMRIA), B+WISER will

support DENR in strengthening cooperation with national institutions that are key to

these initiatives especially: the NCIP, Climate Change Commission (CCC), the

Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board

(HLURB). B+WISER linkages with these are discussed further in Section III.

The broken lines in Exhibit 1 indicate the direct linkages between the four B+WISER IRs

and the two higher level USAID Intermediate Results (IR).

There are a number of linkages between B+WISER and broader outcomes under the

PDP. First, the Program targets marginalized groups both as participants and

beneficiaries of protection, conservation, and restoration activities. Through this,

B+WISER will increase livelihoods and empower disadvantaged groups, particularly IP,

women, and other upland groups. Second, a major Program component includes

development of sustainable financing mechanisms. These include payments for

watershed protection services by downstream users of water, higher user fees for

improved ecotourism, payments for carbon sequestration and reduced carbon emissions,

and increased market access to sustainably produced wood and non-timber forest

products. These are expected to be accompanied by investments from the public and

private sectors and would contribute to improved economic growth from higher

agricultural productivity of irrigated land, nature-based tourism and the multiplier effects

through associated industries. Third, various assessment and monitoring tools will be

implemented to improve the effectiveness of different stakeholders: the government

institutions overseeing forests and protected areas, the IP, and other stakeholders from the

citizenry. These are expected to lead to transparent and well informed decision-making

by natural resource managers at different levels, thereby contributing to more accountable

and participatory governance. Finally, the explicit inclusion of climate change impacts in

planning and implementing land and resource use enhances resilience to climate change.

The benefits accrue not only to on-site resource users but also to off-site and downstream

beneficiaries such as cities, hydropower facilities, and farmers of irrigated land.

By design, the B+WISER Program supports and helps achieve results of key DENR

programs and initiatives. Details on how activities support the DENR are presented in

Exhibit 2, which details how the life of project (LOP) results align with PDP priorities.

ALIGNMENT WITH GPH-US AND OTHER OVERARCHING US PRIORITIES The B+WISER Program will contribute to the achievement of USAID’s CDCS for the

Philippines with the overall goal of fostering a more stable, prosperous, well-governed

nation. In particular, B+WISER will contribute to the attainment of the CDCS’s two

intermediate results (Natural Resources and Environmental Management Improved and


Disaster Risks Reduced), which, in turn, support the Development Objective:

Environmental Resilience Improved.

Within the overall Philippines-US agreement, work in environment is guided by the

GPH-USG bilateral Assistance Agreement for Environment, Water and Climate Change

(AA-EWCC), where the US is represented by USAID and GPH is represented by

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). A Program Steering

Committee is chaired by NEDA, and under this committee are four sub-committees, one

of which is the Sub-committee on Forest Conservation and Management which is co-

chaired by FMB and USAID, with the PAWB as vice-chair. B+WISER Program will be

implemented under the umbrella of this bilateral oversight arrangement, and the

B+WISER implementation team, in coordination with USAID, will work closely with the

designated government counterpart partners under the sub-committee on Forest

Conservation and Management.

Linkages to other US Government priorities include:

Enhancing Capacity for Low Emission Development Strategies (EC-LEDS). This

program supports low emissions development through sustainable landscapes

under the Global Climate Change Initiative. The workplan emerging for EC-

LEDS has four major pillars: 1) enhanced coordination and support to the LEDS

process; 2) development/enhancement of the national GHG inventory system; 3)

analytical decision making; and 4) measurable implementation progress in areas

such as renewable energy policy planning; climate-resilient, low-emission land-

use planning; national energy policy implementation and monitoring; and a

monitoring, reporting and verification system for landscape mitigation actions.

B+WISER interventions will support and contribute to these pillars in relation to

inventory work.

Readiness for REDD+. B+WISER will contribute to the coordination of US-led

initiatives to help prepare the country’s participation in REDD+ mechanisms.

These initiatives include the US Forest Service (USFS) providing technical

assistance and capacity-building to the FMB for a national forest inventory (NFI)

system. The NFI is expected to be an integral part of and the creation of a

Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system for REDD+. A number

of trainings, workshops, and seminars have already been conducted, all aimed at

assisting FMB and the UN-REDD+ program in their efforts to craft forest

inventory and monitoring systems supportive of the REDD+ program. Tools such

as remote sensing, spatial analysis, and development of a forest inventory design

have been presented for this purpose. The UN-REDD+ program is developing

guidelines for reference emission levels and initial design of MRV systems. In

relation to NFI, B+WISER will help the FMB update and refine emission

coefficients for forest lands. In addition, B+WISER’s contribution to improved

management and protection of forests entails reduction in slash and burn

agriculture and therefore lower emissions from agricultural production. All these

will contribute to the development of the PNRPS.


Partnership for Growth (PFG)/Cities Development Initiative (CDI). CDI is a key

urban component of the Partnership for Growth. B+WISER’s work, specifically

at the Mt Kitanglad Range Natural Park (MKRNP) in Mindanao, supports USAID

objectives to enhance sustainable urban development in Cagayan de Oro (CDO)

under the CDI. The Mt Kitanglad area is the source of water and forest resources

for most of northern Mindanao, where CDO is located. B+WISER’s interventions

for managing, protecting, and conserving the watershed of Mt Kitanglad will help

sustain the growth and development not only of CDO but the whole of northern

Mindanao. By preserving the watershed functions of Mt Kitanglad, B+WISER

will contribute to the protection of CDO and the region from natural hazards like

floods, thus assuring that infrastructure improvements, agricultural production,

industrial growth, and public service delivery is sustained, and the water resources

are not depleted. PES interventions of B+WISER will also enable equitable

distribution of the economic benefits of protecting and conserving the watershed

and biodiversity resources of Mt. Kitanglad.

USAID Forward. The B+WISER Program’s work engaging government

institutions, the private sector, and civil society recognizes the significance of

these actors for long-term, sustainable development, consistent with the

development reform agenda under USAID Forward. USAID Forward also spurs

development in Science and Technology and Innovation, which B+WISER will

directly address through engaging colleges and universities in support of

biodiversity conservation and better watershed management.


II. THEORY OF CHANGE FRAMEWORK FOR ATTAINING B+WISER MULTIPLE GOALS

Exhibit 3 shows the model upon which the Program’s intervention theory is based. The

model portrays the drivers and pressures and their effects on the state of natural resources

and on their functions and life-supporting abilities.

Exhibit 3. The DPSIR (Drivers, Pressures, State, Impacts and Responses)

Framework for Assessing Forest Degradation and the B+WISER Responses

DRIVERS B+WISER

RESPONSES

IMPACTS

STATE

PRESSURES

Macroeconomic policies Land use development Population; poverty; land tenure Extreme events: climate change Natural disasters; water stress

Biodiversity, forest conservation and watershed rehabilitation as investments for ecosystem services and resilience to climate change

Strengthened governance and capacity development

Inclusiveness in forest, watershed and protected area management

Payments for ecosystem services (PES) including REDD+

Assessments, monitoring and science-based decision-making

Commitment to international conventions and standards (CBD; GHGI)

Improved information for macroeconomic policies (PSEEA/WAVES)

Demand from competing sectors – agriculture, urban, forestry, etc. Depletion of soil nutrients Service demands – waste disposal Population growth Over-cultivation; overgrazing

FOREST LANDS Deforestation and degradation Land productivity decline Soil degradation; soil contamination Soil erosion; soil salinization Loss of vegetation cover and habitat Loss of biological diversity

OFF-SITE IMPACTS Crop yield decline Poverty and migration Disrupted water cycle Lower carbon storage Habitat destruction Species extinction Global warming Source: Adapted version from World Bank 2004 and OECD 1993


The first step towards achieving the Program’s desired changes is by making a case for

these through credible information on the state of biodiversity, forests, watersheds and

their links with the socio-economic conditions of stakeholders gained from integrated and

science-based assessments. The results of the assessments would inform benchmarking,

generating better understanding of ecosystem functions, and developing the proper

responses to the drivers of Philippine deforestation and land degradation at each of the

priority sites.

These responses should: (a) address the three dimensions of change: environmental,

socio-economic, and institutional that are inherent in the IEM approach; (b) recognize

synergistic relationships of these dimensions throughout the watershed, and (c) reduce

vulnerability from climate risk. Biodiversity, forest conservation and watershed

rehabilitation altogether need to be viewed as investments in natural capital that would

generate economically valuable, ecosystem services and improve resilience to climate

change. The primary instruments for planning such changes are the resource management

plans including the FLUP, ADSDPP, PAMP, WMP and CLUP. These plans need to be

examined in terms of setting aside biodiversity conservation areas, implementation

mechanisms in an accompanying action plan for specific stakeholders, and identification

of funding sources in a supporting investment plan. The management of the supply of

ecosystem services includes restoring forests in degraded forest lands and critical

watersheds, encouraging sustainable production forest management, and effectively

protecting key biodiversity areas. All these need financial resources that may be

generated through budget support, proceeds from PES, and money from PPP.

Rules governing access to and supply of ecosystem goods and services need to be

reviewed. Organizations that oversee forest lands such as the DENR, local governments,

other oversight agencies for watersheds like the National Irrigation Administration (NIA)

and National Power Corporation (NPC) as well as the Protected Area Management Board

(PAMB) need to be strengthened to better adapt to changes in the demand for and supply

of forest ecosystem goods and services. This is a need for transformation from poor

stewardship to good governance. The practice of transparency, accountability, public

participation, rule of law, and other elements of good governance can improve public

trust, legitimacy and credibility. These allow citizens and stakeholders to scrutinize and

participate in the decisions and actions of government and ensure that safeguards are in

place so that government does the right things in the right way.

A full exposition of the Theory of Change for Attaining B+WISER Multiple Goals

Framework is contained in the B+WISER General (Five-Year) Workplan.


III. APPROACH TO IMPLEMENTATION

The Year 1 Workplan discusses how intermediate results and underlying strategies will

drive management decisions and program implementation. It should be read in

conjunction with the annexed Gantt charts that provide the timeline and sequence for

implementation of activities.

The Workplan operates within the context of the Program’s General (Five-Year)

Workplan. The Program results will be achieved through a three-phase process for

implementation. The first four months of the first year focus on mobilizing resources,

formulating implementation arrangements, and identifying complementary initiatives

(Annex A). The succeeding five months include an analysis of initial conditions,

including the drivers of deforestation, threats from climate change, start-up activities of

some components, forging collaboration and building partnerships (Annex B).

WORK PLANNING PROCESSES

In-House Work Planning. B+WISER held several internal workshops that brought

together the majority of staff including field coordinators, technical specialists, and

administrative and support staff, thereby setting the tone for interdisciplinary

collaboration and team building. The workshops represented the first time staff from the

B+WISER Program gathered to discuss Program objectives and goals, and to meet one

another in the context of the new Program. A major focus of the internal team workshops

was to further brainstorm and deliberate on the detailed technical and operational

approaches to achieve the Program’s stated objectives and outcomes as well activities and

inputs that served as a basis for the elaboration of the Program’s annual and five-year

workplans. As a result, the workshops built professional relationships and component

synergies. Complementation built around conversations hinged on the development of the

work plan and implementation plan to achieve Program deliverables.

Joint Work Planning with DENR. B+WISER worked closely with the FMB in

designing a DENR-B+WISER Planning workshop to include DENR staff from the

Central Office and the regions with priority KBA. The workshop was conducted in April

and the weeklong activity produced the Updated Year 1Workplan and drafted the

activities for Year 2. The workshop summary is provided in Annex C.

The workshop was the first venue for intensive interaction among the FMB and PAWB

central office senior official who expressed strong ownership of the Program. It was also

widely participated by DENR officials and staff in the priority sites, including the

Regional Executive Directors (RED), Regional Technical Directors (RTD), Provincial

Environment & Natural Resources Officers (PENRO), Community Environment &

Natural Resources Officers (CENRO), Protected Area Superintendents (PASu), and for

the first time, planning and finance officers of the regional DENR offices, auguring in

strong support for the Program.


The Year 1 Workplan will enable DENR to propose activities to the Department of

Budget and Management to undertake in CY 2014 through DENR financing or

counterpart funds. DENR leadership, with the assistance of the Program tea, will

continue conversations at the national and site levels, and with the LGUs. Continuing

detailed work planning with DENR will ensure that proposed activities of B+WISER

technical assistance are aligned with the Department’s programs and projects. National,

regional, and site level DENR personnel will join discussions on the log frames for

specific IR; they will also be oriented toward the technical basis for the workplans.

B+WISER will strengthen relationships within DENR.

The activities listed in Annex B highlight a detailed approach for Years 1 and 2 in line

with the General (Five-Year) Workplan. Activities are presented by program

components and DENR offices and partners are identified. Additional activities will be

identified through collaboration between B+WISER and DENR.

Interaction with Implementors of Related Programs. B+WISER core staff participated

in the following workshops/discussions organized by USAID and other donor financed

programs and will continue to build synergy with the implementers of these initiatives.

Examples are as follows:

Training for FMB on Forest Land Use Planning (FLUP) and on Forest Inventory

program (US Forest Service)

Assessment of low emission growth program (AILEG, Abt Associates)

Identification of new KBA in NewCAPP (New Conservation Areas in the

Philippines Project - UNDP). Technical discussions on the revision of the existing

CLUP guidelines to integrate resource and other public land management uses

(i.e., forest land use, coastal resource, ancestral lands, protected area,

CCA/Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM), cultural/heritage areas,

etc.) into an enhanced CLUP framework and guidelines (HLURB)

Economic studies on fourteen sites (of which three are B+WISER sites) for

Sustainable Financing of Protected Areas (WB/Global Environment Facility

(GEF), excluding REDD+

Program Development for PA Valuation (UNDP/GEF)

Preparation of National REDD+ Mechanism for GHG reduction (GIZ)

Experts’ Group Meeting for the NBSAP and inputs from B+WISER FC during

regional consultations

GHG Inventory planning for training (CCC/FMB with US Environmental

Protection Agency (USEPA)-IPCC, CYNERGY, LEAD)

B+WISER will continue to hold discussions with implementors of DENR programs and

projects. A complete list is provided in the General (Five-Year) Workplan.


COMPONENTS AND TECHNICAL ACTIVITIES

Based on the results of the DENR/B+WISER Planning Workshop in April 2013, the

entry points for B+WISER are the existing PAMP, FLUP, ADSDPP, WMP and CLUP

(herein referred to as land and resource management plans). For those sites where these

plans are current, activities that are unfunded and which are B+WISER proposed

activities were identified. The design of baseline, integrated assessments of biophysical,

socio economic, climate risk and vulnerability governance and institutional conditions in

each of the seven KBA and mangroves sites, particularly where existing information is

incomplete or outdated, will be undertaken. These include watershed characterization,

assessment of forest resources, biodiversity, livelihood, forest and socio-demographics

benchmarks in Year 2 that would set the stage for Program activities for years two

through five.

B+WISER will support DENR’s policy and governance reform initiatives that are

strategic and consistent with Program objectives. The policy and governance framework

at both the national and local levels will be strengthened in order to enable more effective

policy, institutional and community responses to address key drivers of biodiversity loss,

deforestation, and watershed degradation. This will mean working on policy reforms,

such as inputs for the draft Department Order on IEM that will more effectively capture

the interrelatedness and interconnectedness of nature, economy, institutions and

communities, as well as will improve the governance of environment and natural

resources as a precondition for sustainable development in the landscape. Additional

policy reforms that would be provided technical assistance are: co-management; tenurial

instruments relevant to the KBAs; securitization, and benefit sharing.

The Program will incentivize the growth and development of sustainable forest and other

natural resource-based economic activities to raise income and increase livelihood

opportunities for communities; and lower the socio-economic and ecological risks arising

from climate change, variability and extremes. The activities include supporting national-

level PES policy agenda as well as local or site-specific actions to address biodiversity

conservation and natural resources management issues in the Program sites, particularly

those that may have sectoral and national governance and economic policy reform

implications.

B+WISER will participate and provide support to the FMB’s leadership of a TWG of the

Sub-committee on Forestry Management and Conservation that will look into all forest

land-related initiatives. The TWG is expected to improve coordination among the

PAMB, the NCIP, the Watershed Management Councils (WMC) and the PES Technical

Working Group.

B+WISER will support DENR, its other partners, and local communities in monitoring

the implementation of resource management for the seven priority watersheds in the

remaining months of Year 1. The technical support and capacity development will

include mainstreaming biodiversity and climate change, inclusion of gender and IP

concerns, and improved resource management for raising incomes of target groups and


estimating the value of nature’s wealth. The outputs and results of the Program’s

baseline assessment and resource inventory will be geo-referenced using GIS and current

satellite imagery and projections. This will be shared with the DENR and site partners,

including LGU and local communities, as inputs to updating and enhancing existing local

land and resource management plans. At the same time, the Program will pilot test and

evaluate Program and site-level monitoring and reporting mechanisms directed toward

regular updates on biodiversity, forest health, vulnerability to climate risk, and

effectiveness of forest protection and management. Another major product of these

activities is the production of a citizen’s report card and state of the watershed report in

key watersheds in the Program’s seven sites.

Program IR1. Biodiversity in Forest Areas Conserved

Program IR1.1 Threats to biodiversity addressed

During year 1, the B+WISER team in collaboration with local partners will conduct

biodiversity baseline assessments in the priority sites using GIS-enabled assessments and

tools to be agreed upon with DENR. The Program will also conduct a critical review and

integrate existing biodiversity studies and information, and geo-referenced data will be

compiled in an information system developed for the Program. The assessment process

leads to the development of a biodiversity index in Year 1 that will be pilot tested at one

site during the final two months of Year 1. A refined assessment process will follow in all

the priority sites for uniformity of methods and data collection and to enable comparative

analysis. Training workshops and subsequent mentoring will be designed and pilot tested

in the first quarter of Year 2 prior to full conduct of the assessments which will be done

throughout the third quarter. The activities will culminate in a workshop on knowledge

sharing that will be held in parallel with a knowledge gap analysis and development of a

research agenda. Threats to biodiversity, specifically those associated with climate

change, will be assessed through literature review, and discussions with scientists and key

informants from communities. The results will be provided as inputs to the NBSAP and

the design of upcoming projects such as the Integrated Natural Resources and

Environmental Management Program (INREMP) and Forestry Sector Program (FSP).

Program IR1.2 Policy and governance frameworks for biodiversity conservation

strengthened

The Program through the Chief of Party (COP) and the Policy and Governance Specialist

will coordinate with PAWB to discuss B+WISER support for updating of the NBSAP,

which is targeted for completion at the end of 2014. The results of the discussion will

enable the Program team to prepare a workplan for the activities that will provide support

to the NBSAP preparation, particularly in terms of the state of biodiversity in the seven

KBA. The updating of the NBSAP is in line with the GPH commitment under the

Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and the Aichi Targets. B+WISER’s work

contributes to many of the 20 targets and five goals of Aichi, in particular, those

pertaining to climate change vulnerability assessment, capacity-building, governance,

incentives for conservation, resource valuation and incorporating biodiversity values into


national income accounts, sustainable financing and integration of biodiversity into

national and local development and poverty reduction strategies and planning processes.

The Program will establish the baseline management effectiveness performance of each

PA in Year 1, using the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT). Subsequent

assessments will be done in 2015 (midterm) and 2017 (end of Program). Each assessment

will be followed by an action planning workshop with PA stakeholders to identify

strategies for addressing issues and gaps, as part of adaptive management. The results of

the various baseline biophysical and socio-economic assessments will provide scientific

inputs to these action planning activities for the baseline year.

The Program will help capacitate the PAMB and the PASu access the Integrated

Protected Areas Fund (IPAF), leverage other sustainable financing sources as well as

help improve revenue generation and funds management in Year 2. The objective is to

enhance the sustainability and management effectiveness of the PA sites by facilitating

the identification of more predictable, adequate and sustainable sources of funding for

their various activities.

In addition, a design for special assessments will be discussed with DENR in Year 2 for

areas that were identified that have implications on policy reforms, particularly: what to

do with expiring Certificates of Stewardship Contracts and case studies on actual benefits

sharing experience.

The Program will assess the implementation of conservation policies in the seven sites

and will conduct training in parks management and other capability-building activities to

address gaps in enforcement.

Once the key results of the various assessments mentioned above in Program IR 1.1 have

been completed, the results will be used to enhance relevant local management plans such

as PAMP, FLUP, ADSDPP, and WMP of the priority sites. Monitoring of biodiversity,

forest resources, livelihoods, and gender and IP inclusion will be pilot tested first before

the development of regular monitoring mechanisms during the Program’s lifetime. The

Biodiversity and Forestry Specialist and Development Planning and Land Use Specialist

will conduct a series of workshops with the 35 LGUs initially identified for the priority

areas for the integration of the assessment results in the FLUP, WMP, ADSDPP, and

CLUP. Similar discussions and technical workshops shall also be held with the respective

PAMB and WMC of the Program’s seven sites to enhance its existing protected area

management or watershed management plans based on the assessment and inventory

studies conducted by the Program. These plans will likely need to be harmonized at the

same time that policy refinement on existing policies and guidelines on co-management,

watershed characterization and biodiversity assessment, land use planning and tenurial

arrangements may be undertaken by the Program.


Program IR1.3 Biodiversity related research agenda implemented and strengthened

In support of the bilateral priority in science and technology and innovations, the

B+WISER Program will use, as a starting point, the broader and existing research and

development agenda developed by ERDB, CCC, and the Philippine Council for

Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the

Department of Science and Technology (PCAARRD-DOST) in identifying a biodiversity

related research agenda. This will be done through conducting workshops engaging the

PAWB, FMB, ERDB and academic universities where the compiled research and

development agenda will be presented for comments and/or improvement. This will

ensure that the research agenda that will be identified by B+WISER will support more

cost effective and targeted biodiversity conservation planning. Prioritization of research

topics will be based on the potential for innovation, immediate application to

development challenges especially in the Program sites and replication will be among the

key criteria for support.

At the outset, as part of testing the Theory of Change framework of the Program behind

the developmental challenges in the sector, discussions with FMB, PAWB and the ERDB

at the national level and with DENR Field Units, LGU, PAMB, IP, NGO and other local

stakeholders at site level, will be held to identify the gaps in understanding how

biodiverse forests contribute to climate resilience and ecosystem services throughout the

landscape. This approach could lead to cost effective biodiversity conservation activities.

A framework for answering the question of how biodiverse forests contribute to climate

resilience and ecosystem services, will be developed through an assessment of existing

literature on similar bioclimatic regions. Subsequent interactions with ERDB,

PCAARRD and State Universities and Colleges (SUC) in the various Program sites will

result in the formulation of a complementary research agenda that will support more cost

effective and targeted biodiversity conservation planning. This research may include:

analysis of biodiverse landscapes’ impacts on nearby agricultural and forest productivity;

comparative analysis of tenure instruments in achieving biodiversity protection; and the

interplay between social capital (of Indigenous Peoples), forest protection, and wealth

creation, among others.

Program IR2. Forest Degradation in Targeted Priority Watersheds Reduced

Program IR2.1 Drivers of deforestation addressed

Assessment of forest cover will be initially conducted using existing information from

remote sensing and past studies; ground validation will be conducted at the sites where

the drivers of deforestation will be analyzed. Initial analysis by the Philippine Institute of

Development Studies (PIDS) on the NGP will be discussed with DENR with the aim of

improving targeting sites and choosing a species mix, as well as determining the timing

of implementation. The first target site for revisiting the Forest Inventory (FI) plots is

Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park (NSMNP), where considerable FI were established

by DENR, Conservation International (CI), Cagayan Valley Programme on Environment

and Development (CVPED) and others.


Program IR2.2 Policy and governance frameworks for forest management

strengthened

The Program will contribute to the operationalization of forestland co-management and

partnerships by providing assistance to the strengthening and implementation of

government policy on devolution and co-management in target sites. In Year 1, the

Program will provide technical inputs to the on-going refinement of the draft Joint

Memorandum Circular (JMC) between DENR and the Department of the Interior and

Local Government (DILG) if there is still sufficient interest within DENR to pursue this

initiative. Based on discussion with FMB’s Policy Section Chief, both the DENR and the

DILG prefer to have the policy approved this year, which will also lift the 2012

suspension order by the DENR Undersecretary for Field Operations of co-management

agreements over forestland. The Program will add value to the existing policies on co-

management and DENR-LGU partnerships on forestland management through this new

JMC, guided by lessons learned in the implementation of previous related issuances

(JMC 98-01 and JMC 2003-01) and analysis of the status of existing co-management

sites, particularly those developed under the EcoGov Project.

The Program will also support consultation activities to enable the LGU leagues to input

and develop ownership of the issuance of this draft JMC. Once approved, B+WISER will

support the conduct of orientation and Information, Education, and Communications

(IEC) on this policy.

The Program will assess forestland areas (including mangrove areas) covered by FLUP

within the program sites, which may be subjected to a co-management arrangement

between the DENR and LGU in the succeeding years of Program implementation The

criteria for selection will be agreed upon with the DENR and may include the following:

LGU willingness to enter into co-management (including acceptance of attendant

responsibilities and commitment of funds), forestland management capability, and good

environmental governance performance (e.g., tied to GSA results). B+WISER will

consider and integrate the EcoGov procedure for establishing co-management. The

Program will add value to the operationalization of co-management, especially in areas

where PES and REDD+ will be established, through the conduct of economic valuation

studies and resources accounting. These studies will feed into the decision-making

process concerning land uses and management options in the preparation of LGU FLUP,

which are usually used as a basis in identifying areas for co-management between the

DENR and LGU.

B+WISER will refine the GSA developed under the EcoGov Project and implement the

baseline assessment in the last quarter of 2013 to early 2014. The GSA is a simple, quick

and inexpensive tool which EcoGov found to be effective not only in tracking

governance improvements of assisted LGU but also in encouraging them to invest in

resources and capacities in order to improve the discharge of their various governance

functions (planning and plan implementation, law enforcement, budgeting, etc.) in a more

transparent, accountable, participatory and functional way. Good environmental

governance is expected to lead to improved conditions of biodiversity, forest and


watersheds. Succeeding assessments to monitor progress in the adoption of good

environmental governance practices among LGU in the seven sites will be done in 2015

and 2017.

The B+WISER policy work will be demand-driven and the Program will be guided by

the priorities of the DENR and Program partners at the local level. Based on

consultations with DENR top officials, there is interest on these topics: 1) forest

securitization, 2) co-management (discussed above), 3) benefits-sharing, 4) phased and

continuing devolution, and 5) what to do with expiring Certificate of Stewardship

Certificates in Integrated Social Forestry (ISF) areas. In Year 2, the Program will build

on the work started under EcoGov in establishing the parameters for determining LGU

readiness for the devolution of other forestland management functions of the DENR.

B+WISER will incentivize the conservation of natural resources by local communities

and stakeholders through the establishment of PES. B+WISER will work with the PES

Technical Working Group on the crafting of a national PES policy that will provide

guidance in PES implementation. The Program will also encourage the growth and

development of sustainable forest and other natural resource-based economic activities to

help alleviate poverty-related drivers of threats to forest and biodiversity by providing

assistance in developing PPP and other investment arrangements and agreements. This

can be piloted in Quinali A Watershed, where an Australian Investment Group has

expressed interest in developing a Pili plantation and agroforestry plantation.

The Program will closely collaborate with the US Department of the Interior in providing

technical assistance to FMB in the finalization and adoption of the Forest Law

Enforcement (FOLEMOP), an initiative started by the EcoGov Project. The draft Manual

can be refined in the light of new issuances by the DENR such as the National Law

Enforcement Coordinating Committee (NALECC). Having standard rules and

procedures for apprehending and prosecuting forest law violators, as well as handling

evidences, will prevent cases where violators are freed due to procedural lapses. The

Program will also explore with FMB other policy initiatives such as the revision of DAO

97-32 (Rules for the Administrative Adjudication of Illegal Forest Products and the

Machinery, Equipment, Tools and Conveyances Used in Connection Therewith). It will

build on EcoGov’s draft DENR Administrative Order (DAO) on Forest Law

Enforcement which tackles administrative adjudication and disposition of confiscated

materials, equipment, machineries, tools and conveyances.

There is also an on-going interest in DENR to prepare an integrated law enforcement

manual that covers not only enforcement of laws and regulations in the forest sector (PD

705, etc.), but also other conservation-related laws such as the National Caves and Caves

Resources Management and Protection Act (RA 9072), the National Integrated Protected

Areas System (RA 7586), and the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act

(RA 9147). B+WISER will collaborate in the preparation of this proposed integrated

manual should this plan push through.


Another initiative identified in which B+WISER can take the lead in providing technical

assistance is the preparation of a Law Enforcement Manual for Protected Areas. This

was identified as a need during the recent second iteration work and financial planning

for the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape-Kaliwa Watershed Forest

Reserve (UMRBPL-KWFR) priority site as the absence of a standard protocol for law

enforcement exposes DENR personnel to lawsuits due to perceived lack of due diligence.

This manual can input into the preparation of the integrated manual which is expected to

take a much longer time to complete.

Similarly, the Program shall direct efforts toward developing and strengthening on-site

inter-agency, multi-sectoral and inter-governmental management arrangements in

watersheds. B+WISER will explore and support local convergence initiatives including

coordination mechanisms at sub-watershed and sub-national level and inter-LGU and

inter-provincial level (i.e., Quinali A, Bago, Mt. Apo, and Lake Naujan) resource

management arrangements. The Program will conduct an orientation on IEM in all sites

which will serve as a unifying framework for the different stakeholders to work together

toward their shared vision for the whole landscape.

In the last quarter of Years 2 to 3, the Program will begin developing a sourcebook on

watershed governance that will serve as a reference for watershed stakeholders. It will

contain answers to questions frequently asked by LGUs, communities, private sector,

resource managers and other local stakeholders concerning government policies and

guidelines, as well as provide guidance on how the various stakeholders can jointly

address commonly occurring governance issues within the watershed. This sourcebook

can also be used by academic institutions as reference for students taking watershed

management courses.

The Program will start developing a governance mechanism called the “State of the Local

Watershed Governance Reporting”. The conduct of this activity will provide an

integrating framework and venue for key mandated institutions and actors including tribal

council leaders to report on the status, gaps, and achievements of their office or

organization and plan for needed actions with local stakeholders. Such activities will

serve to promote transparency, functionality, accountability and public participation, as

well as create demand for good environmental governance among the stakeholders in the

watershed. There are plans to hold a Watershed Summit in UMRBPL-KWFR priority

site as part of this activity in Year 2.

The findings on drivers to deforestation along with the impact of climate change and

natural disasters will be used to improve information that feeds into enhancing local

ADSDPP, PAMP and FLUP and eventually, the CLUP. The latter is expected to be

strengthened particularly in the light of renewed efforts of the GPH to finally approve a

Land Use Act, which specifies mainstreaming of ecological considerations, in the

incoming 16th

Philippine Congress. These enhanced local resource management and land

use plans will provide an improved framework for local economic development, public-

private sector investment programming, and identification of PES schemes.


Program IR2.3 Watershed management related agenda implemented

Gaps in information on watershed protection functions and monitoring will be addressed

through a research agenda that will be jointly formulated with ERDB and other

institutions. This may include analysis of hydrological flows and development of

hydrological models under a variety of climate change and land use scenarios that will be

implemented by ICRAF. B+WISER will make arrangements with DOST for data from

the National Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH) Project to ensure accessibility

beyond the Program’s implementation period through the formulation of access to

information protocols. Coordination will be sought with upcoming projects, particularly

those that are anticipated to be funded by the Asian Development Bank (INREMP), the

Japan International Cooperation Agency (FSP), and the World Bank (Rural

Development) which will have considerable activities in major watersheds.

B+WISER will develop the strategy for publishing quality research outputs as well as use

the research results as basis for advocating policy improvements.

Program IR2.4 Philippine REDD+ readiness demonstrated

B+WISER will continue to participate in the PNRPS in order to contribute to REDD+

initiatives through preparing participatory schemes for site level measurements of carbon

sequestration, and developing mechanisms that ensure equitable benefits and costs for IP

communities and women groups. FFI currently chairs Code REDD and is in the position

to help develop social safeguard mechanisms for upland communities interested in

REDD+ mechanisms. Continuous sharing of knowledge across sites, with other

initiatives in the country and abroad, will reduce risks that may be associated with

REDD+ mechanisms and developing country conditions. REDD+ readiness activities are

also indicated in IR3.2 on GHG inventory capacity development.

For GHG inventory and PNRPS, Year 1 activities will focus on assisting FMB in

updating the maps that are needed for the first set of estimates that are based on local and

IPCC coefficients as prelude to the local coefficients generated during subsequent years

from measurement plots at the Program’s watersheds. In addition assistance will be

provided to the FMB to design the substitution of new FRI plots at the target KBA and

watersheds to replace the old plots that cannot be relocated. These will be done in

consultation with the USFS support to the FMB, ILEG and SEAGHG implementors.

Among the candidate, new plot sites would include NGP areas (including mangroves),

agro-forests in community-oriented forestry, and forests in PA and surrounding

B+WISER watersheds.

Program IR2.5 Incentives for forest conservation stimulated

The B+WISER Program will develop and operationalize PES in the seven study sites.

PES will be pursued by the Program as a sustainable financing strategy for the

conservation, protection and rehabilitation of the degraded watersheds in the country.

PES is based on a simple market transaction where individuals or communities are paid


or rewarded for undertaking activities that improve the levels of desired ecosystem

services. It involves attributing a certain monetary value to the wide range of tangible

and intangible benefits derived from ecosystem services. It is a challenging task to

develop and make PES work on the ground. The process is quite lengthy because it

involves properly defining the environmental service, identifying key stakeholders,

ensuring a sustainable source of funds to pay the service providers, and developing

appropriate management body and mechanisms suitable to the local setting to ensure that

the funds collected are plowed back for watershed rehabilitation, management and

development.

Hence, the overall Program implementation will involve the following key activities: 1)

formulation of framework, designing economic instruments and conducting valuation

studies; 2) conducting PES awareness and appreciation at different levels of the DENR

and LGU, the private sector and local communities and other resource managers; 3)

conducting technical training on PES and PES mechanisms for technical bureaus of the

DENR and LGU; 4) identifying and piloting PES schemes in selected priority sites; 5)

facilitating the design and implementation of PPP agreements on PES; and 6) preparing

and distributing knowledge products (KP).

The major activities for Year 1 will be focused on desk analysis of the current status of

PES and PES-like activities in the country in order to provide an update on PES

initiatives that integrates lessons learned from global and local initiatives. Year 1

implementation plan of the Program will also entail benchmark analysis of the socio-

economic, political and institutional profiles of the target population and communities.

The REDD+ mechanisms, PPP and other PES mechanisms will be viewed in terms of

increasing the value of natural capital and sustaining PA financing. Economic valuation

studies at selected sites will be designed to contribute to wealth accounting efforts

nationally and more important, to form the basis of sustainable financing mechanisms in

selected sites.

As part of the capacity building activities for B+WISER partners, the Program has lined

up several fora and training-workshops to heighten awareness and appreciation on the

merits of valuing ecosystem services. These will be conducted at different levels of the

DENR, LGU, the private sector, local communities and other resource managers. A

seminar on PES for PAWB and its field Protected Area & Wildlife Sector (PAWS) will

be organized in collaboration with ICRAF, which continues to chair the PES Technical

Working Group. This will trigger further discussion on the topic and will encourage

collaboration with parallel initiatives such as the Sustainable Financing Project that is

being implemented by the Resources, Environment and Economics Center for Studies

(REECS) for the DENR-Environment & Natural Resources Management Program

(ENRMP).

Technical training on the methodologies for conducting valuation studies will also be

scheduled for the technical bureaus of the DENR like the FMB and PAWB. This activity

would lead to better knowledge on forest resources accounting that would contribute to

the efforts of the government towards natural capital accounting. Design of the valuation


studies to be conducted on PA with ecotourism sites after Year 1 will also pave the way

for collecting the right amount of user fees reflecting the full cost of running the site. At

present, entrance fees to many ecotourism sites are very low - they do not recoup the cost

of maintenance and operating expenses in running the site. In the recent joint DENR/

B+WISER Work Planning Workshop held in Clark, Pampanga last April 2013, majority

of the representatives of the different sites expressed their desire to prioritize valuation

studies of ecotourism over other ecosystem services like watershed protection and

biodiversity conservation services. The inability to charge the full cost of running the site

is due to lack of solid basis for increasing the fees. The science-based researches lined up

by the Program will determine how much it costs to protect and manage the PA leading

to the collection of correct payments for enjoying the beauty of the ecotourism sites.

The foremost gap in PES — distribution of costs and benefits from conservation of KBA,

forest restoration, and watershed management — will be addressed through the design of

collaborative research with academic universities near the seven sites for implementation

during Years 2-4. Most of the site level economic valuation work will entail using the

SAF for developing responsible entrepreneurship.

The B+WISER Program will also start linking with the private companies who benefit

from the environmental services by designing and implementing an appropriate public-

private partnership or participation agreement. The Program sees this partnership as a

possible source of sustainable financing for watershed rehabilitation and development.

Collaboration with the private sector is an essential ingredient in the success and

sustainability of development efforts in the selected study sites. This approach will build

on corporate social responsibility policies of private companies. Designing an

appropriate partnership between the local government unit and private companies can

lead to a more sustainable outcome by generating a continuous flow of payments.

One principal environmental service associated with well-managed forests is in the form

of watershed protection. Watershed protection services provided by the forest ecosystem

include water flow regulation; water quality maintenance; erosion and sedimentation

control; and water table regulation, to name a few. In this case, the B+WISER Program

sees a great partnership potential with the different water stakeholders in the study sites.

For example, the UMRBPL is the major source of water supplied by the Manila Water

Company Inc. (MWCI) to its Metro Manila concessioners. Given its strategic importance

as a source of raw water, MWCI can be tapped to leverage an investment in the

watershed in exchange for protection, rehabilitation and development of the watershed.

Other likely sites are NSMNP, where interest in developing watershed protection rewards

and payments has been expressed by NIA (particularly for Tumaini watershed) and

scaling up existing pilot PES in MKRNP. The MKRNP also has a great potential for

scaling up existing pilot PES programs, initiated by Enterprise Works Worldwide/

Philippines. It serves as an important watershed in Northern Mindanao. It supplies the

communities with water for domestic and irrigation purposes. Many multinational agro-

industrial companies are dependent on the water provided by the Park. A collaboration or

partnership can also be worked out by appealing to their CSR policies. The B+WISER

Program will also closely work with companies like the Mt. Kitanglad Agri-Ventures Inc.


(MKAVI) and Dole, Philippines to leverage an investment for watershed protection,

rehabilitation and development.

Finally, in collaboration with different stakeholders, the Program will endeavor to

institutionalize the PES scheme by catalyzing a national PES policy and putting in place a

system or mechanism for collecting charges; making payments; and monitoring,

reporting and verifying provision of services.

Program IR3. Capacity to Conserve Biodiversity, Manage Forests and Monitor

Low Emissions Development Enhanced.

Program IR3.1 Capacity to monitor biodiversity and forest cover status enhanced

The Training and Capacity Building Specialist and the Biodiversity and Forestry

Specialist will collaborate with the USFS team that is providing support to FMB on forest

inventories and FLUP, to continue forest assessments/inventories. An integrated series of

national and priority site-level technical trainings will be designed for PAWB, FMB and

ERDB on biodiversity assessment, methodologies to assess PAMP effectiveness, IEM

approach, recent tools for biodiversity monitoring, forest cover assessments, forest

carbon assessments, valuation of ecosystem goods and services, PES mechanisms, and

other relevant topics for these technical bureaus of DENR. The training program will

partly build on the results of the TNA begun during DENR/B+WISER planning

meetings. The series of technical trainings that will be conducted beginning Year 1 will

be held throughout the Program implementation period.

An approach for helping PAWB process its key biodiversity monitoring data will be

crafted particularly for the B+WISER sites and for implementation in Year 2. Training in

analytical tools and interpretation of the results will be discussed with SUCs for

implementation in the Program’s overall training strategy.

Program IR3.2 Capacity to undertake the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory (NGGI)

enhanced

In the first quarter of Year 2, the REDD+ and MRV Specialist and the Mapping and

Remote Sensing Specialist will conduct a rapid TNA to seek inputs and lessons learned

from the AILEG and SEA GHG projects on their South East Asian efforts. With EC-

LEDS, B+WISER, in coordination with the CCC, will formulate a capacity development

program targeted at the new GIS unit of FMB and NAMRIA for the completion of the

land cover mapping and to prepare for the conduct of the 2015 NGGI. This activity is

also linked to IR 3.1 on forest inventory and assessment.


Program IR4. Capacity for Disaster Management and Highly Vulnerable Areas Increased

Program IR4.1 Disaster preparedness capacity increased

Various Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (VRA) tools will be reviewed through focus

group discussions, including assessment of their implementation. The appropriate tool,

including the most recent one developed by ICRAF, will be pilot tested in a site,

particularly for integration into the local land and resource management plans. Built into

the pilot testing of VRA tools is the capacity building and training of relevant agency and

LGU personnel on the use and application of these tools. On-going development and

update of disaster and climate risk preparedness tools by ERDB and DRRM

implementors will be enhanced with information from the biodiversity, forest, and socio-

economic assessments that will be used to inform high risk communities in the Program

KBA. These will be complemented with local indicators derived from IP and other

upland communities’ ecological knowledge on climate change.

Program IR4.2 Disaster prevention and mitigation enhanced

Targeted disaster prevention and mitigation measures will be enhanced through

information generated by B+WISER that include overlays of data from maps, as well as

socioeconomic and climate risk assessments. B+WISER will provide inputs to and hold

training programs for planners in LGU and DENR regional officials on disaster and

climate risk reduction approaches tied to biodiversity protection, forest land restoration,

and science-based watershed management and climate risk . The Eco-town framework

and green growth strategy promoted by the CCC will also be introduced in the

development of local development plans, particularly the enhancement of CLUP and the

identification of key local mitigation and adaptation measures in selected assisted sites

and LGU.


IV. PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

PROGRAM ORGANIZATION

The B+WISER Program organizational chart is provided in Exhibit 4. The Chief of Party

(COP), Dr. Marian delos Angeles, is responsible for the technical and administrative

management of the Program, including managing the operations team, and coordination

of short-term technical assistance and sub-contractor contributions to the B+WISER

Program efforts.

The COP will oversee specific technical teams organized in three core technical areas:

Biodiversity, Forestry, and Watersheds (including climate risk and adaptation)

Policy and Governance (including gender and IP inclusion)

Sustainable Finance Mechanisms (including REDD+)

Professionals in these teams harness their specialized skills in a concerted manner in

order to harmonize efforts towards addressing multiple economic, social, and

environmental goals. The work of these professionals cuts across all the Program IRs in

all the Program sites. These long-term specialists, together with the COP and DCOP are

supported by other technical and administrative staff.

The COP is supported by the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP), Mr. Celestino Ulep, who

oversees the IEC and M&E components and site implementation. He will manage the

IEC team, M&E specialist, and the FC at the priority sites. Each priority site has its own

FC, who coordinates with regional and site-based DENR and other public sector

representatives, and other partners such as site-focused NGOs, SUCs, and anticipating

community based organizations and assisting professionals. The Program’s approach of

maximum involvement by local groups is expected to build local capacity as early as

possible through a learning by doing strategy and as a first step to ensure sustainability

beyond B+WISER’s lifetime.

In addition to the four teams, a fifth team is devoted to program office operations and

coordination, led by Operations Manager, Ms. Sarah Simmons. Program monitoring and

evaluation, including monitoring for results, is built into B+WISER not only to enable

oversight by USAID, but also to contribute to the effectiveness of the Program

throughout its duration and with respect to GPH priorities.


Exhibit 4. B+WISER Organizational Chart


MANAGEMENT AND PROGRAM OPERATIONS

The B+WISER Program management strategy is oriented to achieving the contract

results, while also allowing for maximum flexibility to meet the evolving needs of

USAID, the GPH, other local partners and stakeholders. The team will use a highly

collaborative approach with the DENR and other partners. The Program will also put a

great deal of emphasis on managing subcontracts under the SAF.

The management strategy involves regular reviews of staffing and resource needs by the

COP and senior program office management together with Chemonics’ home office. The

COP is responsible for the overall program implementation, and working closely with

USAID to ensure B+WISER continually aligns itself with and contributes to the

achievement of the agency’s development objectives. She will also hold meetings, at least

quarterly, with leadership of other international and national organizations that are

working to address governance and biodiversity issues in the Philippines to coordinate

efforts and identify synergies between programs.

The Deputy DCOP is responsible for providing leadership and oversight of all monitoring

and IEC activities implemented at the national level; he will provide direct management

to the field coordinators located in seven priority areas. He will receive monthly reports

from the field coordinators and conduct regular supervision trips and coordinating

meetings with co-implementers at the seven sites.

The Program will be supported from Chemonics’ home office by a three-person program

management unit (PMU). The PMU Director will liaise with the COP to ensure that the

technical objectives of the Program are being met. The PMU manager will ensure

contractual and financial compliance, and the PMU associate will provide administrative

and logistical support. While day-to-day management of the Program is fully delegated to

the COP, the COP is supported by the PMU who ensures access to home office tools and

departments such as human resources, finance and accounting, and the contracts

department.

The Program will make use of Chemonics’ well-established systems for program

management and home-office/field-office communications. Chemonics is ISO-9001

certified and as part of a company-wide effort to document corporate best practices,

utilizes an internal quality management system (QMS). Our QMS includes 125 process

maps, procedures, and work instructions along with approximately 800 supporting

documents that include templates, forms, and manuals. The home office PMU utilizes the

QMS daily to ensure that the Program is using the most updated templates and follows

the appropriate procedures.

The Program is supported from the field by former home office manager, Sarah

Simmons. As B+WISER Operations Manager, Ms. Sarah Simmons oversees day-to-day

operations of the field office and provides direct support to B+WISER leadership,

including the COP and DCOP. During her involvement with B+WISER, Ms. Simmons

will build the knowledge and capacity of the Chemonics local team to become self-


sufficient in USAID rules and regulations. She will ensure that the appropriate

operational systems are established, including creating program tracking and filing

systems, overseeing recruitment and procurement, and providing contractual and

financial guidance.

Operations are integral to efficient program management, and therefore must be part of

every activity. B+WISER will have well defined policies and procedures, information-

sharing mechanisms, and monitoring and reporting systems. Together, they will result in

streamlined program support services that will create a service-oriented and transparent

culture to support the technical activities of the program. To enable the Program to

provide quality and timely service to external and internal clients, efficient administrative

support is a critical focus for the first two years of operations. It is crucial to establish

and adhere to streamlined accounting and administrative procedures. Key activities

during the first year are to:

Finalize the Program policies and procedures manual with feedback mechanisms

in Year 1. To complete the policies and procedures manual, the Operations

Manager will liaise with a local labor lawyer and the HR department at

Chemonics home office to review existing Chemonics field office policies and

procedures manuals, and use these existing manuals to create policies and

procedures that best fit the program.

Conduct appropriate training for the administrative and technical staff. Specific

tasks will include identifying training needs and conducting training. Training

topics may include accounting procedures, USAID regulations, program-specific

policies and procedures as identified in the manual.

Formulate procedures for the SAF and engaging local service providers for

specific site level activities.

Effective coordination with partners is a key focus of the B+WISER management

strategy. The B+WISER Program will coordinate with partners through active

participation at the upcoming Forestry TWG. The Program will also host events to bring

partners together to share new developments and coordinate plans for communications

activities.

MANAGEMENT AND COORDINATION

B+WISER is directly steered by the Sub-Committee on Forest Conservation and

Management which is one of the four sub-committees under the AA-EWCC Program

between USG (through USAID) and GPH (through NEDA). The Sub Committee on

Forest and Conservation Management is chaired by FMB and USAID, with PAWB as

Vice Chair. This sub-committee also oversees other USAID-assisted forestry initiatives,

thereby ensuring complementarity and coordination in the timing of activities at both


national and local levels. In particular, B+WISER will enhance DENR’s suite of

activities and projects by value adding in the following manner:

Integration of biodiversity into various forest land use planning (e.g., ADSDPP,

FLUP).

Valuation of ecosystem services enables better participation by stakeholders who

are better informed about who benefits and who bears the costs of improved

management of KBA. In addition, it directly supports the DENR component of

the Wealth Accounting and Valuation of Ecosystem Services (WAVES) Program.

Embedding the Program’s technical specialists at DENR office and the Field

Coordinators at the DENR field offices or the departments collaborating

institutions as an important avenue for sustainability.

For operational management of the Program at the national and regional levels, DENR

has issued Special Order No. 2013-317 dated 7 June 2013 creating the national and

regional working groups to support the B+WISER Program. Exhibit 5 shows the

officials and staff who will be members of the working groups as well as their tasks and

responsibilities (see Annex D).

Exhibit 5. Membership and Responsibilities in DENR Special Order (No. 2013-317)

Creating the National and Regional Working Groups to Support the Implementation of the B+WISER Program

Working Group Membership Responsibility

National Working Group

Director, FMB - Chair Director, Office of Undersecretary For Field Operations – Co-Chair Director, PAWB - Member Director, ERDB - Member Director, FASPO - Member

Oversee the implementation of the Program and provide strategic direction for the Program

Regional Working Group (Regions 2, 4A, 4B, 5, 6, 10, 11 and 12)

Regional Executive Directors (REDS) –

Overall Chairperson Regional Technical Director (RTD) for Forestry - Member RTD for PAWCZM - Member RTD for ERDS - Member PENRO concerned - Member PASU concerned - Member Finance/Budget Officer - Member Regional Planning Officer – Member Representative from LGU - Member

Address Program related issues and concerns that need action, decision and support from the DENR, be responsible for the coordination and facilitation of activities, and support in the coordination and interaction with other regional agencies/LGUs


SITE ACTIVITIES

Implementation of B+WISER activities in the field (Annex E) will focus on seven

priority areas identified on the basis of criteria established by DENR and USAID and

through collaboration and oversight with GPH, led by FMB as the co-chair. These areas

are high priority for the conservation of biodiversity, and have significant potential to

reduce GHG emissions and provide other environmental services through forestry

activities.

At the DENR/B+WISER Planning Workshop in Clark in April 2013, the Program was

presented and discussed with DENR including the objectives and strategies focusing on

site level activities. There was agreement for B+WISER and DENR to program training

activities and technical assistance in the context of 2013 and 2014. The terms of reference

of the DENR at the central, regional, and site levels were also discussed and it was agreed

on how the B+WISER Program will carry out Program activities at both national and site

levels. As agreed in the workshop, a special order was issued creating the DENR national

and regional working groups to support the Program (Exhibit 5).

Improved ecosystem management will be enhanced in the priority areas in order to

strengthen the forest ecosystems and help reduce their vulnerability to climate change.

This will therefore enhance the value and ensure the supply of ecosystem goods and

services for various user groups.

The key interventions to be directly implemented at these priority areas will include the

following activities to conserve biodiversity and increase forest cover:

Improve the capabilities and capacities for management and conservation of

biodiversity and watersheds of the managers and stewards of the seven pilot areas

including the prevailing governance bodies such as PAMB,WMC and LGU;

Improve LGU capability for forest land use planning and management in order to

help enhance the supply of forest based commodities including non-timber forest

products (NTFP), stabilize water supply, reduce vulnerabilities to natural disasters

and mitigate GHG emissions;

Facilitate PPP in forest and biodiversity conservation investments.

In accordance with the selection criteria used in developing the scope for the Program,

the priority KBA sites already have advanced levels of planning and implementation

efforts in place, thus giving the Program an opportunity to build on existing frameworks.

Six of the seven sites are considered KBA that are highly threatened by forest habitat

loss. Improving the forest cover in these areas has potential for increasing carbon

sequestration.

Ecosystem services of the priority areas have significant socio-economic importance and

have potential for PES and REDD+, which will provide local economic benefits. The

seven priority sites include:


1. Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park

2. Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape-Kaliwa Watershed Forest

Reserve

3. Naujan Lake National Park sub-watersheds

4. Quinali “A” Watershed

5. Bago River Watershed Forest Reserve

6. Mount Kitanglad Range Natural Park

7. Mount Apo Natural Park

Please see Annex E for further description of the B+WISER priority sites and Annex F

for the map showing the priority sites.

PRIORITY SITES FOR MANGROVE REFORESTATION

In addition to Program activities in the seven priority sites, mangrove reforestation

activities will be implemented in several sites identified by the Philippine Association of

Water Districts (PAWD) and BFAR. These sites are key biodiversity areas where key

programs are ongoing. The mangrove priority areas are:

1. Verde Passage (Batangas, Occidental Mindoro)

2. Polillo Island and Pagbilao, Quezon

3. Ragay Gulf, San Miguel Bay and Eastern Catanduans

4. Iloilo Strait

5. Siargao Island

6. Basilan Natural Biotic Area

7. Tawi Tawi

Reforestation and restoration of mangroves in these sites are expected to contribute to

higher aquatic productivity, richer fauna including birds, and carbon sequestration.

Mechanisms on rolling this out will be defined in a meeting that will be called by FMB

and PAWB, with BFAR and other agencies, as needed.

Assessment of the target sites will preclude actual restoration, when applicable. Methods

for assessment are expected to be sourced from Lowering Emissions in Asia’s Forests

(LEAF) and the forthcoming Low Emission Asian Development (LEAD) Project, both of

which are supported by USAID assistance.

ROLE OF THE FIELD COORDINATORS

There are seven FC, one for each priority site, who are based in the nearest place of

access to the sites. The FC have been active in preparing the field activity work plans for

the first year. They are under the supervision and guidance of the DCOP who will

provide the necessary technical support in collaboration with the B+WISER team of

specialists. The FC will also be given the administrative and logistical support to


facilitate their tasks in the field. B+WISER is exploring the co-location of the FC at

DENR offices in the sites.

The FC are responsible for coordinating, planning, implementing and monitoring the

B+WISER activities in the priority sites, in accordance with the overall Program work

plan. These activities cover all the technical components. They will support the DENR,

particularly in its participation at governance bodies of the priority sites such as PAMB,

WMC and other organizations working in the priority sites. They will work also with

civil society, LGU, academe, IP, NGO and other institutions to facilitate these groups’

implementation of B+WISER activities at the priority sites through the SAF.

During the first quarter of Year 1, B+WISER will conduct a series of workshops and

seminars in collaboration with specialists from local universities for the FC to enhance

their capabilities and enable them to carry out their tasks in the priority sites.

BIODIVERSITY RELATED RESEARCH AGENDA IMPLEMENTED AND STRENGTHENED

Through close collaboration with the DENR, the B+WISER program will use the existing

research and development agenda developed by ERDB, CCC and PCAARRD-DOST as a

starting point in identifying, action research, and a biodiversity related research agenda.

This will be done through conduct of workshops engaging the PAWB, FMB, ERDB and

SUC where the compiled research and development agenda will be presented for

comments and/or improvement. This will ensure that the research agenda that will be

identified by B+WISER will support more cost effective and targeted biodiversity

conservation planning. Prioritization of research topics will be undertaken to determine

which among them will be given financial support for implementation.

COMMUNICATIONS

The B+WISER Program will use communications as an advocacy measure and to create

public awareness. The Program’s five-year communications plan, which incorporates

DENR inputs during the DENR/B+WISER Program planning workshop held in April

2013, will be developed in close consultation with USAID and key stakeholders and start

full implementation in June 2013, emphasizing among others, knowledge sharing of

studies and best practices.

A major communication strategy is the use of multi-media, to include social media whose

power in reaching out to various sectors — especially the youth — has already been

tested and recognized. This approach will be employed to its fullest during the planned

national/sub-national/local communication campaigns.

In preparation for the sub-national/local communication campaigns planned to happen

on-site, scoping/research activities and alliance building will start by June 2013. Results

of these scoping activities will be used as basis for the design of these campaigns.


Scoping activities will include identifying prospective communication campaign partners

at the regional/local level, such as local corporations with strong corporate social

responsibility programs, academic institutions (especially their student organizations),

local chambers of commerce and local associations (i.e., photography/eco-tourism clubs,

civil society organizations, youth organizations involved in environmental advocacy, etc.)

that could serve as “pressure” groups for accountable government agencies and political

leaders to do their jobs in biodiversity conservation. Special attention will be given to

those groups with existing social media network or websites where B+WISER Program

could ride on. These prospective partners’ websites (including DENR’s) could provide

the venue for the B+WISER Program to share its experiences, studies and best practices.

Concerns and messages common to all sub-national/local sites will later be thread

together to come up with a national campaign (which will happen during the latter part of

the B+WISER Program life) in cooperation with DENR, private groups and other key

partners.

The multi-media approach will also include development of briefing/orientation materials

(i.e., brochures, presentations for use in series of orientations/briefings will commence by

June 2013). Also being envisioned is a B+WISER Program newsletter, which could take

the form of an “e-newsletter” that could be housed in DENR websites (national and

regional) and those of other partners’ (i.e., local governments, chambers of commerce,

etc.). Printed copies may be produced as necessary and distributed during significant

events (i.e., PAMB meetings, conferences, etc.). The newsletter is expected to start by the

beginning of 2014. Websites of partners would also be tapped to “house” or publish

knowledge products to be developed later by B+WISER in collaboration with key

partners. Capacity building for journalists (both professional and student journalists) is

scheduled September 2014. Also included in the capacity building plan is tapping

members of local social media networks and making them aware of how important

watersheds and biodiversity are to their daily lives. This activity will complement the

communication campaigns, the first of which is set to start in October 2014.

Assistance in documenting significant Program activities — through development of

bullet stories for submission to USAID — begins in July 2013.


V. PERFORMANCE MONITORING AND EVALUATION

B+WISER’s approach to monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is described in a separate

performance monitoring plan (PMP). The plan will include the M&E system design and

explanation of M&E roles and responsibilities, and fully documents the Program’s

performance indicators, baselines and targets. The initial PMP has been developed

internally in conjunction with this annual work plan and will be revisited each year as

part of the annual work planning process.

Monitoring progress and evaluating results are key functions in any performance-based

management plan. The B+WISER team understands the importance of M&E from the

beginning, including baseline assessments and establishing clear targets, together with

solid systems for collecting data and reporting on performance. The M&E approach will

be spearheaded by the M&E specialist with technical inputs from the technical specialists

and the field coordinators. Please refer to Exhibit 6 for a summary of B+WISER

performance indicators and targets.


Exhibit 6. Summary of B+WISER Performance Indicators and Targets

Objective or Component

Performance Indicators Life of Program Targets

Targets

FY 2013 FY

2014 FY

2015 FY

2016 FY

2017

Program Objective: Natural resources and environmental management improved

1. Number of hectares of biological significance and/or natural resources under improved natural resource management as a result of USG assistance (Outcome) (U, D)

780,000 hectares 7,500

hectares

Program intermediate result (IR) 1: Biodiversity in forest areas conserved

2. Number of hectares of biological significance and/or natural resources showing improved biophysical conditions (also relevant to Program IR 2) (Outcome) (U, D)

780,000 hectares

3. Number of laws, policies, strategies, plans, agreements, or regulations addressing climate change (mitigation or adaptation) and/or biodiversity conservation officially proposed, adopted, or implemented (also relevant to Program IR 2) (Output) (U, D)

At least 2 policies (co-management, PES, data sharing, etc.) At least 7 resource management plans At least 20 FLUPs

5

Program IR2: Forest degradation in priority watershed areas reduced

4. Hectares of forest restored (Outcome) (D)

78,000 hectares (including 6,000 hectares of mangroves)

5. Amount of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduced or sequestered (Outcome) (U, D)

3.4 million metric tons reduced 1.94 million metric tons per year sequestered

42,000 tons

6. Amount of investments leveraged from private and public sectors (also relevant to Program IR 1) (Outcome) (U, D)

USD 5 million

7. Number of people with increased economic benefits derived from sustainable natural resource management and conservation** (Outcome) (U. D)

10% of people in the program sites (currently estimated at 90,000, exact number to be determined based on actual assessment)


Objective or Component

Performance Indicators Life of Program Targets

Targets

FY 2013 FY

2014 FY

2015 FY

2016 FY

2017

Program IR3: Capacity to conserve biodiversity, manage forests, and monitor low emissions improved

8. METT (for protected areas) and GSA (for LGUs) scores (Outcome) (D)

Improvement over baseline METT scores for PAMBs Improvements over baseline GSA scores for LGUs Improvements over baseline watershed management capacity assessment scores for WMCs

9. Number of person hours of training in natural resources management and/or biodiversity conservation and climate change (also relevant to Program IR 4) (Output) (U, D)

90,000 person hours

7,100

10. Number of days of technical assistance in natural resources management and/or biodiversity and climate change provided to counterparts or stakeholders (also relevant to Program IR 4) (Output) (U, D)

200

11. Number of research publications (Output), (D)

Program IR4: Capacity for disaster management in highly vulnerable areas increased

12. Number of institutions with improved capacity for disaster management in highly vulnerable areas (Outcome) (U)

5 PAMBs and 2 WMCs] 20 LGUs

Note: U = USAID CDCS Indicators; D = related to DENR MFO indicators; for blank cells, LOP and annual targets will be established after the baseline assessments

**USAID CDCS standard indicators


Annex A. Time Line of Mobilization Phase, Year 1

Key Activities

Month

Oc

t-

Dec

Ja

n

Fe

b

Ma

r

Ap

r

Ma

y

Ju

n

Ju

l

Au

g

Se

p

Mobilization and Start-Up (Days 1-90)

1. Field home-office operations manager and start -up team

2. Negotiate and sign subcontracts, hold subcontractor kickoff meeting

3. Obtain local office, open bank accounts, and set up operations

4. Develop and submit procurement plan; procure program equipment and furniture

5. Hold home-office orientation for chief of party

6. Hire and field key personnel ( Day 30)

7. Hold orientation and team-building and internal work-planning workshop (Day 45)

8. Conduct consultations and coordinating meetings with DENR, LGUs and complementary initiatives

9. Year 1 comprehensive annual plan work plan) and M&E plan submitted to USAID for approval

10. Submit general work plan (Day 60)

11. Submit performance management plan (PMP)

12. Start process clearances as needed for field assessments

13. Prepare for and hold planning workshop with DENR

14. Present B+WISER at PAMB meeting to be organized for 7 sites by DENR

15. Staff field teams and set up operations in programs sites

16. Pay courtesy calls to LGUs

17. Network with other initiatives at sites

18. Set up system for using SAF and TAF and prioritize activities to be funded

19. Prepare for Program launch: national level


Annex B. Implementation Plan and Timeline: 2013 and 2014

Key Activities FY 2013 FY 2014

Milestones/ outputs

B+ WISER

DENR Other partners

Oct-Dec

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

Mobilization and Start-Up (Days 1-90)

Component 1. Biodiversity in Forest Areas Conserved

1.1. Threats to biodiversity addressed

A. Prepare and implement biodiversity monitoring and action plans in pilot sites with multi-sectoral and community participation

BFS FCs

PAWB PAWCZMS

a. Select/adapt appropriate tools and methods for assessing and monitoring threats to biodiversity

Biodiversity assessment tools identified, assessed, selected/adapted

BFS, FCs, FFI

PAWB, PAWCZMS

b. Conduct baseline assessment on threats to biodiversity in the priority sites

Existing studies reviewed and gaps identified

BFS, FCs, FFI

PAWCZMS

BFAR, LGUs, PAMB

c. Prepare and implement actions plans for addressing threats to biodiversity

Action plans for addressing threats prepared and implemented

LUPS, BFS, FCs

DENR Field Units, PASU

LGUs, WMCs, Local stake-holders

d. Prepare State of the Watershed Reports (SOWR)/Citizen Report Card for selected priority watersheds in key project sites.

Draft SOWRs (Yr2/Yr5) and Citizen Report Cards (Yr3-4)

B. Integrate of biodiversity and climate change considerations into land use plans

FCs LUPS

PWB, FMB

a. Review existing resource management and land use plans in all sites and assess how biodiversity and climate change can be integrated (link with TA to HLURB on enhancing CLUP guidelines) - include economic conditions



Milestones/ outputs

B+ WISER

DENR Other partners

Oct-Dec


FCs LUPS

PWB, FMB

LGUs, PAMB, DA, NCIP, IPs

b. Provide TA in the updating, refinement and harmonization of existing resource management and land use plans (link with TA to HLURB on preparation of enhanced CLUP Guidelines)

LUPS FMD, PAWB

HLURB, CCC, NCIP

c. Refine and enhance resource management and local planning guidelines issued by national implementation agencies in the integration of biodiversity conservation, CCA/DRRM, ancestral lands and protected areas.

Draft revised agency planning guidelines

FCs, LUPS

PaSUs DENR Field

LGUs, PAMB, IPs + LSPs

d. Review and validate existing status/implementation/adoption of local resource management and development plans (e.g., FLUP, CLUP, PAMP, WMPs and ADSDPP) of identified priority watershed areas in the project sites.

Status report on reviewed local resource managements and development plans

FCs LUPS

PaSUs DENR Field


e. Update, refine and/or harmonize resource management plans (e.g., FLUP, CLUP, PAMP, WMP and ADSDPP) in identified priority watersheds/subwater-sheds in the project sites.

Draft enhanced resource management and local plans

FCs LUPS

PAWB, FMB


f. Implement the updated/refined/harmonized plan

PGS, LUPS, BFS

DENR Congress, HLURB, CCC, LGU Leagues

g. Provide TA assistance to national legislative reform advocacies on public land management, sustainable forest management and land use

TA inputs, workshops and policy notes

C. Adopt and strengthen enforcement of conservation policies



Milestones/ outputs

B+ WISER

DENR Other partners

Oct-Dec


FCs, PGS

PAWB PAWCZMS

Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force, LGUs, PAMB, etc.

a. Assess the status of implementation of conservation policies in the program sites, including the capability of law enforcers as part of METT); and policy implications (can be linked to action-research agenda

Assessment report

FCs, PGS

PAWB PAWCZMS


b. Identify and implement strategies, including needed capacity-development for strengthening law enforcement in program sites (as part of METT)

Strategies for strengthening law enforcement in biodiversity conservation identified and implemented

FCs, PGS

PAWB PAWCZMS


c. Conduct training on wildlife/biodiversity/forest law enforcement

Training module and report, trained individuals

D. Prepare knowledge products

1. 2. Planning, Policy and Governance Frameworks for Biodiversity Conservation Strengthened or Enhanced

BFS PAWB NBSAP Drafting Team

A. Provide TA in the Updating of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)

BFS, TS

PAWB a. Provide TA in the assessment of status (accomplishments, issues) of the previous NBSAP

Assessment report on status of NBSAP

BFS, TS

PAWB b. Participate in the revision/updating of the NBSAP

Participation in NBSAP

Updating

B. Provide TA in the crafting of PES policy and design and implement local training on conflict resolution for PA and biodiversity management (will start in FY 2015)

SFS, ICRAF

FMB, PAWB

NEDA, Acade-mic institu-

a. Reactivate the PES Technical Working Group for purpose of drafting PES policy

Reconvened PES TWG; enhanced inter-agency collaboration; formulated draft PES policy


Key Activities FY 2013 FY 2014 Milestones/

outputs

B+ WISER

DENR Other partners

Oct-Dec


tions/ academic institu-tions, Other research organi-zations

SFS, ICRAF

FMB, PAWB

NEDA, Acade-mic institu-tions/ academic institu-tions, Other research organi-zations

b. Provide TA in the drafting of the PES policy

STTA, PGS, FCs

PAWCZMS

PAMB, LGUs, Tribal Council, WMCs

c. Design and implementtraining on conflict resolution for biodiversity management

Training module and report

C. Strengthen community participation and interagency/inter-local coordination and implementation mechanisms in local PA management

LUPS FMB PAWB

HLURB a. Provide TA to the HLURB TWG on the integration of FLUP, CCA-DRRM, Protected Areas, Ancestral Lands into enhanced guidelines for CLUPs

Enhanced CLUP Guidelines

LUPS, PGS, FCs

FMS, PAWCZMS

DA, DILG, LGUs, PAMB, WMCS, etc.

b. Assess status, issues,and gaps in interagency/inter-local coordination in priority sites (linked to METT)

LUPS, PGS, FCs

FMS, PAWCZMS


c. Prepare an action plan/protocol/strategies for strengthening interagency/inter-local coordination in priority sites (linked to METT)

Strategy for inter-agency coordination identified



Milestones/ outputs

B+ WISER

DENR Other partners

Oct-Dec


LUPS, PGS, FCs

FMS, PAWCZMS


d. Facilitate and evaluate the implementation of the action plan/protocol to refine strategies (linked to METT, will start in 2015)

D. Enhance capacity for accessing IPAF and other financing sources

SFS PGS, Assist-ing Professional, FCs

PAWB PAMB, other govern-ment agencies, private sector, etc.

a. Assess the problems, issues in accessing IPAF and other sources of financing for each site

Assessment report for each site

SFS PGS, Assist-ing Professional, FCs

PAWB PAMB, other govern-ment agencies, private sector, etc.

b. Provide TA, training, and other assistance (e.g., (timely submission of annual work plans; streamlined approval process) to enhance/facilitate each PA's access to financing

Training reports, trained individuals

E. Adapt/enhance and implement METT assessments

PGS PAWB, FMB, FMS, PAWCZMS, Field Units

PAMB, LGUs, WMCs

a. Conduct training on enhanced METT

Trained individuals

PGS, Assist-ing Professional

PAWCZMS, FMS, Field Unit

PAMB, LGUs, WMCs

b. Conduct baseline METT Baseline METT and GSA Results



PAMB, LGUs, WMCs

c. Prepare METT reports and conduct feedback/action planning sessions

METT and GSA Reports, Action Plans

BFS PGS

PAWB other DENR and donor-projects

F. Coordinate/collaborate with related projects and initiatives of USAID, DENR and other agencies and donor projects (e.g., NEWCAPP, PAME) and with local stakeholders and

Meeting notes, TA inputs



Milestones/ outputs

B+ WISER

DENR Other partners

Oct-Dec


communities

1.3. Biodiversity-Related Research Agenda Implemented

A. Establish and implement research agenda (national and subnational) with community participation

TS, FCs, ICRAF

ERDB, PAWB

a. Formulate action research framework and agenda on prioritized biodiversity protection issues including: how biodiverse landscapes enhance ecosystem services; cost effectiveness of approaches to biodiversity protection; invasive species, landscape approach in enhancing climate resilience

Framework formulated

SAF/TAF, TS

ERDB, PAWB

b. Develop manual for evaluating, selecting and implementing research proposals

Manual developed

TS ERDB c. Select partner institutions (e.g., academic institutions) and implement research projects

Partner institutions selected

Component 2. Forest Degradation in Targeted Priority Watersheds Reduced

2.1 Drivers of Deforestation Addressed

A. Conduct baseline assessments of forest cover; prepare forest cover monitoring and action plans and implement in pilot sites with community participation

REDD+S, RSMS, FCs

FMB, FMS, CENRO

LGUs, WMCs

a. Conduct baseline assessment of forest cover and assess drivers of deforestation and forest degradation in target critical watersheds

Forest cover baseline assessment conducted

REDD+S, RSMS, FCs

FMB, FMS, CENRO

LGUs, WMCs

b. Prepare and implement strategies/action plan for addressing drivers of deforestation

Drivers of deforestation identified and strategies formulated



Milestones/ outputs

B+ WISER

DENR Other partners

Oct-Dec


REDD+S, RSMS, FCs

FMS CENRO

c. Help improve forest cover monitoring systems (remote and on the ground)

Forest monitoring system improved

LUPS, BFS, FCs

FMB, PAWB, DENR Field

d. Update and refine baseline watershed characterization and biodiversity assessment framework and dataset parameters for the preparation of a more effective and technically sound integrated resource and watershed management plans.

REDD+S ICRAF

FMB B. Develop spatial models for projecting the amount of deforestation, and GIS-based models to identify areas most likely to be deforested (hotspots)

Spatial models developed

C. Strengthen the enforcement of protection/conservation policies and regulations in pilot sites with community and multi-stakeholder participation

Strategies for strengthening law enforcement in forest management identified and implemented

STTA, PGS, FCs

FMB, Field Units

LGUs, WMCs, MFPC, Bantay Gubat, Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force

a. Assess the status of implementation of conservation policies in the program sites, including the capability of law enforcers (linked to Program IR 1.1 C)

STTA, PGS, FCs,

FMB, Field Units

LGUs, WMCs, Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force

b. Identify and implement strategies, including needed capacity-development for strengthening law enforcement in program sites (linked to Program IR 1.1 C)



Milestones/ outputs

B+ WISER

DENR Other partners

Oct-Dec


STTA, PGS

FMB, Field Units, LGUs, WMCs,

NAECTAF

c. Conduct training on multi-sectoral law enforcement (linked to Program IR 1.1 C)

Trained individuals

D. Implement community-based and multi-sectoral forest restoration program in both upland and coastal areas (link with Program IR 4.2); explore opportunities for private sector participation

FCs, REDD+S

FMB, FMS, CENRO

LGUs, WMCs, IPs, DA, BFAR

a. Establish criteria and identify priority sites for reforestation

FCs, REDD+S

FMB, FMS, CENRO

LGUs, WMCs, IPs, DA, BFAR

b. Prepare and implement forest restoration plan/strategy in priority sites and forest and mangrove restoration in other target sites to contribute to NGP targets, including strategy for maintenance and protection of the reforested site

Forest restoration initially implemented in selected sites

E. Provide Technical assistance to FMB's finalization of the Manual on Forest Law Enforcement (including site level orientation and implementation); Provide TA on other related initiatives on enforcement



Milestones/ outputs

B+ WISER

DENR Other partners

Oct-Dec


STTA, PGS

FMB Legal, DENR Legal

Task Force Kalika-san, Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force

a. Coordinate with the DENR and US Department of the Interior (USDOI) the preparation of draft Forest Law Enforcement Manual (FOLEMOP); provide TA on other policy or manualization initiatives on enforcement (e.g., revision of DO 97-32; integrated Law Enforcement Manual, Preparation of Law Enforcement Manual for PA)- Demand Driven

Report, Draft Manual

STTA, PGS

FMB Legal, DENR Legal

Task Force Kalika-san, Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force

b. Conduct pertinent consultations, refine, finalize and submit the Manual for DENR approval

Consultation Report

c. Conduct training/orientation on the approved manual and prepare kit for enforcers to facilitate site-level implementation

TA to FMB provided

F. Integrate forest land use planning and climate change considerations into CLUP

LUPS, FCs

FMS LGUs a. Assess the status of FLUP and CLUP preparation/ implementation in priority sites and identify gaps and needed refinements to integrate climate change and ancestral lands management to strengthen sustainable forest management

FLUP/CLUP implementation status assessed

LUPS, FCs

FMS LGUS b. Refine/Update and integrate the FLUP and CLUP,

G. Prepare knowledge products (will start in FY 2015)



Milestones/ outputs

B+ WISER

DENR Other partners

Oct-Dec


2.2. Planning, Policy and Governance Frameworks for Forest Management Strengthened

A. Strengthen the national policy on co-management/ partnership over forest lands including its implementation

PGS a. Assess the status of forest land co-management implementation in selected sites and provide policy recommendations (can be part of action research agenda)

Report

STTA, PGS, LUPS

FMB, Policy and Plan-ning

b. Provide inputs in the drafting and finalization of the draft new DENR-DILG JMC on co-management of forest lands if this will be pursued by the DENR

TA inputs

LUPS FMD, PAWB

HLURB, CCC, NCIP

c. Refine and enhance resource management and local planning guidelines issued by national implementtation agencies in the integration of biodiversity conservation, CCA/DRRM, ancestral lands and protected areas.

Draft revised agency planning guidelines

B. Conduct IEM Orientation for PAMB, WMC, LGUs, IPs, POs, other pertinent agencies and organizations in all sites

Report

C. Strengthen community, interagency/local stakeholders coordination in local forest/ watershed management and convergence initiatives

PGS a. Conduct stakeholders’ analysis in the seven sites (to include PA stakeholders)

Report

LUPS, PGS, FCs

FMS. Field Units

LGUs, WMCs, BFAR, etc.

b. Assess status, issues, and gaps in inter-agency/inter-local coordination and local convergence initiatives in

Report



Milestones/ outputs

B+ WISER

DENR Other partners

Oct-Dec


priority sites

LUPS, PGS, FCs

FMS. Field Units

LGUs, WMCs, BFAR, etc

c. Prepare an action plan/protocol/strategies for strengthening interagency/inter-local coordination and convergence initiatives in priority sites

Strategy for strengthening coordination identified

LUPS, PGS, FCs

FMS. Field Units

LGUs, WMCs, BFAR, etc

d. Implement and evaluate the implementation of the action plan/protocol/strategies and refine them (will start in 2015)

e. Document experiences in inter-agency/ local stakeholders collaboration for scaling up and possible policy refinement

Paper

D. Refine the existing framework/guidelines for watershed characterization

PGS, TS

E. Prepare a source book on the topic of improving watershed governance

PGS FMB a. Conduct an assessment of topics to include in the Source Book (survey with local partners)

PGS FMB b. Collect references and other pertinent materials and prepare the outline with inputs from partners and team

PGS FMB c. Draft, pilot-test and finalize the Source Book (will start on FY 2015)

Source book drafted

F. Conduct State of the Local Watershed Governance Reporting (will be done in FY 2015 and 2017)

PGS WMCs, LGUs

a. Conduct analysis of local watershed governance actors

PGS WMCs, LGUs

b. Agree on the concept and methods for local watershed governance reporting



Milestones/ outputs

B+ WISER

DENR Other partners

Oct-Dec


PGS WMCs, LGUs

c. Convene a local watershed governance session including action planning

Watershed Governance Action Plan Formulated and Implemented

PGS WMCs, LGUs

d. Implement the action plan

G. Support the review and analysis of the National Greening Program (NGP)

STTA, PGS, TS, FCs

FMB, PAWB. ERDB, CCC

LGUs, etc.

a. Provide TA to evaluate the National Greening Program (NGP) (possibly as part of action-research agenda)

TA inputs/Report

PGS, TS, FCs

FMB, FASPO, FMB

INREM, etc.

H. Coordinate/collaborate with other USAID/other donor-assisted projects/community stakeholder groups

TA inputs, meeting notes

I. Provide technical assistance to the DENR in the review/crafting of priority policies and regulations (e.g., initially identified by DENR are forest securitization, benefit sharing arrangements, expiring Certificate of Stewardship Contracts, continuing devolution) in support of REDD+, PES, and other program initiatives

J. Adopt/enhance and implement GSA

PGS PAWB, FMB, FMS, PAWCZMS, Field Units

PAMB, LGUs, WMCs

a. Conduct training on enhanced GSA

Trained individuals



PAMB, LGUs, WMCs

b. Conduct baseline GSA (and other tools if needed)

Baseline METT and GSA Results

PGS, Assist-ing

PAWCZMS, FMS,

PAMB, LGUs, WMCs

c. Prepare GSA reports and conduct feedback/action planning

METT and GSA Reports, Action Plans



Milestones/ outputs

B+ WISER

DENR Other partners

Oct-Dec


Profes-sional

Field Unit

sessions

K. Prepare knowledge products

2.3: Watershed-Related Research Agenda Implemented

A. Establish and implement research agenda (national and subnational; annually) with partners (e.g., opportunity cost of REDD participation, analysis of administrative and transaction costs of REDD+)

ICRAF, PGS, other TS, FCs


Acade-mic institu-tions, other initia-tives (INREM, etc.)

a. Formulate priority action research framework and agenda associated with watershed management issues, with emphasis on climate change resilience and policy-oriented researches

Action Research Framework and Agenda

SAF/TAF, TS

b. Develop manual for evaluating, selecting, and implementing research proposals

SAF/TAF Manual for Priority Research Agenda

SAF/TAF, TS

c. Implement action research agenda with selected partner institutions

Research reports

B. Review and collaborate with FMB/USAID-USFS in refining tools and methods in FRA/NFI

2.4: Philippines REDD+ Readiness Demonstrated

A. Conduct REDD+ orientation in all sites for communities, LGUs, private sector and other local stakeholders

REDD+ orientation conducted

B. Design monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) system for REDD+ (forest carbon)

REDD+S, FFI, ICRAF


GIZ a. Examine the scale of implementation of REDD+ in the Philippines including the formation of a national

Report on national and sub-national REDD+ Implementation



Milestones/ outputs

B+ WISER

DENR Other partners

Oct-Dec


registry

REDD+S, FFI, ICRAF


GIZ, AI, USFS, US EPA

b. Review and select GHG Inventory Methods and Allometric Models

Report

REDD+S, FFI, ICRAF


AI, GIZ, USFS, acade-mic institu-tions

c. Set-up pilot MRV system, pilot test it in selected sites, refine the system

MRV Design for priority sites

REDD+S, FFI, ICRAF

FMB, NAMRIA

AI, GIZ, USFS, acade-mic institu-tions

d. Establish database infrastructure (development and operationalization) with reference to the web portal being developed by NAMRIA

Draft of Spatial Data Infrastructure

REDD+S, FFI, ICRAF


GIZ, acade-mic institu-tions

C. Explore the process of integrating NGP in REDD+ programs

Report

D. Establish REDD + safeguards (mainstream biodiversity and IP concerns, corruption reduction, social equity considerations, etc) and incorporate in policy frameworks

REDD+S, ICRAF


Code REDD

a. Draft REDD+ safeguards

Draft Report

REDD+S, ICRAF, FCs


b. Conduct consultations to finalize the draft REDD+ safeguards

Reports for each site

REDD+S, ICRAF, FCs

c. Integrate the REDD+ safeguards in REDD+ implementation in selected sites

Consolidated Report

E. Explore and support the demonstration of REDD+ in priority sites

REDD+S. FCs

a. Conduct consultations with relevant stakeholders

Reports



Milestones/ outputs

B+ WISER

DENR Other partners

Oct-Dec


in selected sites

REDD+S. FCs

b. Set up forest monitoring system for all the selected sites and gather Activity Data (Forest Cover)

Completed Activity Data

REDD+S

c. Set up forest inventory system for all the sites and collect Emission Factor Data (Timber Inventory to measure biomass)

Completed Inventory Data

REDD+S

d. Monitor Activity Data/Emission Factors at all sites

Update Activity and

Emission Factor Data

REDD+S

e. Conduct participatory and community forest monitoring

Report

REDD+S

f. Develop framework and procedures for estimating Reference Emission level/Reference level (Baseline)

Method for setting REL/RL

REDD+S

g. Establish REDD+ Reference Emission Levels (REL)

Report on REL/RL

REDD+S

F. Harmonize REDD+ related systems and methods and methodologies (FMB, NFI, GHG accounting, Forest Monitoring Assessment, satellite imagery/remote sensing) (will start in FY 2015)

Report

G. Prepare knowledge products (will start in FY 2013)

2.5: Incentives for Forest Conservation Introduced

A. Formulate framework and design instrument for ecosystem services valuation

SFS, FCs

a. Document and analyze PES and PES-like activities in the study areas

PES & PES-like activities in the study areas identified and analyzed

SFS b. Conduct an analysis of PES implementation in the Philippines

Status of PES

implementation in the Philippines analyzed



Milestones/ outputs

B+ WISER

DENR Other partners

Oct-Dec


SFS, FCs

Local Service Providers (LSPs)

c. Conduct socio-economic, political and institutional profiling and analysis of target population and communities

Socio-economic baselines

B. Conduct PES awareness and appreciation at different levels of the DENR & LGUs, the private sector and local communities and resource managers

Laymanized PES handouts

C. Conduct technical training on PES and PES mechanisms for technical bureaus of the DENR and LGUs; with participation from local communities

PES handouts and training materials

D. Conduct economic valuation studies in the 7 sites

SFS, FCs

FMB, PAWB. ERDB

LGUs, Private com-panies that will be identi-fied

a. Identify potential PES schemes

Identified PES schemes to be piloted for the 7 sites

SFS, FCs

Acade-mic institutions in the study sites

b. Conduct feasibility studies in watersheds selected as PES pilot sites

Economic studies of PES schemes to be piloted in the 7 sites

SFS, FCs

Identified stakeholders in the site

c. Conduct consultation meetings to evaluate support from stakeholders

Stakeholder analysis report

SFS, FCs

Target stakeholders

d. Pilot PES Schemes in Selected Priority Sites

Piloted PES scheme

E. Facilitate the design and implementation of Public-Private-Partnership Agreement on Ecosystem Services

MOUs, MOAs for PPP

SFS, FCs

a. Conduct ecosystem services market scanning and scoping

SFS, FCs

b. Identify potential partners among the public



Milestones/ outputs

B+ WISER

DENR Other partners

Oct-Dec


and private sectors

SFS, FCs

c. Design appropriate PPP agreements

F. Institutionalize PES scheme as a sustainable financing source

a. Assist and facilitate the formation/enhancement of a formal structure to handle funds to be generated by the PES mechanism

Documentation report

b. Provide assistance to PAMB/PA in improving access to IPAF and other financing sources

Reconvened PES TWG

c. Convene PES Technical Working Group

Draft EO/DAO on PES

d. Draft and formulate policy on PES

SFS, FCs

G Prepare knowledge products

Component 3: Capacity to Conserve Biodiversity, Manage Forests, and Monitor Low-Emissions Development Enhanced

3.1 Capacity to Monitor Biodiversity and Forest Cover Status Enhanced

STTA, PGS, other TS

FMB INREM A. Conduct learning needs assessment for PAMB, WMC, IPs, POs. LGUs; identify and implement learning strategies

Presentation materials, orientation module, individuals oriented on IEM

STTA, PGS, other TS

FMB INREM B. Develop capacity for regular monitoring of threats to biodiversity (e.g., leveraged assistance from the private sector for monitoring equipment)

Presentation materials, orientation module, individuals oriented on IEM

FFI STTA C. Conduct training on utilizing geospatial technologies such as for forest cover and change monitoring, biomass estimation, mapping and biodiversity monitoring applications (also for use in FLUP, CLUP, PAMP, WMP, NGGI, PES and REDD+ ); conduct training on participatory and community-based methodologies to complement these

Training conducted



Milestones/ outputs

B+ WISER

DENR Other partners

Oct-Dec


FFI STTA D. Assist NAMRIA in the development and finalization of the documentation of methodologies used for producing the 2010 land cover maps; facilitate discussion and provide TAs to NAMRIA on the development 2015 land cover

Documentation report

PGS, TS

PAWB, FMB

PAMB, LGUs

E. Develop Manuals on Biodiversity Monitoring, Forest Inventory, MRV processes, and other pertinent knowledge products; embed community participation in the processes

Manuals developed

3. 2: Capacity to Undertake the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Enhanced

REDD+S

A. Conduct capacity building for NGGI in forestry: provide TA and training/coaching to implement NGGI at national/FMB and field levels (LGUs, academic institutions, DENR field units)

TA and training conducted

REDD+S

B. Coordinate/collaborate with CCC/NGGI/NAMRIA and other pertinent organizations/ institutions/projects (e.g., EC-LEDS/AILEG/US initiatives) in terms of knowledge exchange, capacity building, research funding, etc.

Collaboration mechanism set up

REDD+S, FFI

C. Prepare knowledge products (will start in FY 2015)

Component 4: Capacity for Disaster Management in Highly Vulnerable Areas Increased

4.1: Disaster Preparedness Capacity Increased

A. Conduct vulnerability assessment; identify mitigation and adaptation measures; put emphasis on community participation



Milestones/ outputs

B+ WISER

DENR Other partners

Oct-Dec


and adaptation capacity-building

ICRAF MGB NAMRIA

PAG-ASA CCC

a. Conduct training on Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (VRA), identification and prioritization of mitigation and adaptation measures for the priority sites.

PAMB, WMC, LGUs capacitated on climate proofing

B. Integrate climate change considerations and results of vulnerability assessments into local development plans and long term strategies

DCOP, ICRAF, LUPs, FCs

NDRRMC LGUs PAG-ASA

a. Generate climate scenarios in each project site

Climate scenarios


Acade-mic institu-tions

b. Conduct vulnerability assessment using climate scenarios and thematic maps

Vulnerable places and people



c. Conduct workshop to present results of the vulnerability assessment (including biodiversity and hydrology) and identify mitigation and adaptation options

Mitigation and adaptation options



d. Prioritize mitigation and adaptation options using multi-criteria analysis

List of mitigation and adaptation options by priority

REDD+S, GIL, BFS, Elmer, ICRAF

e. Revision of the plans to integrate climate change

Climate proofed plans

C. Conduct research on role of forests in disaster mitigation (included in research agenda, Components 1 &2)

ICRAF, REDD+S

a. Develop the research agenda on the role of forests, other vegetative cover and other land uses in disaster mitigation

R&D on the role of forests and other land based activities in disaster mitigation



Milestones/ outputs

B+ WISER

DENR Other partners

Oct-Dec


D. Draft Data Sharing and Management Policy

PGS FMB PAWB NAMRIA

DOST, PAG-ASA MGB, CCC, DRRMC, OCD, Manila Observatory, BSWM

a. Work on data sharing policy (will start in 2015)

Data sharing policy drafted

REDD+S, ICRAF

E. Conduct training programs on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation (PAMB, IPs, trainors, etc.)

F. Prepare knowledge products (will start in FY 2015)

4.2: Disaster Mitigation Measures Enhanced

A. Implement priority mitigation measures identified in Program IR 4.1 including forest restoration program in upland and the coastal areas (same as Component 2)

ICRAF, REDD+S

MGB

NAMRIA

a. Implement forest restoration program identified in Program IR 4.1

[X] hectares reforested

FC b. Implement other mitigation measures identified in Program IR 4.1

Crosscutting

Gender and Inclusiveness

GIS A. Conduct gender analysis and integrate into resource management plans and other TA strategies

GIS B. Formulate B+WISER program Gender Action Plan

Gender action plan formulated



Milestones/ outputs

B+ WISER

DENR Other partners

Oct-Dec


GIS C. Conduct staff and partner's orientation on protocols for engaging with IPs, e.g., on pertinent government guidelines, best practices for dealing with IPs, communication and reporting protocols, do's and don'ts

Staff orientation on gender conducted

GIS PAFID D. Study the indigenous knowledge systems and practices pertaining to biodiversity, forest and natural resources management, including issues concerning IPs in priority sites

GIS E. Integrate IP concerns in TA provisions (e.g., in planning, enforcement, etc.)

GIS F. Prepare knowledge products

Communications Strategy

CS A. Formulate communication plan

Communication plan formulated

CS B. Develop and produce program materials

CS C. Provide communication support to various components

Communication support provided

CS D. Conduct communications campaigns

Biodiversity campaigns started

CS E. Capacity-building for target groups including journalists

CS F. Capacity building for program champions

CS G. Document and share best practices and program experiences and lessons learned

CS H. Conduct other communication activities (such as newsletter)


Acronyms: ADSDPP Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and

Protection Plan AI Academic institutions AILEG Analysis and Investment for Low-Emission Growth BFS Biodiversity and Forestry Specialist B+WISER Biodiversity and Watersheds Improved for Stronger

Economy and Ecosystem Resilience CCA Climate Change Adaptation CCC Climate Change Commission CS Communication Specialist DA Department of Agriculture CLUP Comprehensive Land Use Plan DILG Department of the Interior and Local Government DOST Department of Science and Technology DENR Department of Environment and Natural Resources EC-LEDS Enhancing Capacity for Low Emission Development

Strategy ERDB Ecosystem Research and Development Bureau FCs Field Coordinators FFI Fauna and Flora International FLUP Forest Land Use Plan FMB Forest Management Bureau FMS Forest Management Service FRA Forest Resource Assessment FY Fiscal Year GHG Greenhouse Gas GSA Guided Self-Assessment on the State of Local

Environmental Governance GIS Gender and Inclusion Specialist HLURB Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board ICRAF World Agroforestry Center IEM Integrated Ecosystems Management IP Indigenous Peoples IPAF Integrated Protected Areas Fund IR Intermediate Result LGU Local Government Unit LSP Local Service Provider

LUPS Land Use and Planning Specialist METT Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool MRV Measurement, Reporting and Verification NAECTAF National Anti-Environment Crime Task Force NAMRIA National Mapping and Resource Information Authority NBSAP National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan NEDA National Economic and Development Authority NCIP National Commission on Indigenous Peoples NFI National Forest Inventory NDRRMC National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

Council NGP National Greening Program NGGI National Greenhouse Gas Inventory PA Protected Area PAMP Protected Area Management Plan PAFID Philippine Agency for Intercultural Development PAG-ASA Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and

Astronomical Services Administration PAWB Protected Area and Wildlife Bureau PAWCZMS Protected Area, Wildlife and Coastal Zone

Management Service PES Payment for Ecosystem Services PGS Policy and Governance Specialist PO Peoples Organization RSMS Remote Sensing and Mapping Specialist REDD+S REDD+ Specialist REL Reference Emission Levels SAF Special Activities Fund SFS Sustainable Financing Specialist STTA Short Term Technical Consultant TA Technical Assistance TAF Technical Assistance Fund USFS United States Forest Service VRA Vulnerability Risk Assessment WMC Watershed Management Council WMP Watershed Management Plan


Annex C. Summary of Highlights of DENR/B+WISER Planning Workshop

29 April - 03 May 2013, Holiday Inn, Clark

Workshop Objectives and Expected Outputs

Designed together with FMB, the workshop objectives and expected outputs were the

following:

1. To discuss with DENR the objectives, strategies and one-year and five-year activities of

the B+WISER Program;

2. To discuss the operationalization of the first-year and 5-year work plans considering the

specific contexts of program sites;

3. To discuss and agree on the roles and responsibilities of the DENR at the central, regional,

and site levels and technical assistance team of the B+WISER Program in carrying out

program activities;

4. To estimate resource requirements of Program activities (travel, etc.) and responsibilities

in supplying these for calendar year 2014 and 2015.

The expected outputs were the following:

1. Shared understanding on the objectives, strategies and 5-year activities of the B+WISER

Program and their resource requirements;

2. Shared understanding and agreement on the 5-year and annual targets for 2013 and 2014

on all the performance indicators;

3. Shared understanding on the overall operational strategy for the sequencing of program

activities in each program site.

4. Identified and programmed training activities and technical assistance needed for Years 1

to 5 identified and programmed;

5. Consensus on the roles and responsibilities of the DENR at the central, regional and site

levels and B+WISER Program in carrying out program activities;

6. Agreement on indicative 5-year program calendar and a 2013 and 2014 program calendar.

Major Workshop Outputs, Agreements, and Resolutions

Workshop objectives 1-3 were achieved. In particular, the Workshop defined with clarity the

following:

1. B-WISER is a DENR program and as such its agenda is aligned with DENR’s thrusts and

priorities with respect to biodiversity conservation and watershed/forest management.

2. B-WISER is a technical assistance (not a loan) of the U.S. Government to the Philippine

Government through the DENR and as such, there will be no direct transfer of funds to the

DENR and its participating bureaus and regional offices. There are funds available from


the SAF through which Chemonics could contract non-government entities, such as

assisting professionals, academic institutions, NGOs, and other service providers to assist

DENR/B+WISER implement the workplan. In the case of assisting professionals, some

of these may be expected to be incorporated into the DENR plantilla as part of the

sustainability plan.

3. The Workshop brought together for the first time the two sectors that are critical for the

biodiversity conservation thrust of the DENR, i.e., protected area management and

watershed/forest management. The implementation arrangements for this, a

Subcommittee on Forest Conservation and Management led by FMB and USAID as co-

chairs and PAWB as vice-chair need further discussion.

4. The role of the PASu is very important and needs to be articulated in the workplans.

5. The proposed activity - improved access to the IPAF is on-going under another PAWB

initiative and need not be tackled by B+WISER.

With respect to workshop objectives 4-5, the following points were raised:

1. All appreciated the IEM framework, but this may be difficult to implement. For example,

six sites have Protected Areas, but the ridge to reef approach is not evident in those sites

where the PA does not span the whole watershed. Some sites have both WMC and

PAMB which augurs for the operationalization of the IEM/ridge to reef approach.

2. DENR identified existing plans (such as PA plans in the case of Naujan, WMP in the case

of ENRMP sites, Quinali A and Bago watersheds), as points of entry for specific

B+WISER activities.

3. Forest “restoration” needs to be defined further.

4. Biodiversity Assessment is different from Biodiversity Monitoring. With respect to the

latter, a review should be conducted on the BMS and potential updates using new tools

and technologies. BWISER was asked to help analyze BM data.

5. Subsequent financial planning will ensue with the FCs working with the regional teams

led by the REDs.

6. Meetings with the PAMB will be scheduled and led by the RED and PASu for which

B+WISER will prepare the presentation materials and reference documents.

7. Roles and responsibilities of both DENR and B-WISER in the implementation of the

Program activities.

8. The first iteration of 2013-2014 Workplans by priority site was prepared by the workshop

groups and presented at plenary. These will be attached to the updated 2013 workplan

(Revision 5).

9. An operational manual is needed to guide all with respect to communication protocols,

sharing of data and resources, and personnel.

10. Office spaces were identified for each of the sites except Regions 11 and 12 (Mt. Apo).

FMB office space has been identified as well.


Next Steps (May-June 2013)

1. Conduct of second iteration of the work plans and resource requirements. This will be

done at the field sites with the guidance of the B-WISER technical specialists.

2. Conduct of post-workshop assessment with FMB and PAWB (May 10 and 6

respectively).

3. Conduct of courtesy calls to the concerned RDCs, PAMBs and WMCs during May and

June

4. Coordination with other DENR offices, i.e., Special Concerns Office, ERDB, and Office

of the Undersecretary for Operations.

5. Coordination with other government agencies, i.e., NCIP, DA/BFAR, LGU (DILG) for

scheduling by DENR and USAID.

6. Coordination with other USAID and other foreign-assisted projects including US DOI

assistance to forest law enforcement.

7. B+WISER team: Draft modules on assessments and prioritized research agenda in

consultation with FMB/PAWB.

8. Drafting of B+WISER-specific operational manual on communication protocols, sharing

of data, resources, and personnel.


Annex D. B+WISER Priority Sites

Brief Description of Seven Priority Sites

1. Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park (NSMNP)

Located in eastern Isabela Province, NSMNP has an area of 359,486 hectares consisting of

287,861 hectares of land and 71,625 hectares of marine areas. It is unique for its extent of

undisturbed lowland dipterocarp rainforest, and it includes undisturbed forests extending

from the coast to the mountain peaks. The rivers and streams flowing from the park’s forests

are the main source of water for domestic, agriculture and industrial use in northeastern

Luzon. NSMNP’s coastline features diverse ecosystems including estuaries, mangroves,

beach forest, sea grass beds and coral reefs supporting marine species such as marine turtles

and dugongs. The pristine forest in NSMNP makes it the most important site for bird

conservation and it is home to the Philippine Eagle. There are a great number of threatened

endemic birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles. It also holds many endemic and rare

plants.

The park is threatened by agricultural development, tenure related issues, land speculation and

hunting. Several areas in the uplands are settled, where soil erosion and soil nutritional

damage are prevalent as a result of kaingin and illegal logging. The park has a PAMB and a

Protected Area Management Plan.

2. Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape-Kaliwa Watershed Forest Reserve

This priority area covers 2 major watersheds, the Upper Marikina River Basin and Kaliwa

Watershed. Total area is 53,733 hectares, with the Upper Marikina River Basin having a total

area of 29,905 hectares.

The Upper Marikina River Basin is located about 20 km east of Manila. It covers 3

municipalities in Rizal Province. It is accessed via three major roads: the Marcos Highway,

also known as the Marikina-Infanta road, on the side of Antipolo City; and the Rodriguez-

Quezon City Road (Litex Road) and the San Mateo- Rodriguez Road on the side of

Rodriquez.

The major vegetation communities in the watershed include the following: (a) Agricultural

areas/ Agro forestry/ Plantations; (b) Grasslands; (c) Bamboo thickets; (d) Secondary Growth

Vegetation; (e) Lowland evergreen Forest; (f) Forest over Limestone; and (g) Mountain

Forest. Kaingin, is most prevalent in the area. Most areas are also used for small-scale fruit

production.


3. Quinali A Watershed

The Bicol River Basin (BRB) is located within the provinces of Camarines Sur and Albay in

Region V covering a total area of about 317,389 hectares. Quinali Watershed, which is

located within the BRB is around 53,566 hectares located within Albay, and covering 6

municipalities. The BRB has a population that exceeds 1.5 million, and majority of its

population is dependent on agriculture, but their livelihood and settlements are continually

threatened by extensive flooding and inundation caused by tropical storms and typhoons that

frequent the region. The river basin is within the main typhoon belt of the Philippines, and on

the average experiences 15 to 20 typhoons per year, with heavy rainfall and strong winds

leading to severe flooding and damage to crops. The severe degradation of forest and

biodiversity in the watershed areas is manifested by dwindling forest cover and the

endangered species of flora and fauna. The biodiversity of the Bicol River Basin has suffered

severely from degradation of its forest and water resources. The flora and fauna in the

different watershed areas within the Bicol River basin is generally the same, but some areas

have certain unique or endemic species. The forests of the basin have several existing

vegetative cover, which include old growth forest, second growth forest, brush land,

cultivated, cogon/open land, and reforestation areas. Mid-mountain forests (600 - 900 asl) are

dominated by dipterocarp species mixed with narra, almaciga and other important timber tree

species. The basin’s plant composition includes hardwood species, shrubs, ferns, liverworts,

lianas, rattans, orchids, palms, vines and grasses.

4. Naujan Lake National Park Sub-watersheds

The Naujan Lake watershed is about 30,000 hectares, covering 4 municipalities. Its watershed

is drained by various creeks that drain into the Naujan Lake, and the water of the lake exits

via its lone outlet, the Butas River. The Naujan Lake itself, which is the 5th largest lake in the

Philippines, has an area of 8,125 hectares and a maximum depth of 45 meters.

NLNP watershed has 3 major vegetation types: lowland dipterocarp forest, mixed mangrove

swamp-beach forest; and marshland type. The forests are sporadically scattered in narrow

ridges, steep hill slopes, gullies, and precipices along the main waterways, and occupies only

about 15%of the total vegetation present in the whole area. The highly fragmented vegetation

landscape contains 613 vascular plant species, 98 species of vertebrates, 5 species

amphibians, 12 reptiles, 68 avian fauna and 13 mammals.

The NLNP is also home to at least 15 species of water birds. The lake is the habitat of the

endangered freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis).

Existing land use within NLNP shows that settlement areas adjacent to the lake are expanding

along the lake's shoreline. Areas irrigated via rivers and tributaries of the lake are devoted to

paddy rice. There has been a large increase in the areas planted to fruit trees and perennial

crops. The lake is a RAMSAR site since 1999, and Mangyans are the IPs in the area.

NLNP has a PAMB and a PA Management Plan.


5. Bago River Forest Watershed Reserve

Bago River Watershed Forest Reserve covers 3 cities and 3 municipalities. It has an area of

61,926 hectares, of which 51% of which is Alienable and Disposable Land and 49% is forest

land. It covers 2 PAs, the Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park covering an approximate area of

12,872.46 hectares (20.79% of the watershed), and the Northern Negros Forest Reserve which

has an area of 18,102.73 hectares (29.23%)

Major plant species in the watershed area are generally found in the areas of Mt. Kanlaon

Natural Park. Dominant species are mostly dipterocarps. Biodiversity in the area is still rich

and abundant; however the basal area/portion of the park/mountains has now been converted

into agricultural land due to rapid encroachment of settlers from lowland. Mossy forest could

be found in the upper most portion of Northern Negros Forest Reserve, and in Mt. Kanlaon

Natural Park. Residual forest is visible in the areas of Don Salvador Benedicto, Murcia and

Talisay. Open grasslands/brush lands are being farmed by the settlers and serve as pasture

area for livestock. Cultivated lands are composed of irrigated and rain fed rice fields, which

are also being farmed for production of vegetables and other seasonal crops.

There is a Watershed Management Plan for Bago, and there are also PAMBs and PA

Management Plans for the 2 PAs within the watershed.

6. Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park

Mt Kitanglad Range Natural Park is the major watershed of Northern Mindanao, supplying

lowland communities with water for domestic, irrigation and industrial uses. It has an area of

29,716 hectares. The park includes an extensive mountain range with about a dozen peaks,

containing mountain and mossy forests. It is a popular bird watching site, and is also known

to have a population of Philippine Eagles. There are several important mammals in the park,

including some recently discovered new species of small non-violent mammals. The area is

rich in gymnosperms and ferns, and it has more than 300 species of flora used mostly as

herbal medicines by the indigenous people living in the park. The indigenous inhabitants of

MKRNP- the Talaandigs, Higaonons and Bukidnons. The park is severely affected by human

activities, like high value crops planting, kaingin, and small-scale logging. This major

watershed has a PAMB and PA Management Plan.

7. Mt Apo Natural Park

Mt Apo Natural Park is the major watershed of the Provinces of Davao del Sur, Cotabato

Province and Davao City. It has an area of 72,113 hectares, and it has the highest peak in the

Philippines at 2,954 meters. The northeastern slopes of Mt Apo drain into the Davao rivers

and their tributaries. Mt Apo is one of the wettest areas in the Philippines; with a mean annual

rainfall of 2,500 mm. Mt Apo consists of lowland dipterocarp forest, lower and upper

mountain forests, elfin woodland, scrub and summit grassland. There are 6 ethnic tribes living

in Mt Apo, and it is the ancestral domain of the Bagobo, Manobo and Klata indigenous

peoples. There are large numbers of settlers in the lower slopes. There are many important


endemic birds in Mt Apo, which also is the home of the Philippine Eagle. There are over 800

species of vascular plants, including endemics.

The biggest threat to the park is the encroachment of settlers and kaingin. It has a functional

PAMB and a PA Management Plan.


Map of Priority Sites

2013 ANNUAL WORKPLAN - United States Agency for ...pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00N4KN.pdf · 2013...

Documents

Transcript of 2013 ANNUAL WORKPLAN - United States Agency for ...pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00N4KN.pdf · 2013...