WRITTEN QUESTION E-2075/97 by Maartje van Putten (PSE) to the Commission (19 June 1997)

Subject: National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) in the Phillippines

Further to its reply to Question E-3115/96 ((OJ C 105, 3.4.1997, p. 51.)), can the Commission supply the following more detailed information:

1. To what extent has the process of ascertaining the presence of indigenous communities in the selected areas been completed? How was this done, and by whom? Does the Commission have information on which peoples live in these areas, what economic activities they engage in, and how many people are involved?

2. How will indigenous peoples be represented on the administration of NIPAS? Will they for example sit on the Project Area Management Boards? Is there any provision for a percentage of the posts needing to be filled to be held by members of indigenous communities? If so, which posts would go to them?

3. What form will communication between indigenous communities and, for example, the staff of NIPAS take?

4. To what extent are the indigenous communities and indigenous people's organizations aware of the content of the bilateral agreement? Has it been distributed to the people affected?

Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (28 July 1997)

1. The presence of indigenous communities is ascertained by staff of the National integrated protected areas programme (NIPAP) through the review of secondary literature, rapid rural appraisals, baseline surveys and direct contacts with key informants in the areas such as local government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and church groups, and the indigenous communities and their leaders. For six of the NIPAP protected areas, practically all indigenous communities have been ascertained. In this process, NIPAP has identified more detailed information on the indigenous communities, such as the various economic activities, the location, population estimates, and the farming and fishing practices.

2. Each protected area is governed by a protected area management board (PAMB). The involvement of the indigenous peoples in the management of the National integrated protected area system (NIPAS) is through their representation in the PAMB in their respective area. Section 11 of Republic Act number 7586 of 1992, prescribes that one representative of each tribal community shall be a member of the PAMB. There is no provision for the percentage of posts held by indigenous communities, but each distinct community has a seat on the PAMB.

3. Besides the appraisals described under point 1, NIPAP maintains regular contact with the indigenous communities through their representatives at the PAMB. The national co-director of NIPAP sits as a non-voting member at the PAMB, and exchanges information regarding plans and activities of NIPAP. The PAMB is due to meet at least twice a year, but in practice meetings take place more frequently. NIPAP further maintains contact with the indigenous communities at grass roots level through the implementation of information, education and communication (IEC) activities.

4. During the inception phase of the NIPAP, a series of consultations have been held informing the communities and their representatives about the planned project activities. Following these initial consultations, NIPAP is holding further consultations and organising workshops with those directly concerned. These occasions have been used to distribute documentation containing detailed information about the bilateral agreement between the Commission and the Philippines on NIPAP. Furthermore, this information has been disseminated through the IEC activities.