By 2040, at least 24% of terrestrial and inland water areas, and 16% of coastal and marine areas are effectively conserved and managed

The main document here would be the OECM list being drafted by the DENR which would consolidate in the list the different areas being protected by different agencies and people. This includes: LGU – protected areas; KBAs, reference ecosystems of the mining areas, biodiversity corridors wherein priority species move or inhabit. The ancestral domains of the IPs although part of the protected area (protection by the IPs) may not be included in the OECM but will be included in the tabulation of the protected areas. There are more areas which have been identified but these are being validated and some need to undergo stakeholders consultation or agreements.

To support the achievement of the target to conserve 30% of land and sea by 2040 in the Philippines, several actions involving various stakeholders should be taken.

Identification and Designation of New Protected Areas:

• Identification of potential OECMs,  numerical targets for 30x30, keystone/threatened species
• Involvement of  government agencies/ LGUs/ private sector/ civil society/ academe/ other sectors on the establishment/designation/management of OECMs and updating the OECM Registry
• Designate new protected areas under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act and Expanded NIPAS Act.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify ecologically significant areas deserving protection (these would include locally managed MPAs, KBAs, ICCAs, and OECMs).
• Engage with indigenous peoples and local communities to recognize and integrate their territories into protected area management plans (ancestral domains). The ancestral domains are large tracts of land and marine areas (ancestral domain waters) which could be a huge contribution to the 30% target. 
• Tabulate the areas of protection under several levels of protection to ensure the 30% protection of land and sea. 

Development of Ecologically Sound and Inclusive Conservation and Management Plans:

• Formulation and adoption of management Plans for Protected Areas and OECMs with geo-spatial plans on land use, vulnerability and risks, tenurial instruments
• Adoption of Management Plans for Protected Areas and OECMs with Geo-spatial plans on land use, vulnerability and risks, tenurial instruments
• Allocate adequate funding for the implementation of these plans, including resources for biodiversity monitoring, enforcement, and community engagement.

Establishment of Functioning Management Bodies:

• Assess the status of each governance body viz target sites
• Development of a policy that will install ARA compliance
• Create management bodies or strengthen existing ones for each designated protected area.
• Ensure these bodies consist of representatives from relevant government agencies, indigenous groups, local communities, and other stakeholders.
• Provide capacity-building support to enhance their effectiveness in conservation management.

Implementation of Threat Reduction Measures:

• Preparation of NBS decision map per target area that is (fully)  populated with NBS prescriptions under implementation and for implementation
• Strengthen resources mobilization efforts to address these.
• Enforce laws and policies to address key threats to biodiversity, such as illegal logging, poaching, overfishing, and habitat destruction.
• Implement sustainable land and resource management practices to mitigate human-induced pressures on ecosystems.
• Promote community-based conservation initiatives to enhance local stewardship and resilience against environmental threats.

Monitoring and Evaluation: 

• Conduct of Management Effectiveness Assessment using the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) or MEAT in Protected Areas and OECMs
• Develop robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track progress towards the 30% conservation target.
• Regularly assess the effectiveness of conservation measures and adjust strategies as needed.
• Engage with scientific institutions, NGOs, and local communities to gather data and assess the ecological health of protected areas.

Allocate funds to implement the approved management plans.

• Allocate adequate funding for the implementation of these plans, including resources for biodiversity monitoring, enforcement, and community engagement.

The 30% of land and sea protected in the Philippines is a commitment the country is honoring as much as can be done. It is looking towards the inclusion of several other areas being protected by several government agencies - (DENR, DA, DILG (local government units), DND),NCIP,  academe, NHI (National Historical Institute) and  private groups among others. 

• Haribon Foundation
• Forest Foundation Philippines
• Wetland International Philippines
• Non-Timber Forest Products Exchange Programme Philippines
• Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc.
• Wildlife Conservation Society
• Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc.
• Gaia Exploration Club

Barriers to implementation are varied. Support of other government agencies, the LGUs, the local community, other agencies and stakeholders in the areas are essential for the implementation of activities. 

The availability of staff time to do the conservation and management plans for all the additional protected areas may be a limiting factor. This may be a result of insufficient funding.

Please indicate if additional means of implementation are needed for the attainment of this national target. 

With the increased protected areas (e.g. KBAs, OECMS) under different management regimes, standardized conservation measures and plans may be difficult to implement.

It is also important to document and share good practices to expand options and learn from the experiences of each other, rewarding positive outcomes.

Training for managers of the OECMs may be needed. This also mean that some funds be made available to improve the management with increase of PA “guards”