By 2030, the Harvest Control Rules and Reference Points for  wildlife species (RA 9147) and capture fisheries under (RA 10654) are in place

The measures and actions are not going to be achieved without the actions of various stakeholders from the NGAs (DENR, DA, DILG, NCIP, NEDA, DILG (LGUs), DOST, CHED (SUCs)) (and their line agencies), NGOs, ACB, etc. To achieve the indicators listed for KMGBF Target 9 in the Philippines, several activities need to be implemented (in collaborations with other relevant agencies/stakeholders) to provide information for each indicator.

Implement actions to minimize impacts of unsustainable practices on wildlife:

• Strict enforcement of laws and policies against illegal trade of wildlife
• Conduct a review of existing wildlife protection laws and regulations to identify gaps and areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement new policies and regulations targeting hunting, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade, with a focus on protecting vulnerable and migratory species.
• Strengthen law enforcement agencies and capacity to combat wildlife crime through training, equipment provision, and collaboration with other agencies and stakeholders.
• Establish partnerships with international organizations and neighboring countries to address transboundary issues related to wildlife conservation and illegal trade.
• Issuance of wildlife permits
• Compliance monitoring of permit holders
• Determination of annual quota for wild collection (with  conditions to address sustainability issues).

Document by-catch of vulnerable and target species (DENR, DA: BFAR):

• Reporting and active monitoring of by-catch of vulnerable and target species 
  • Conduct comprehensive surveys and assessments of harvesting, hunting and fishing activities in different terrestrial, marine and freshwater ecosystems to quantify by-catch of vulnerable and target species.
• Monitoring of wild populations of economically important terrestrial and aquatic species
• Develop monitoring programs and protocols to record and document by-catch data, including species composition, quantities, and harvesting, hunting and  fishing methods used.
• Engage gatherers, hunters and fishers and local and fishing communities in participatory monitoring and data collection efforts to enhance accuracy and coverage.
• Analyze by-catch data to identify trends, hotspots, and potential mitigation measures to reduce impacts on vulnerable species.

Conduct ecological carrying capacity assessments:

• Conduct scientific studies and assessments to determine the ecological carrying capacity of marine and freshwater ecosystems, including factors such as habitat suitability, population dynamics, and resource availability.
• Collaborate with research institutions, universities, and experts to develop standardized methodologies and models for assessing carrying capacity.
• Utilize remote sensing, GIS technology, and other tools to gather spatial data and analyze habitat suitability and distribution of key species.
• Integrate findings from carrying capacity assessments into ecosystem-based management plans and decision-making processes.

Implement closed seasons for fisheries: (DA-BFAR) (Target 5)

• Consult with stakeholders, including fishers, scientists, and government agencies, to identify appropriate time periods and areas for implementing closed seasons.
• Develop and disseminate regulations and guidelines for implementing closed seasons, including penalties for non-compliance.
• Monitor fishing activities during closed seasons through regular patrols, surveillance, and remote sensing technologies.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of closed seasons in reducing fishing pressure and improving fish stocks through periodic assessments and reviews (NSAP?).

Strengthen wildlife regulation and enforcement activities: (DENR, DA-BFAR)

• Establishment and operationalization of Wildlife Traffic Monitoring Units in seaports and airports
• Deputization and moblilization of Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEOs)
• Increase funding and resources for wildlife law enforcement agencies, including personnel, equipment, and training programs.
• Enhance coordination and cooperation among relevant government agencies, law enforcement authorities, and non-governmental organizations involved in wildlife protection.
• Conduct regular patrols, inspections, and surveillance operations to detect and deter illegal activities such as poaching, trafficking, and habitat destruction.
• Implement community-based monitoring and reporting systems to gather information on wildlife crimes and suspicious activities.

Enforce catch limits (DENR, BFAR):

• Establishment of science-based allowable harvest limits and harvesting guidelines established for priority species in terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems 
• Maintenance of effective population size (* for further validation)
• Establish science-based catch limits for key terrestrial species, fish stocks and species, taking into account ecological sustainability and socio-economic considerations.
• Implement monitoring programs to track fishing effort and catch levels, including the use of logbooks, onboard observers, and electronic monitoring systems.
• Enforce catch limits through inspections, audits, and penalties for violations, with transparent and accountable enforcement mechanisms.
• Engage with fishers and fishing communities to promote compliance with catch limits and foster a culture of responsible fishing practices.

Increase economic incentives/policies for less destructive fishing methods: (linked to Target 18 on incentives) (DA-BFAR)

• Develop and implement incentive schemes and subsidies to promote the adoption of fish-friendly gear and sustainable fishing practices.
• Provide technical assistance and training programs to fishers on the use of selective gear and sustainable fishing techniques.
• Collaborate with industry stakeholders, fishers' associations, and cooperatives to develop and promote certification schemes for sustainably harvested seafood products.
• Establish market-based mechanisms such as eco-labeling and premium pricing for products sourced from less destructive fishing methods.

Ensure men and women in local communities apply biodiversity-friendly practices (Target 23) (DA-BFAR and DENR):

• Conduct outreach and capacity-building activities to raise awareness among local communities, including men and women, about the importance of biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource use.
• Provide training and support for the adoption of biodiversity-friendly practices, such as agroforestry, organic farming, and sustainable land management.
• Facilitate community-led initiatives and demonstration projects to showcase successful examples of biodiversity-friendly practices and their benefits.
• Promote gender equality and women's empowerment in natural resource management through inclusive decision-making processes and access to resources and opportunities (Target 23).

Ensure men and women fisherfolk associations and people's organizations can practice traditional occupations (Target 22): DA- BFAR, NCIP?

• Adapt “fair trade” principles and practices to wildlife based products and vigorously disseminate information especially in areas found to have high incidence.
• Support the establishment and strengthening of fisherfolk associations and people's organizations through capacity-building, organizational development, and networking opportunities.
• Provide technical assistance and training programs to enhance the skills and capabilities of men and women in traditional fishing occupations, including navigation, fish handling, and gear maintenance.
• Advocate for the recognition and protection of traditional fishing rights and practices, including customary access to fishing grounds and resources.
• Facilitate dialogue and collaboration between fisherfolk associations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to address issues and challenges facing traditional fishing communities.

By implementing these activities, the Philippines can effectively monitor progress towards achieving Target 9 and contribute to the sustainable management and use of wild species while providing social, economic, and environmental benefits for people, especially those in vulnerable situations and dependent on biodiversity.

Haribon Foundation

For the additional means of implementation, it is critical that the collaboration of the relevant stakeholders are in place and agreed upon since different agencies provide and monitor different aspects of this target.

Compile available data on illegal harvest/ trade/unsustainable use and analyze trends as to : specific species, locations, volume and responsible parties and regularly publish cases caught, served, under litigation, convicted for information of relevant parties e.g. LGUs under whose jurisdiction the crime has been committed/ is ongoing as well as the buyers of the illegally acquired commodities (has equal liability).