Aside from NIPAS areas, there are also protected areas which are “Non-NIPAS.” The current issue pervading in protected areas is the actual protection and preservation of these areas from illegal activities.

The objective of the GIS Analysis is to map out the protected areas as part of the input maps in determining suitable areas for future urban development. The final output map will show the areas which should be protected and therefore are not available for urban development.

(RA 7586 NIPAS Act)
Section 8 Buffer Zones For each protected area, there shall be established peripheral buffer zones when necessary, in the same manner as Congress establishes the protected area, to protect the same from activities that will directly and indirectly harm it. Such buffer zones shall be included in the individual protected area management plan that shall be prepared for each protected area. The DENR shall exercise its authority over protected areas as provided in this Act on such area designated as buffer zones.

Strict Nature Reserve is an area possessing some outstanding ecosystem, features and/or species of flora and fauna of national scientific importance maintained to protect nature and maintain processes in an undisturbed state in order to have ecologically representative examples of the natural environment available for scientific study, environmental monitoring, education, and for the maintenance of genetic resources in a dynamic and evolutionary state;

Natural Park is a relatively large area not materially altered by human activity where extractive resource uses are not allowed and maintained to protect outstanding natural and scenic areas of national or international significance for scientific, educational and recreational use;

Natural Monument is a relatively small area focused on protection of small features to protect or preserve nationally significant natural features on account of their special interest or unique characteristics;

Wildlife Sanctuary comprises an area which assures the natural conditions necessary to protect nationally significant species, groups of species, biotic communities or physical features of the environment where these may require specific human manipulation for the perpetuation;

Protected Landscapes and Seascapes are areas of national significance which are characterized by the harmonious interaction of man and land while providing opportunities for public enjoyment through recreation and tourism within the normal lifestyle and economic activity of these areas;

Resource Reserve is an extensive and relatively isolated and uninhabited area normally with difficult access designated as such to protect natural resource of the area for future use and prevent or contain development activities that could affect the resource pending the establishment of objectives which are based upon appropriate knowledge and planning;

Natural Biotic Area is an area set aside to allow the way of life of societies living in harmony with the environment to adapt to modern technology at their pace;

Other Categories established by law, conventions or international agreements which the Philippine Government is a signatory.

LM05 NIPAS 
LM06 Non-NIPAS