Individuals, groups and companies can again apply for special use agreement of protected areas (Sapa), now that the suspension of its issuance has been lifted, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu announced on Friday. ADVERTISEMENTThe Sapa is an instrument issued to private persons and groups that allows them to make productive use of a protected area identified under Republic Act No. 7586, or the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992. For poverty reductionThe Sapa is meant “to provide access and economic opportunities to indigenous peoples, tenured migrant communities and other stakeholders” of protected areas. The fee will be deposited in the Integrated Protected Area Fund.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer May 04, 2018 20:48 UTC