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Chapter 3 Program Areas In this chapter, the actions referred in the previous chapter have been arranged under appropriate program headings. This grouping will provide a focus for development of specific activities, such as components in annual programs and development assistance projects. I. Policy Review and Formulation A. Wetlands Concepts and Coverage To develop a national definition and classification of wetlands adopted for use by all agencies responsible for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. To prioritize the identification and protection of wetlands which have high biodiversity values, as well as wetlands which contribute to the maintenance of non-wetland sites. To review the approach adopted in selecting IPAS reserves to ensure that a full range of viable representatives of the wetland types found in the Philippines is included. To formulate a general government policy on river basin or watershed development. To ensure that the NIPAS, through PAWB, contains areas with viable populations of seagrass beds and types of seagrass communities in the country. To make a government statement of policy that sets clearly that the Philippine government, as a general principle, supports and advocates cooperation with NGOs, POs, academe and other concerned groups in wetland conservation and management activities such as data gathering, project implementation and monitoring. To legally recognize the ancestral domain of the indigenous peoples and give them preferential use of the wetland resources as long as their activities are traditional, sustainable and compatible with the management goals and objectives of the programs on wetlands and catchment areas. To consider the development and implementation of wetland conservation measures based on the lifestyles, cultural values and beliefs of indigenous peoples. This should be consistent with the overall conservation of significant wetlands. B. Review and Formulation of Polic