DENR Administrative Order No. 2018-21 on the Lawin Forest and Biodiversity Protection System as a National Strategy for Forest Biodiversity Protection in the Philippines.

This Administrative Order lays down rules and regulations for the Lawin Forest and Biodiversity Protection System as a National Strategy for Forest Biodiversity Protection in the Philippines. It aims to protect, conserve, properly use and sustainably manage forestry and biological resources to ensure environmental security, serve as an engine for economic growth and socio-cultural development, reduce disaster and climate risks, and improve ecosystem services for the welfare of and equitable benefits of the present and future generations. This Order covers the implementation of Lawin at all levels within the Department and applies to all closed, open, inland terrestrial and mangrove forests in the country regardless of size, use and administrative jurisdictions. This Order aims to adopt the Lawin Forest and Biodiversity Protection System as a National Strategy for Forest Biodiversity in the country which will strengthen forest and biodiversity protection through the application of a science-based and technology-aided forest protection system that is relevant to forest and biodiversity management. It also ensures transparency, accountability, and efficiency in forestry and biodiversity protection and conservation activities.