Republic Act. No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act was passed into law in 2001. It is an Act providing for the conservation and protection of wildlife resources and their habitats, appropriating funds therefor and for other purposes.
In 2001, Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act was passed into law. While RA 9147 is a groundbreaking law that expanded protection coverage to all wildlife and empowered regulation agencies, there continues to be an increase in IWT cases, threatening extinction of wildlife species and elevating risks of zoonotic diseases.
RA 9147 must be urgently amended and strengthened, as IWT has become increasingly sophisticated and organized two decades after the law’s passage. Crime syndicates are exploiting legal loopholes owing to the law’s vague language, low fines and penalties that fail to serve as deterrent, and limited enforcement capacity.
2. Republic Act 9147
• A Philippine law aimed at protecting and
conserving the country’s wildlife
resources and their habitats
• It also provides guidelines and
regulations for the proper management,
conservation, and protection for wildlife
species and their habitats
3. Scope and Coverage
The law covers all wildlife species found in the Philippines, whether they
are endemic, indigenous or introduced.
Critical habitats
Exotic species which are subject to trade, are cultured, maintained and/or
bred in captivity or propagated in the country.
4. Regulation
Conservation Focus
The law provides a framework
for regulating the capture,
trade, and transportation of
wildlife.
Prioritizes the conservation
and protection of wildlife
resources in the Philippines
STRENGTH OF R.A 9147
5. Public Awareness
Penalties
Promotes public awareness and
education regarding the importance of
wildlife conservation , fostering a
culture of environmental stewardship
This law imposes significant
penalties, including imprisonment
and fines, for individuals or entities
found guilty of violating its
provisions, serving as deterrent to
illegal wildlife activities
STRENGTH OF R.A 9147
6. Lack of Resources
Insufficient funding and manpower
Inadequate monitoring, allowing illegal
wildlife trade to persist.
Leading to uneven protection for wildlife
habitat.
WEAKNESS OF R.A 9147
Enforcement Challenges
Inconsistencies
01
03
02
04
Cultural Practices
Involve the use of wildlife products, which may
cause conflict with the provisions of R..A 9147.
