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The group defined the criteria that they will use in priority-setting (see presentation). It
was also noted that the maps downloaded from the website philreefs.org. are the useful
working maps for the marine group. Perry also mentioned that the marine would be
divided into several taxa for the production of status reports for each taxon. Each taxon
will be handled by experts involved in that particular field, for example, Dr. Rey dela Paz
of DLSU and Rodolfo Reyes of IClARM will be handling the museum collections of fishes.
PLANTS (Annex 20)
A. Definition and Classifiwtion of Habiht Types
The group assessed that the definition of SITE / HABrTAT used by the NBCPSW
thematic groups should be standardized. There was a consensus that the
standard type of habitat to be used should conform to global standards but
should relate to what is actually on the ground.
Habitat is a primary concern of the PLANT WORKING GROUP
Whitmore's classification (abridged in Fernando's report - see Annex 21) was to
be adapted but refinements were discussed using the group's knowledge on
existing types of vegetation in the country. Dr. Fernando's unpublished paper on
Vegetation of the Philippine Islands was also an extensive contribution to the
discussion.
The range of habitat types used by the vertebrate group was narrowed down to
only 13 major types.
The thorough discussion led to the development of a paper, giving samples of
the area representing each classification type and the corresponding description
of the sites.
B, Review and Prioritkation of Criteria
Given a guide of criteria matrix developed by the Working Group Leaden from
previous regional consultations, the plant group refined and clarified each
criterion, taking into consideration its utility for prioritization of sites using plants
as indicators.
Another matrix was developed; each habitat type paired and given scores of
prioritization (1 to 5 points, 1 being the highest) with each criterion (see Criteria
Prioritization table in the Plant Group Workshop presentation). Further
discussions gave emphasis on criteria present on-s~te and can be assessed by the
experts in presence.
Other criteria not given values were reserved for later fine-tuning of priorities to
be used if there are sufficient data. It was recommended that all possible criteria
be considered in the national workshop.
C Mapphg of Data and Sources
Maps of Luzon and Palawan with political boundaries were overlaid with
protected-area maps to assess which (a) sites that have been well-studied and
have sufficient data, (b) those that have been studied but no available literature
and (c) those that have not been studied and have very limited information.
Sites of collections of each working group members were also plotted on the
maps.
Sources of information detailed on the maps include:
(a.) Published Literature (b.) Unpublished Reports (c.) Collection Reports