There is a need to review and harmonize a number of conflicting and overlapping policies. A case of policy conflict is that between forest protection laws, on the one hand, and the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA), on the other. AFMA encourages agriculture expansion into the uplands including forestlands through the creation of Strategic Agriculture and Fisheries Development Zone (SAFDZs) that promote the production of high value crops such as coconut, pineapple and sugarcane. While there is a need to improve the income of upland farmers, the identification of suitable upland areas for commercial high-value crop production should be given priority and closely undertaken together with DENR to avoid onsite and offsite negative externalities. The NIPAS Act is also in conflict with the Fishery Code on the municipal water income of municipalities within protected areas, as well as the LGC on the matter of the jurisdiction of LGUs within protected areas. Conflicts also exist in the implementation of various laws such as the Mining Act, NIPAS Act, IPRA and the LGC, among others. These conflicts, overlaps, or divergent interpretations have led to the delay or suspension of some projects.