The Philippines has committed to protect migratory waterbirds and their wetland habitats by ensuring favorable conditions and strengthening conservation efforts.
“Let us ensure that conservation is not pursued in isolation, but integrated with our aspirations for sustainable development, climate resilience, and the well-being of our people,” said Mariglo Rosaida Laririt, assistant director of the Biodiversity Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Laririt stressed the shared mission of ensuring favorable conditions for migratory birds and people by safeguarding the ecological and cultural value of wetlands.
The Philippines hosted the 12th Meeting of Partners (MOP12) of the East Asian–Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) for the first time, highlighting the country’s crucial role in protecting migratory waterbirds and their wetland habitats.
The meeting organized by the DENR and BMB and ran from Nov. 10 to 14 at the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary (OIWS), near Mactan Island in Cebu.
Olango Island, designated as a Ramsar site or a Wetland of International Importance, is the country’s first Flyway Network Site (FNS).
The OIWS is a crucial stopover and wintering ground for thousands of migratory waterbirds, including globally threatened species, such as the Asian Dowitcher, Chinese Egret, Far Eastern Curlew and Great Knot.
The DENR said that the MOP12, which brings together EAAFP partners, experts and observers, is a platform for knowledge exchange, strengthening partnerships and advancing science-based approaches to wetland and waterbird conservation.
The event was attended by over 300 delegates from more than 20 countries, including government officials, non-government organizations (NGOs), academics and Flyway site managers.
The EAAFP connects 22 countries along one of the world’s most significant migratory bird routes, from Alaska and Russia, down to Australia and New Zealand, supporting more than 50 million migratory waterbirds, including endangered species like the Far Eastern Curlew, Spoon-billed Sandpiper and Black-faced Spoonbill.
Marita Moaje/PNA
The MOP12 will also mark several conservation milestones, including the recognition of three new Flyway Network Sites, the designation of two new Ramsar Sites, and the recognition of one Wetland City.
“There are important discussions ahead about the future of our flyway. Through MOP12, the EAAFP seeks to gather the perspectives of government and non-government partners, and engage other sectors to strengthen collaboration and push for a more inclusive approach to conservation,” EAAFP chief executive Jennifer George said in a statement.
The DENR said this year’s theme, “Weaving Connections: Celebrating Migration, Traditional Knowledge, and Innovation across our Flyway,” emphasizes the importance of integrating biodiversity conservation with sustainable development, climate resilience, and the well-being of local communities. Marita Moaje/PNA
