MANILA — The Philippines is hosting the 12th Meeting of Partners (MOP12) of the East Asian–Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) for the first time. The event underscores the nation’s vital role in protecting migratory waterbirds and their wetland habitats.
In a statement on Monday, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said its Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) organized the five-day meeting. The meeting runs from November 10 to 14 at the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary (OIWS) near Mactan Island in Cebu.
Olango Island: A Critical Stopover
Olango Island is the country’s first Flyway Network Site (FNS) and a designated Ramsar site, or Wetland of International Importance. It serves as a critical stopover and wintering ground for thousands of migratory waterbirds. For example, globally threatened species such as the Asian Dowitcher, Chinese Egret, Far Eastern Curlew, and Great Knot visit the island.
“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 DENR-BMB Assistant Director Mariglo Rosaida Laririt. She highlighted the shared responsibility of protecting wetlands for both people and wildlife.
A Platform for Collaboration
According to the DENR, the MOP serves as a platform for EAAFP partners, experts, and observers. Together, they exchange knowledge, strengthen collaborations, and promote science-based approaches to wetland and waterbird conservation.
More than 300 delegates from over 20 countries are participating in the event. They include government officials, non-government organizations (NGOs), academics, and Flyway site managers.
Source: PNA
