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Connect, Conserve, Celebrate. One of the country’s avian visitors spotted at the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary (OIWS), the first Flyway Network Site (FNS) in the Philippines. The Siberian Sand-Plover (Anarhynchus mongolus) is listed as an endangered migratory waterbird in the IUCN Red List. Photo by DENR Central Visayas.
The Philippines is set to host, for the first time, the 12th Meeting of Partners (MOP12) of the East Asian–Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP), a major global gathering focused on the conservation of migratory waterbirds and their wetland habitats. The event, organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB), will take place from 10 to 14 November 2025.
The meeting comes as migratory birds face increasing threats from habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and human activity. Home to the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary—the Philippines’ first designated Flyway Network Site—the country’s selection as host underscores its growing role in wetland conservation.
With the theme “Weaving Connections: Celebrating Migration, Traditional Knowledge, and Innovation across our Flyway,” MOP12 will bring together more than 300 delegates from over 20 countries, including government agencies, NGOs, researchers, and flyway site managers.
“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,” DENR-BMB Assistant Director Mariglo Rosaida I. Laririt said.
The East Asian–Australasian Flyway stretches across 22 countries and supports more than 50 million migratory waterbirds—including globally threatened species such as the Far Eastern Curlew, Spoon-billed Sandpiper, and Black-faced Spoonbill.
During MOP12, the Philippines is expected to secure the international recognition of three new Flyway Network Sites, the ceremonial declaration of two new Ramsar Sites, and one Wetland City designation.
The five-day program will include plenary sessions, committee meetings, side events, exhibits, a youth storybook launch, and field visits to highlight on-ground conservation efforts.
Jennifer George, Chief Executive of EAAFP, emphasized the importance of sustained cooperation across countries along the flyway. “There are important discussions ahead about the future of our flyway,” she said. “We are grateful to the Philippines for graciously and generously hosting this event.”
