The 12th Meeting of Partners

The Meeting of Partners (MOP) is a biennial meeting to discuss progress and make decisions regarding the conservation of migratory waterbirds along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. It serves as a comprehensive assembly dedicated to the ongoing goals and initiatives of the East Asian–Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP), bringing together all 41 EAAFP Partners, including 18 national governments, 6 intergovernmental organisations, 15 international non-governmental organisations, and an international private enterprise. The MOP also serves as a platform for Partners, flyway site managers, Working Groups, and Task Forces to exchange experiences, collaborate, and strategise future actions.

In 2025, the Republic of the Philippines will host the 12th Meeting of Partners (MOP12) on 8–14 November in Cebu City.

The Republic of the Philippines, the host of MOP12, has been a Partner since 2006 and is one of the few countries that attended the launching of the Partnership and the first MOP held in Bogor, Indonesia. Known for its diverse coastal and marine biodiversity, the Philippines boasts four Flyway Network Sites (FNS), with the most recent designation received in January 2017.  

Under the leadership of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Philippines has been actively improving its conservation measures for migratory waterbirds and wetlands. The country has conducted waterbird surveys and wetland assessments in both potential and existing Flyway Network Sites (FNS) as part of the project supporting the ASEAN Flyway Network. Additionally, the Philippines is currently in the process of developing a 10-year national seabird research and conservation plan. As a Party to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, Convention on Biological Diversity, Convention on Wetlands, and other Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), and as a member of various regional frameworks and cooperation initiatives dedicated to nature conservation, the Philippines remains steadfast in protecting and conserving its critical habitats and protected areas. The DENR is presently updating the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP), further enhancing national and site-level conservation actions for both potential and existing flyway network sites.

Weaving Connections: Celebrating Migration, Traditional Knowledge, and Innovation across our Flyway

The theme embodies the spirit of "weaving" diverse communities, traditional knowledge, cultural practices, and innovations across the Flyway. It conveys a sense of unity and continuity, illustrating how these connections create a whole-of-flyway approach that safeguards our shared natural and cultural heritage.

EXCURSION

  • Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary [EAAF007]

    A low-lying island surrounded by extensive intertidal sandflats, mangroves, seagrass beds, coral reefs and islets and is one of six sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention in the Philippines. It is one of the most important areas in the country for significant numbers of migratory waterbirds, providing habitat for staging, wintering, roosting and feeding birds. The Wildlife Sanctuary is the Philippines’ first Flyway Network Site.

    Olango Island Excursion