MACTAN, Cebu—The 12th Meeting of Partners (MOP12) of the East Asian–Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) happening in Cebu, Philippines from November 8-14, 2025 at Shangrila Plaza in Mactan, brought together 42 partner organizations from all over the world to review progress, chart the partnership's future direction, and strengthen their shared mission to conserve migratory water birds and their habitats.
“The meeting of partners here is focused on the importance of governance, compliance, and strategic planning in business and conservation efforts. Key outcomes include discussions on illegal hunting, green energy, and the new youth task force—partnerships and biodiversity,” Jennifer George of EAAFP at the press conference Monday, November 10 at Shangrila.
George said that EAAFP site managers identify key messages for partners, emphasizing community and indigenous roles in change while the Biodiversity Management Bureau highlights habitat loss and the need for protected area management.
Anchored on the theme, “Weaving Connections:
Celebrating Migration, Traditional Knowledge, and Innovation across our
Flyway", the event shall focus on uniting diverse communities, fostering
scientific innovation, and honoring shared traditional knowledge across the
Flyway.
Key activities of MOP12 in Cebu include the discussion on the development of the Flyway Site Network, ensuring internationally important wetlands are sustainably managed, George added that partners will also exchange experiences, forge new collaborations and strategize actions by creating working groups and task forces.
Participants to the MOP12 will have an excursion and visit the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary, a Ramsar site and one of the Philippines' most important areas for migratory water birds.
What is a Flyway?
George said that the EAAFP is composed of 42 organizations, including national governments, intergovernmental agencies, international NGOs, and private enterprises, working together to protect migratory water birds and their habitats across the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.
The term "Flyway" refers to a flight path or route used by migratory birds, such as water birds, between their breeding and wintering grounds. The East Asian-Australasian Flyway is a specific route used by millions of migratory birds, stretching from the Arctic tundra of Siberia and Alaska, through East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australasia, to Antarctica, George explained.
She added that the Flyway concept recognizes that these birds don't recognize national borders and rely on a network of habitats, including wetlands, coastlines, and other ecosystems, to complete their annual migrations. By conserving and managing these habitats, the EAAFP aims to protect the migratory birds and the ecosystems they depend on.
“Think of it like a superhighway for birds -
the Flyway is a vital route that connects breeding, feeding, and wintering
grounds, and the EAAFP is working to keep this highway safe and healthy for the
birds!” George said.
According to Amy Fraenkel of the Convention on Migratory Species, the UN Convention on Migratory Species stressed ecological connectivity for migratory species survival and climate change mitigation. She noted the Asian Development Bank's role in nature-sensitive development, underscoring the importance of partnerships in conservation and development.
Fraenjet mentioned three key action items of the MOP12: to bring forward three more protected sites in the Philippines to highlight the importance of migratory seabirds and birds; identify the sites that are important for migratory species and work across governments, experts, and local communities to protect them; and commit to making development sensitive and aware of its impact on migratory species and their habitats.
Challenges facing the East Asian-Australasian Flyway
The East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF) is facing significant challenges, with many migratory bird species experiencing population declines. Some areas of concerns include habitat loss, threatened species, protection gaps, human impact and conservation efforts.
Mariglo Laririt, regional director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) underscored the importance of highlighting and acknowledging habitat loss and protected area management. The focus is on protected areas and the need for governance that works effectively.
Habitat Loss: Rapid urbanization, agriculture expansion, and infrastructure development have led to widespread habitat loss and degradation, threatening the survival of migratory water birds.
Threatened Species: The EAAF has the highest proportion of threatened migratory birds at 19% with species like the Spoon-billed Sandpiper and Baer's Pochard critically endangered.
Protection Gaps: Only 15.63% of stopover sites are covered by protected areas, leaving many critical habitats vulnerable to destruction.
Human Impact: Human activities like hunting, pollution, and climate change exacerbate the decline of migratory bird populations.
Conservation Efforts: Initiatives like the Regional Flyway Initiative and the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership aim to conserve migratory water birds and their habitats, but more work is needed to address the scale and urgency of the issue.
“Flyways are crucial for migratory birds, connecting over 1,000 important sites across the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. These sites support 210 species of migratory water birds, the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the role of nature in combating climate change are crucial. Overall, the EAAF is under significant pressure, and concerted conservation efforts are necessary to protect these incredible migratory birds and their habitats,” Fraenkel said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Musonda Mumba, Convention on
Wetlands talked about intersectionality and development sensitivity adding to
the point of ecological connectivity, emphasizing that nature knows no borders.
Birds are used as indicator species, and the state of wetlands affects their
migration. (Photos: MBCNewman/Google Images)
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