The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), together with the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), identified potential areas of collaboration during a conservation mission to the Czech Republic from Oct. 11 to 18.
The initiative seeks to address habitat loss, hunting, power line electrocution and other threats to endangered species while expanding bilateral cooperation on biodiversity conservation.
Environment Secretary Juan Miguel “Mitch” Cuna emphasized the importance of international partnerships in protecting the country's biodiversity.
“The Philippines is advancing a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, recognizing that biodiversity conservation is a shared responsibility that extends beyond environmental institutions. We are ready to work with the international community in advancing this shared agenda,” Cuna said.
Preventing electrocution
A major focus of the mission was preventing Philippine eagles and other birds from being electrocuted by power lines.
During discussions with the Nature Conservancy Agency of the Czech Republic, the Philippine delegation examined measures such as identifying hazardous power poles and insulating exposed electrical components.
Implementing these safeguards would require coordination among DENR, PEF, local government units and electricity providers.
The delegation also visited Liberec Zoo to study specialized breeding programs and techniques for preparing captive-bred wildlife for release into natural habitats.
Its conservation programs involving vultures and eagles offered insights into how zoological institutions could help restore threatened bird populations.
Research cooperation
The Czech Ministry of Environment presented opportunities for collaboration in biodiversity conservation, wildlife monitoring and protection using advanced technologies, as well as water management.
Both sides also discussed potential research on Philippine eagle population genetics and population modeling to support future conservation strategies.
DENR Undersecretary for Legal and Administration Ernesto Adobo Jr. led the delegation alongside DENR-Biodiversity Management Bureau Wildlife Resources Division chief Anson Tagtag.
PEF director for operations Jayson Ibanez and veterinarian Danielle Pasion provided technical expertise on wildlife conservation.
Next steps
The mission builds on existing cooperation between Czech institutions and PEF in Philippine eagle conservation.
DENR said it would assess the proposed initiatives and coordinate with relevant stakeholders to determine which measures could be implemented.
The planned cooperation could strengthen efforts to protect the Philippine eagle while supporting broader conservation programs for other threatened wildlife species across the country. — Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
