The Philippines is seeking stronger cooperation with the Czech Republic to protect the critically endangered Philippine eagle, focusing on measures to prevent power line electrocution, improve wildlife breeding programs, and strengthen conservation research.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), together with the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), identified several potential areas of collaboration during a conservation mission to the Czech Republic this month.
The visit brought together Philippine officials, conservation experts, researchers, and Czech institutions to explore technologies and conservation practices that could help address habitat loss, hunting, and other threats to the Philippine eagle and endangered wildlife.
Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna emphasized the importance of international cooperation 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.
Among the key initiatives discussed was the adoption of measures to prevent Philippine eagles and other birds from being electrocuted by power lines.
During meetings with the Nature Conservancy Agency of the Czech Republic, the Philippine delegation examined methods for identifying dangerous power poles and insulating exposed electrical components.
Implementing similar safeguards in the Philippines would require coordination among the DENR, PEF, local government units, and electricity providers.
The delegation also visited Liberec Zoo to study its wildlife breeding and release programs. Its experience in breeding vultures and eagles provided insights into how zoological institutions could contribute to restoring endangered bird populations.
Meanwhile, the Czech Ministry of Environment presented opportunities for cooperation in biodiversity monitoring, wildlife protection, and the use of advanced conservation technologies. Discussions also covered water management and possible joint research on Philippine eagle population genetics and population modeling.
The Philippine delegation included DENR Undersecretary for Legal and Administration Ernesto Adobo Jr. and DENR-Biodiversity Management Bureau Wildlife Resources Division Chief Anson Tagtag. PEF Director for Operations Dr. Jayson Ibanez and veterinarian Dr. Danielle Pasion joined the mission to provide technical expertise on wildlife conservation and veterinary management.
The DENR said the mission opened opportunities to expand existing conservation cooperation with Czech institutions, particularly in developing practical solutions to threats facing the Philippine eagle.
Proposed initiatives will undergo further assessment and coordination with concerned agencies and partners before implementation.
The DENR hopes the potential partnerships will strengthen long-term efforts to protect the Philippine eagle and other threatened wildlife species in the country.
(MAIN PHOTO: Chief BMB – Wildlife Resources Division Anson Tagtag with bird curator Dr. Jan Kirner of the Olomouc Zoo observing bird enclosures.)