(Photo courtesy of Philippine Eagle Foundation)
MANILA – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is seeking stronger cooperation with Czech institutions to enhance conservation efforts for the critically endangered Philippine Eagle and other threatened wildlife species.
The initiative follows a conservation mission to the Czech Republic from October 11 to 18, during which Philippine officials, researchers, and wildlife specialists explored advanced technologies and conservation practices that could help protect the country’s biodiversity.
In a statement released Saturday, DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna emphasized the importance of international partnerships and coordinated efforts among government agencies, private organizations, and communities in wildlife protection.
“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,” Cuna said.
The Philippine Eagle continues to face threats from habitat destruction, hunting, and electrocution caused by contact with power lines.
To address these challenges, the DENR delegation, together with technical experts from the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), studied European conservation technologies, specialized breeding programs, and infrastructure safety measures.
During discussions with the Nature Conservancy Agency of the Czech Republic, the delegation examined methods to reduce bird electrocution, including identifying hazardous electrical poles and insulating exposed power line components.
The DENR said implementing similar measures in the Philippines would require coordination with local government units, electricity providers, and conservation organizations.
The delegation also visited Liberec Zoo to study wildlife breeding techniques and programs designed to prepare endangered animals for release into their natural habitats.
According to the DENR, the zoo’s conservation work involving eagles and vultures could provide valuable insights into efforts to restore threatened bird populations.
Meanwhile, the Czech Ministry of Environment identified potential areas of collaboration involving biodiversity conservation, wildlife monitoring, advanced protection technologies, and water resource management.
The Philippine delegation also explored research partnerships focusing on Philippine Eagle population genetics and population modeling to support long-term, science-based conservation strategies.
The mission was led by DENR Undersecretary Ernesto Adobo Jr. and Biodiversity Management Bureau Wildlife Resources Division chief Anson Tagtag.
PEF Director for Operations Jayson Ibanez and veterinarian Danielle Pasion also participated as technical experts.
The DENR said it would evaluate the proposed initiatives and coordinate with concerned stakeholders to determine which measures could be adopted to strengthen protection of the Philippine Eagle and other endangered species.
