ADB provides $3 million to protect Philippine wetlands, boost climate resilience
The Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) has provided $3 million, or roughly ₱177 million, to the Philippines Flyway Project, aimed at protecting critical wetland ecosystems that support migratory bird habitats and the livelihoods of local communities.
“The project, funded by a $3-million grant from the Global Environment Facility, was announced during the ongoing 12th Meeting of Partners of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF) Partnership, hosted by the Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR),” the ADB said in a statement on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
“The Philippines Flyway Project is part of the ADB’s Regional Flyway Initiative (RFI), launched with partners in 2021 to mobilize $3 billion over the next decade across 11 developing countries in Asia and the Pacific to conserve priority wetlands along the EAAF,” it added.
The ADB emphasized that the project aims to safeguard and sustainably manage Philippine wetlands, which serve as key stopovers for migratory birds along EAAF.
It added that the initiative also seeks to enhance biodiversity, support sustainable livelihoods, and strengthen climate resilience for millions of Filipinos.
“Wetlands in our region face mounting threats from reclamation, degradation, and urban expansion, and the EAAF is considered the most threatened of the world’s major flyways,” noted Scott Morris, ADB vice-president for East and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific.
“Through the Philippines Flyway Project, the ADB and the DENR are working together to protect, manage, and restore these critical ecosystems—helping communities and nature thrive,” Morris added.
The ADB underscored that the project will be implemented by the DENR and will focus on three priority wetlands: Candaba in Luzon, and Lake Mainit and Sibugay Wetlands in Mindanao.
The initiative aims to strengthen the protection, management, and restoration of degraded habitats while also building local capacity, improving site management plans, and promoting sustainable livelihoods that balance conservation with development goals.
The ADB noted that over 20 migratory waterbird species rely on Philippine wetlands as essential stopover and wintering sites. The country also hosts 10 Ramsar wetlands of international importance and seven Flyway Network Sites, including major seabird colonies such as those at Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.
The multilateral lender said the RFI seeks to develop long-term financing models that enhance community resilience through nature-based solutions to extreme weather events, such as recent disasters in central Philippines.
(Ricardo M. Austria)