RFI Site Selection Process in the Philippines

The framework for priority site selection has equipped the team in developing a priority list with 147 sites (Phase 1), which will evolve into a short list of 50 sites (Phase 2).  The site prioritization criteria are aligned with the existing and widely accepted criteria used in the definition of Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention, the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership’s Flyway Network Sites (FNS) and BirdLife’s Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBA) programme.  The 2-stage selection process involves intensive data-gathering and analytical work. Phase 1 relied on biodiversity and conservation values in EAAF migratory bird congregations using 1% thresholds based on EAAF conservation status review (CSR1). Meanwhile, Phase 2 (Further Analysis) will rely on climate, socio-economic and other important values including ecosystem services being delivered.