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May 28, 2007

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Republic of the Philippines and the Department of Conservation, New Zealand (herein referred to as the Participants):

Being aware of the importance of working together to strengthen their cooperation for the protection and conservation of natural protected areas through relevant exchanges of information and expertise; and

Recognising the importance of cooperation for mutual benefit on the basis of mutual respect;

Have reached the following understandings;

PARAGRAPH 1: FRAMEWORK FOR COOPERATION

The present Arrangement establishes the basic framework for cooperation in the areas of mutual interest and benefit for the Participants in the management, research and protection of natural protected areas.

PARAGRAPH 2: COOPERATION ACTIVITIES

The activities for cooperation between the Participants under this Arrangement may include:

a. Exchanges of information

Expanding networks for electronic information exchange;

Exchanging technical and professional information, on the basis of mutual interest and concern, through designated contact points for each Participant;

b. Joint Seminars, Workshops, and Fora

Arranging joint seminars, workshops, or fora on issues of mutual interest and concern;

c. Joint Survey and Research

Establishing a research programme on the natural resources and ecosystems of protected wild areas in the territories of the Participants;

d. Cross secondment or Exchange of Staff

Initiating a short-term (1-2 months) or a longer-term (up to 12 months staff exchange programme by jointly selecting areas of exchange, subject to the availability of resources;

e. Reciprocal Assistance

Providing assistance for bilateral visits by the Participants for purposes related to the activities to be developed under this Arrangement.

f. Capacity Building Activities

PARAGRAPH 3: APPLICATION OF LAW

The cooperation activities stated in Paragraph 2 will be carried out in a manner fully compatible with the respective domestic policies and legislation of each Participant, concerning the management, research and protection of natural protected areas.

PARAGRAPH 4: AREAS OF MUTUAL INTEREST

Areas of mutual interest for this Arrangement may include, but are not limited to;

a. management techniques for protected areas, including national parks

b. restoration of habitats and rehabilitation of endangered species

c. protection for migrating birds including preservation of their natural habitats

d. biological monitoring, research and survey

e. exchange of relevant staff or experts

PARAGRAPH 5: COSTS

The cost of any activities initialed by a Participant under this Arrangement will be covered by the Participant who initiated them. In general, each Participant is responsible for all travel and accommodation costs incurred through visits to the other Participant's country, unless otherwise decided. Initiation of all cooperative activities pursuant to this Arrangement that may incur costs is subject the joint consent of the Participants. The Participants will concur in writing on any plans and projects which they may jointly carry out pursuant to this Arrangement. A Participant may not claim damages or other expenses from the other Participant. For staff exchange each Participant will provide for their respective staff's salaries.

PARAGRAPH 6: PRINCIPLE OF MUTUAL CONFIDENCE

Information provided by a Participant should be accurate to the best knowledge of the Participant and be exchanged in good faith.

PARAGRAPH 7: BENEFITS AND CONDITIONS

Nothing in this Arrangement will be construed to prejudice existing or future understandings reached between the Governments of New Zealand and the Philippines, nor will it affect the rights and obligations of the two Governments under international agreements to which they are party.

PARAGRAPH 8: ENTRY INTO EFFECT

1. This Arrangement will enter into effect on the dale of the later notification by the Participants, through diplomatic channels, indicating compliance with their respective internal requirements for entry into effect.

2. Either Participant may request in writing, through diplomatic channels, the amendment of this Arrangement. Any amendment accepted by both Participants will become effective in accordance with the preceding Paragraph.

3. This Arrangement will remain in effect until either of the Participants notifies the other Participant in writing, through diplomatic channels, of its intention to terminate the same. It will not adversely affect any valid or subsisting arrangement concluded or entered into pursuant lo the some. Moreover, its termination is without prejudice lo the completion of ongoing programs and projects.

Signed in duplicate at Wellington this 28th day of May 2007, in the English language.

FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES	FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION NEW ZEALAND
(Sgd.) ANGELO T REYES	(Sgd.) MAHARA OKEROA
Secretary, Department of Environment and Natural Resources	Associate Minister of Conservation