In a panel discussion on blue economy and biodiversity, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced that the UK’s COAST programme will be launched in the Philippines this year to support coastal communities. The programme aims to assist the Philippine government to deliver more sustainable small-scale fisheries and local aquaculture, support local livelihoods, protect vital ecosystems and promote sustainable growth within local blue economies.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated:
As fellow island nations, we have critical roles to play in the protection and restoration of marine ecosystems.
The announcement coincides with the 5th year anniversary of the UK-Philippines Climate Change and Environment Dialogue, which has been instrumental in delivering shared priorities on climate, nature and biodiversity between the UK and the Philippine governments.
His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils shared:
The UK is proud to support the Philippines unlock the potential of sustainable blue economy and catalyse blue finance to help coastal communities, especially the fisherfolk.
Joining the panel discussion were Environment Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga, Senator Loren Legarda, ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity Acting Executive Director Clarissa Arida and ADB Director General F. Cleo Kawawaki.
Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga said:
The United Kingdom and the Philippines, for our similarities as blue and archipelagic nations, have long been committed to the conservation and protection of the ocean, one of the world’s shared heritages.
Senator Loren Legarda said:
There’s so much to be done, but the first step is breaking barriers to access. Only by equipping women with education, capital and innovation can we truly build a resilient and inclusive blue economy.
The panellists underscored approaches to balance biodiversity protection and restoration with an expanding blue economy.
The Foreign Secretary also announced the new ASEAN-UK Green Transition Fund EnCORE Wetlands Project – a £1.4m initiative in partnership with the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity and Global Environment Centre.
This project will develop evidence-based policies, tools, and technologies to restore and conserve these critical ecosystems, ensuring wetlands and peatlands continue to play a key role in climate mitigation.
The project will begin with two model sites—Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary in the Philippines and Maludam National Park in Malaysia—which will serve as blueprints for wider regional action.
