UK Special Representative for Nature, Ruth Davis, reaffirmed support to the Philippines on climate and nature, and strengthened partnership around nature finance, innovation, adaptive and resilient food systems, oceans, and biodiversity.
During her visit, Davis met with Philippine Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla, which underscored the UK and the Philippines’ shared commitment to protecting nature. By working together, the two countries aim to strengthen partnerships on mobilising finance, climate adaptation, carbon markets, critical minerals, ocean conservation, and the blue economy. Both sides acknowledged the importance of multilateral and regional cooperation to protect nature. Davis committed to continue working with the Philippines during its chairmanship of ASEAN in 2026 to help deliver such outcomes.
A high-level forum on blue economy and blue carbon showcased the transformative potential of blue ecosystems to drive climate action while supporting economic growth in coastal communities.
The event also marked the launch of the UK’s Climate and Ocean Adaptation and Sustainable Transition (COAST) Facility and Innovation Grant Fund in the Philippines. A component of the UK’s Blue Planet Fund, COAST Philippines was first announced by the Foreign Secretary in April 2025. Through this initiative, local organisations are invited to apply for grants up to £500,000 to support innovative projects that advance sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, innovative blue finance, and nature-based coastal solutions.
UK Special Representative for Nature, Ruth Davis noted:
Our history, culture, and economy are bound to the ocean. As fellow island nations, we understand that healthy seas are a foundation for prosperity, and that climate change, overfishing, and pollution are not just environmental risks, but economic and security risks.
Philippine Senator Loren Legarda said:
Urgency must guide our response. Partnerships like the UK’s COAST Facility exemplify the solidarity we need, turning loans into sustainable livelihoods and grants into lasting guardianship. We must pioneer debt-for-nature swaps and blue bonds that turn capital into community-led revival.
Philippine Climate Change Commission Secretary Robert Borje remarked:
We will ensure that these projects are co-developed with the communities who depend on these resources – the fisherfolk, the indigenous peoples, and the local leaders. Their knowledge is irreplaceable, and their empowerment is the true measure of our success.
During discussions with the Asian Development Bank, United Nations Development Programme, and Food and Agriculture Organisation, Davis reinforced the UK’s commitment to nature-based solutions, building resilient agri-food systems, supporting just rural transition, and explored how to better leverage nature and climate finance to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals.
Davis also met with leading scientific and research institutions from Los Baños, including the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, International Rice Research Institute, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Agriculture, PhilRice, Philippine Department of Science and Technology, and the DENR-Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau and Straw Innovation. Davis underscored the UK’s commitment to turning world class Philippine and regional scientific expertise into global action.
For further details on COAST Facility Innovation Grant Fund, visit Making waves for people and the planet by COAST Facility.
