In a high-level panel discussion on the blue economy and biodiversity, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced that the UK would launch its COAST program in the Philippines this year.
The initiative is designed to support coastal communities by fostering sustainable small-scale fisheries and aquaculture, protecting marine ecosystems, and promoting inclusive growth in local blue economies.
Lammy emphasized the shared responsibility between the UK and the Philippines as island nations: “As fellow island nations, we have critical roles to play in the protection and restoration of marine ecosystems.”
The announcement marks a significant milestone, coinciding with the fifth anniversary of the UK-Philippines Climate Change and Environment Dialogue. This partnership has been crucial in aligning the priorities of both countries on climate action, nature conservation, and biodiversity protection.
His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Laure Beaufils, reinforced the UK’s commitment: “The UK is proud to support the Philippines unlock the potential of a sustainable blue economy and catalyze blue finance to help coastal communities, especially the fisherfolk.”
Joining the panel were Philippine Environment Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga, Senator Loren Legarda, ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity Acting Executive Director Clarissa Arida, and Asian Development Bank (ADB) Director General F. Cleo Kawawaki. The discussion focused on harmonizing economic development with marine biodiversity protection.
Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga noted the longstanding cooperation between the two nations: “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 Legarda highlighted the importance of inclusivity in the transition to a blue economy: “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.”
Further strengthening regional environmental cooperation, Lammy also announced the ASEAN-UK Green Transition Fund’s new EnCORE Wetlands Project. With a £1.4 million investment, this initiative—developed in partnership with the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity and the Global Environment Centre—aims to restore and conserve vital wetland and peatland ecosystems.
The project will begin with two pilot sites: the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary in the Philippines and Maludam National Park in Malaysia. These model locations will guide scalable actions across Southeast Asia, helping safeguard ecosystems that play a crucial role in climate mitigation.
