The United Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to support the Philippines in advancing the blue economy and climate resilience, as UK Special Representative for Nature Ruth Davis reiterated during her visit in Manila to deepen partnerships on nature finance, ocean conservation, and sustainable growth.
Davis met with Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla, underscoring the UK and the Philippines’ shared vision of safeguarding nature while unlocking opportunities in the blue economy. Both countries agreed to strengthen collaboration in climate adaptation, carbon markets, critical minerals, and marine protection, while leveraging regional and multilateral cooperation. The UK also committed to supporting the Philippines during its ASEAN chairmanship in 2026 to deliver impactful climate and nature outcomes.
The high-level Blue Economy and Blue Carbon Forum in Manila highlighted the transformative role of coastal ecosystems in driving climate action and inclusive growth. The event marked the launch of the UK’s Climate and Ocean Adaptation and Sustainable Transition (COAST) Facility and Innovation Grant Fund, part of the £500 million Blue Planet Fund. Through this initiative, local organizations may access grants of up to £500,000 to develop projects in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, innovative blue finance, and nature-based coastal solutions.
“Our history, culture, and economy are bound to the ocean. As fellow island nations, we know that healthy seas are a foundation for prosperity. Climate change, overfishing, and pollution are not just environmental threatsthey are economic and security risks,” Davis said.
Philippine leaders echoed this urgency. Senator Loren Legarda emphasized the need to turn global partnerships into local opportunities,“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 transform capital into community-led revival.”
Climate Change Commission Secretary Robert Borje also stressed community-driven solutions, “We will ensure that these projects are co-developed with the fisherfolk, indigenous peoples, and local leaders who depend on these resources. Their knowledge is irreplaceable, and their empowerment is the true measure of our success.”
Beyond policy dialogue, Davis engaged with the Asian Development Bank, UNDP, and FAO to align efforts on climate finance, resilient agri-food systems, and nature-based solutions that advance the Sustainable Development Goals. She also met with leading Philippine scientific institutions, including the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, IRRI, UPLB, and PhilRice, underscoring the UK’s commitment to transform world-class regional expertise into global action.
The UK’s strengthened support through the COAST Facility represents a milestone in driving sustainable blue economy projects in the Philippines, combining climate action with economic opportunity for coastal communities.