Phl, UK unveil new climate and blue economy initiatives

The United Kingdom and the Philippines reaffirmed their commitment to stronger climate and environmental cooperation during the 5th UK-PH Climate Change and Environment (CCE) Dialogue held recently, led by British Ambassador Laure Beaufils and Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga.

The dialogue focused on advancing joint efforts in science, innovation, climate finance, resilience, and localisation strategies. It follows a year of strengthened collaboration that included UK support for the Philippines’ National Adaptation Plan, capital mobilisation for renewable energy projects through the Philippine Stock Exchange, and funding for biodiversity and coastal livelihood initiatives.

Both sides agreed to establish a UK-led coordination group of development partners focused on localising climate analytics in provinces most at risk of climate change, based on the National Adaptation Plan and the government’s Risk Resiliency Programme. Using data from pilot initiatives in Negros Occidental, an investment platform will also be created to attract private capital for adaptation projects such as climate-smart agriculture, innovative water management, and agroforestry.

The dialogue also marked the rollout of the UK’s new COAST (Climate and Ocean Adaptation and Sustainable Transition) programme under the Blue Planet Fund. COAST aims to strengthen marine protected areas, support sustainable fisheries management, and promote blue carbon initiatives.

In addition, a partnership mechanism between the UK and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will be established to provide biodiversity and nature grants to local governments and communities, supporting conservation efforts and offering long-term benefits to resource-dependent populations.

The two governments also agreed to intensify efforts on climate and nature finance. This includes broadening access to sustainable financing, catalyzing private sector investment in climate adaptation, and aligning financial planning with climate risk assessments to build a stronger pipeline of bankable, large-scale sustainability projects.

“I am very proud of the progress we have made together. But we won’t rest on our laurels. We are ambitious for the future, and we will continue to deliver tangible results across adaptation, climate finance, science and research, and investments into renewable energy,” Ambassador Beaufils said.

“Our Enhanced Partnership with the UK is a testament to our commitment as like-minded countries and large ocean nations to a future that is secured under a rules-based international order. The bi-annual reviews of our climate change joint work plan will allow us to align, calibrate, and adapt when we respond to geo strategic uncertainties that we actually face,” Secretary Loyzaga added.

The session concluded with both countries signing a renewed partnership statement on climate and nature. UK officials pledged continued support through technical expertise, financing, and international advocacy, especially for climate-vulnerable nations.

High-level representatives from the DENR, Climate Change Commission, Department of Agriculture, Department of Finance, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Energy, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, National Economic and Development Authority, Public-Private Partnership Center, and the Department of Trade and Industry attended the event.