Legarda backs stronger Phl-Fr cooperation on blue economy

Senator Loren Legarda on Saturday reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening cooperation between the Philippines and France to advance a sustainable blue economy, citing the shared responsibility to protect marine ecosystems and support coastal communities.

Speaking at the high-level dialogue titled Strengthening Philippines–France Cooperation for a Sustainable Blue Economy held at the Glasshouse of New World Makati Hotel, Legarda emphasized the urgency of action ahead of the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France.

“Our blue economy is more than a policy direction. It is a moral and developmental imperative,” Legarda said. “It is the lifeblood of our coastal communities, a driver of growth, and a safeguard for our planet’s future,”

The event, co-organized by the Stratbase Institute and the Embassy of France in the Philippines, gathered stakeholders from government, the diplomatic community, the academe, and civil society to discuss collaborative strategies for protecting marine biodiversity and promoting sustainable ocean industries.

Legarda, principal author and sponsor of the proposed Blue Economy Act, highlighted the Philippines’ 2.2 million square kilometer maritime domain and its potential to drive economic development. She noted that from 2018 to 2022, the country’s ocean economy contributed more than P787 billion annually and supported over 2.2 million jobs.

She also emphasized the growing alignment between Philippine and French maritime priorities, citing joint initiatives such as the Blue Nations Initiative and the 100 Days for the Ocean campaign. These efforts reflect shared commitments to marine research, aquaculture, sustainable fisheries, and blue carbon solutions.

“Together with France, we are committed to advancing the global 30x30 goal to protect 30% of the world’s land and water by 2030.” she said.

Legarda also pointed to the continued threats facing marine ecosystems — including overfishing, habitat degradation, and geopolitical tensions in the West Philippine Sea — and stressed the need to defend the country’s sovereign rights while promoting environmental stewardship.

“As we prepare for the UN Ocean Conference in June, let us move from dialogue to innovation, and from vision to impactful implementation,” she urged. “Through strong Philippines–France cooperation, we can build a truly regenerative, inclusive blue economy.”