UK, Phl eye coordination group, adaptation capital

Representatives from the Philippines and the United Kingdom agreed to establish a UK-led development partners coordination group for the localization of climate analytics in provinces identified with high exposure to climate risks in the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), and the government’s Risk Resiliency Program, during the 5th UK-PH Climate Change and Environment Dialogue last 26 March.

Using findings from pilot site of Negros Occidental, an investment platform will be developed to mobilize private capital for adaptation and resilience with a focus on climate-smart agriculture, innovative water management solutions and agroforestry projects.

The dialogue also saw UK support for the operationalization of the Philippines’ NAP, mobilization of institutional capital into renewable energy in the country through the Philippines Stock Exchange, funding to civil society across projects on biodiversity and coastal livelihoods, launching of key multi-stakeholder platforms tackling plastic pollution and blue carbon, and ramp up support for the blue economy through the UK’s Blue Planet Fund.

The new Climate and Ocean Adaptation and Sustainable Transition program will be rolled out in the Philippines this year, which seeks to deliver interventions that will strengthen marine protected areas, operationalize sustainable fisheries management, and promote blue carbon initiatives.

UK Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils and Environment Secretary and official representative of the President to the Climate Change Commission, Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga graced the dialogue.