ENVIRONMENTAL advocates have underscored the need for stricter governance to protect and preserve the country’s rich marine resources.
The group, consisting of government officials, environment experts and stakeholders, was joined by French ambassador to Manila Marie Fontanel who said the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the maritime domain by protecting the marine environment, developing the blue economy, and strengthening maritime defense and security.
Fontanel made the remarks during the fourth installment of the “Blue Nations” initiative, organized by the Stratbase Institute and the French Embassy in the Philippines as part of the UNOC.
She said enforcing the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Treaty is one of UNOC’s central goals, sharing hopes that the Philippines be part of the first 60 ratifications necessary for its commencement.
“The Philippines is a global hotspot for marine biodiversity. It is also an ecological treasure facing increasing threats such as overfishing, plastic pollution, habitat degradation, and sea level rise. So, it is important to foster collaboration and share common solutions,” Fontanel said.
Stratbase Institute president Prof. Victor Andres Manhit emphasized strategic collaboration with the state, private sector, and international community to ensure continued efforts in developing a blue economy supported by rules-based order.
“Securing our seas demands a whole-of-society approach. As like-minded partners, let us leverage our science-based policies and marine industries to drive our conservation efforts towards sustainable ocean governance,” Manhit said.
In April, the French Embassy and the Stratbase Institute started developing a joint policy discussions led by De La Salle University biology professor Dr. Carmen Lagman and French researcher and marine- protected areas specialist Dr. Joachim Claudet.
Entitled “Local Voices, Global Commitments: France and Philippines on the Path to 30×30,” the study explores new pathways for enhanced biological information in protecting marine biodiversity.
For Dr. Lagman, this collaboration with France aided in addressing a wider range of marine-related questions, understanding ecosystem-based management, and exchanging marine technology and data.
“The benefit of working with France is they have a lot of expertise. What we must figure out now is how we can work together, creating action plans for multi-sectoral, multi-government, and multi-industry demands for these ocean resources,” said Lagman.
To support this, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary for Integrated Environmental Science Carlos Primo David said they are actively organizing an oceans task force, establishing six marine research stations, and maintaining the country’s 75 marine-protected areas.
“The DENR’s approach has always been the same across all forms of natural resources. First, we map out and account for the natural resources we have. Second, we create enabling policies to carry out our mandate of protecting ecosystems more effectively,” David noted.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for Marine Environmental Protection Commodore May Marfil said they have established the Ingat Yamang Dagat task force to enhance marine environmental protection, on top of their mangrove planting and coral reef rehabilitation efforts.
The PCG is also intensifying its maritime security law enforcement by increasing maritime and coastal security patrols.
Marfil noted that as of 2024, these operations resulted in the apprehension of 193 vessels that violated fishing laws.
“The PCG is not just a maritime safety and security agency; it is a key player in addressing the challenges of climate change and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Philippine maritime domain,” said Marfil.
“As stewards of our waters, the PCG will remain steadfast in its mission to protect the people, preserve our marine environment, and secure our shared tomorrow,” Marfil added.
