Philippines, France Boost Blue Economy Alliance

Senator Loren Legarda reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to deepen cooperation with France in advancing a sustainable blue economy during a high-level dialogue held March 28 at the New World Makati Hotel.

“Our blue economy is more than a policy direction. It is a moral and developmental imperative,” Legarda said in her keynote address at the event titled Strengthening Philippines–France Cooperation for a Sustainable Blue Economy.

“It is the lifeblood of our coastal communities, a driver of growth, and a safeguard for our planet’s future,” she added.

The forum, jointly organized by the Stratbase Institute and the French Embassy in Manila, convened stakeholders from government, academia, the diplomatic corps, and civil society to bolster maritime collaboration between the two nations.

Legarda, the principal author and sponsor of the proposed Blue Economy Act, cited the Philippines’ vast maritime domain of 2.2 million square kilometers and its 36,289 kilometers of coastline.

From 2018 to 2022, the country’s ocean economy contributed PHP787 billion annually, accounting for 4.05 percent of gross domestic product and supporting over 2.2 million jobs.

She emphasized the Philippines’ strategic positioning at the heart of the Coral Triangle and its potential as a regional partner in marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and climate-resilient ocean industries.

France and the Philippines have been closely aligned in their maritime priorities, Legarda said, referencing recent joint initiatives such as the Blue Nations Initiative, launched in June 2024, and the 100 Days for the Ocean campaign, which began in February.

“These efforts underscored our shared commitment to marine protection and inclusive ocean action,” she noted.

Legarda also highlighted the two countries’ support for the global 30×30 target—to protect 30 percent of the world’s land and ocean by 2030—a goal championed by the High Ambition Coalition for People and Nature, co-chaired by France, Costa Rica, and the United Kingdom.

“We welcome continued joint action on marine research, aquaculture, and climate-resilient ocean industries,” she said.

Amid growing environmental pressures and geopolitical concerns in the West Philippine Sea, Legarda stressed the need to balance marine resource sustainability with national sovereignty.

“Sustainable use of marine resources must go hand-in-hand with the defense of sovereign rights and ecological integrity,” she said.

With the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, France, just months away, Legarda called for concrete progress.

“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.”