The Philippines and France are deepening their collaboration on marine conservation through a series of biodiversity conferences known as Blue Talks.
The inaugural event, held Wednesday and organized by the Stratbase ADR Institute in partnership with the French Embassy, aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference in France in June 2025.
French Ambassador Marie Fontanel emphasized the importance of biodiversity discussions, particularly for the Philippines, an archipelago deeply connected to the ocean. “The purpose of this conference is to foster dialogue among stakeholders to better protect and preserve biodiversity,” she stated.
Stratbase ADR Institute president Dindo Manhit highlighted the significance of working with like-minded nations, calling for sustainable practices in the blue economy to ensure future marine resource availability. Environment undersecretary Ernesto Adobo Jr. echoed this sentiment, advocating for enhanced political and civic engagement in environmental protection.
Concerns about the Philippine marine environment were raised by vice admiral Roy Echeverria of the Philippine Coast Guard, who noted alarming ecological damage in the West Philippine Sea due to destructive fishing practices and island construction. He called for urgent studies on the long-term impacts on local fisheries and marine ecosystems.
The next Blue Talk conference is scheduled for 21 November 2024.
