MANILA—UK Special Representative for Nature Ruth Davis has reaffirmed Britains support for the Philippines in addressing climate change and biodiversity loss, highlighting deeper cooperation on finance, food systems, oceans and innovation.
During her recent visit to Manila earlier this month, Davis met with Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla to underscore what she called the countries’ “shared commitment to protecting nature.” Both sides agreed to strengthen work on climate finance, carbon markets, critical minerals, ocean conservation, and the blue economy, with Davis pledging continued UK support as the Philippines prepares to chair ASEAN in 2026.
The visit also marked the launch of the UK’s Climate and Ocean Adaptation and Sustainable Transition (COAST) Facility and Innovation Grant Fund in the Philippines, part of the £500 million Blue Planet Fund. Local organisations can apply for grants of up to £500,000 to support sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, blue finance, and coastal solutions.
“Our history, culture, and economy are bound to the ocean,” Davis said. “As fellow island nations, we understand that healthy seas are a foundation for prosperity, and that climate change, overfishing, and pollution are not just environmental risks, but economic and security risks.”
Philippine Senator Loren Legarda welcomed the initiative, saying: “Urgency must guide our response. Partnerships like the UK’s COAST Facility exemplify the solidarity we need, turning loans into sustainable livelihoods and grants into lasting guardianship. We must pioneer debt-for-nature swaps and blue bonds that turn capital into community-led revival.”
Climate Change Commission Secretary Robert Borje stressed the importance of community engagement: “We will ensure that these projects are co-developed with the communities who depend on these resources – the fisherfolk, the indigenous peoples, and the local leaders. Their knowledge is irreplaceable, and their empowerment is the true measure of our success.”
Davis also held meetings with the Asian Development Bank, UNDP, and FAO to discuss scaling up nature-based solutions and resilient agri-food systems, as well as leveraging climate finance to advance the Sustainable Development Goals. In Los Baños, she engaged with leading research institutions, including the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity and the International Rice Research Institute, affirming the UK’s commitment to turning Philippine and regional scientific expertise into global action.
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