MANILA – The French Embassy in Manila launched the “Blue Nations” initiative, a comprehensive program in preparation for the United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France next year.
In a statement, the French Embassy shared that its aim is to “enhance political, scientific and civic engagement in the fields of environmental protection, climate action, blue economy and maritime security.”
“The Blue Nations initiative reflects the shared commitment of France and the Philippines, strong advocates for the climate and ocean’s protection, since the Manila call to action on climate change (February 2015) that led to the Paris agreement (COP 21),” the statement read.
The Embassy added that the initiative seeks to build on the longstanding cooperation between France and the Philippines on maritime and climate issues and is designed to amplify efforts in these key areas in the lead-up to the 2025 UNOC in Nice.
In her speech, French Ambassador Marie Fontanel said that France and the Philippines are both maritime nations due to each country’s geography, hence sharing the same values, particularly both country’s commitment to international law and multilateralism, as exemplified by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) of 1982.
Fontanel continues by quoting Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos’ keynote speech during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
“I would like to recall the strong statement by President Marcos in his address as keynote speaker at the Shangri-La dialogue a few days ago in Singapore, when he was insisting on – I quote – “the importance of upholding multilateralism and the Philippines’s role and efforts in building bridges on issues ranging from climate action to sustainable development or equitable global health cooperation,” Fontanel stated.
“We do share that strong vision. That also explains why France and the Philippines are naturally strong advocates of the climate and ocean’s protection,” she added.
The Nice conference slated on June 2025 will revolve around three priority objectives: (1) Completion of ongoing multilateral processes, particularly the entry into force of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) treaty, where 88 states, including France and Philippines have already signed the treaty, but 60 ratifications are still needed for it to come into force; (2) Mobilization of multilateral funding to achieve SDG 14 (Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development) and support blue finance and economy; and (3) Sharing scientific knowledge for improved decision-making of states.
According to Fontanel, the Philippines is in a unique position to share its expertise for the protection of marine and coastal ecosystems.
“The Philippines has a particular role to play at this conference. You have strengths and we could all benefit from your expertise and knowledge, being for instance a pioneer country for the protection of marine and coastal ecosystems. You also face challenges and could help build solutions, for example to better fight plastic pollution,” Fontanel emphasized.
The Blue Nations Initiative: strengthening Bilateral Maritime Cooperation between France and PH
France already has existing collaborations with the Philippines in many sectors contributing to ocean protection, maritime security, blue and green economy and more.
According to Fontanel, government to government cooperation, capacity building, technical assistance, and support to the civil society are already on the agenda of both countries’ partnership.
Such partnership includes funding and loans to support public polices focused on climate, oceans and medium-term project financing for sustainable fisheries management, through the French Development Bank (AFD), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank.
The French Embassy also mentioned working closely with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) in capacity building, such as advising and providing expertise on maritime safety to Philippine authorities.
France has also supported innovative civil projects with close collaboration with Philippine Sulubaaï Foundation in Palawan, who received a grant from the French Global Environment Facility (FFEM) to create marine protected areas, coral restoration, and aquaculture research centers for communities, with a project worth €500,000, with a second phase of €1M approved for Q4 2024, the Embassy said.
Youth and Oceans call for proposals
The French Embassy also announced an open-call for projects focused on marine and ocean conservation geared towards the youth, with the Youth and Oceans call for proposals.
In her speech, Fontanel is hopeful to receive and select projects to be funded by the French Government, to raise awareness and support the mobilization of young people in their actions for the oceans.
According to Fontanel, a budget of €600000 is dedicated for projects that will be chosen.
More details can be found in the link: https://ph.ambafrance.org/Call-for-Proposals-Youth-and-Oceans
The launch of The Blue Nations initiative was attended by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, Senator Loren Legarda, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Jesus Domingo and representatives from the Climate Change Commission, Philippine government agencies, members of the diplomatic corps and the civil society on 5 June 2024, in line with the World Environment Day.
