Senator Loren Legarda reaffirmed her support for stronger Philippines-France collaboration in advancing a sustainable blue economy.

“Our blue economy is more than a policy direction. It is a moral and developmental imperative,” the four-term lawmaker said in a forum in Makati on Friday.

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

The event, co-organized by the Stratbase Institute and the Embassy of France in the Philippines, comes ahead of the 3rd United Nations (UN) Ocean Conference in Nice, France on June 9 to 13.

It brought together key stakeholders from the government, diplomatic community, academe, and think tanks to discuss the challenges and actions needed to unlock the potential of the Philippine blue economy.

Legarda highlighted the Philippines’ vast maritime domain of 2.2 million square kilometers and its rich ecological and economic potential, noting that the ocean economy contributed over PHP787 billion annually from 2018 to 2022 and sustained over 2.2 million jobs.

She emphasized the alignment of Philippine and French maritime priorities, including joint efforts under the Blue Nations Initiative and the 100 Days for the Ocean campaign.

The initiatives highlight both nations’ commitment to marine biodiversity protection, sustainable fisheries, and blue carbon initiatives.

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

“Together with France, we are committed to advancing the global 30×30 goal to protect 30 percent of the world’s land and water by 2030.”

The senator reiterated the urgent need for cooperation amidst threats of overfishing, marine habitat degradation and increasing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

She stressed that sustainable use of marine resources must go hand-in-hand with the defense of sovereign rights and ecological integrity.

“As we prepare for the UN Ocean Conference in June, let us move from dialogue to innovation, and from vision to impactful implementation,” Legarda urged.

“Through strong Philippines–France cooperation, we can build a truly regenerative, inclusive blue economy,” she said. (PNA)