The Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the British Embassy Manila have developed a joint plan of work that will guide both countries in identifying the areas of cooperation that should be prioritized following the conclusion of 2nd Philippines-United Kingdom Climate Change and Environment Dialogue.
Roy A. Cimatu, Chair of the Cabinet Cluster on Climate Change Adaptation Mitigation and Disaster Risk Reduction, (CCAMDRR), said that the joint plan will guide the priority areas for engagement, including regional facilities and programs, announced at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, November 2021.
This dialogue marks another milestone in the partnership of the Philippines and the United Kingdom (UK). It will also expand on the earlier priorities regarding climate change and the environment, which were identified by both parties at the 1st Climate Change and Environment Dialogue in November 2020. This was part of key pillars of UK-Philippines’ enhanced partnership, which focused on energy transition and solutions and adaptation based on nature.
Laure Beaufils, British Ambassador to the United Kingdom, highlighted the importance of the dialogue because it seeks solutions to the most pressing challenges of our time: climate change and environmental destruction.
The Philippines and the UK have just launched a new Enhanced Partnership in Nov 2021. This partnership has as a core pillar climate change and environmental concerns. I am proud of the joint achievements of the UK and Philippines in climate-related issues. We committed to continuing this success today as well as in the coming year.
Beaufils stated that the dialogue helped both countries agree on joint actions to build resilience and tackle global emissions. It also helped to reverse the loss and halt the decline of biodiversity.
The 2nd Climate Change and Environment Dialogue reviewed the progress made during the first dialogue in November 2020 and highlighted key elements of ongoing cooperation, such as the formulation of the long term strategy, provision analytical tools to revisit and develop the National Adaptation Plan and conservation of crucial species across the Philippines.
It also focused on four strategic goals for 2022. These include building resilience of the economy and ecosystems, establishing a development path towards long-term climate responsive strategies, mobilizing sustainable finance, greening the financial industry, and strengthening collaboration and increasing awareness of institutions and communities regarding climate change.
The UK agreed to provide technical assistance, programs, and practical research studies. It also provided policy support and market development mechanisms. Technology partnerships were formed and best practices shared to achieve these objectives.
