The Indo-Pacific region is one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the world, home to critical habitats and species that underpin food security, economic livelihoods, and climate resilience for millions. Yet it faces growing threats from overfishing, pollution, habitat loss, and climate change. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated, science-driven, and inclusive approaches. As the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference is about to take place, the urgency to strengthen strategic collaboration and partnerships for ocean protection in the region becomes increasingly clear. 

As part of the “Blue Nations: France and the Philippines, partners for the oceans” initiative, this conference will mark the second Blue Talk dedicated to marine biodiversity protection, jointly organized by the Stratbase institute and the Embassy of France to the Philippines, to reinforce cooperation in this area. Following the inaugural Blue Talk in October 2024, which laid out a comprehensive overview of the state of marine biodiversity and common challenges, this second meeting aims to deepen reflections and identify concrete levers for bilateral and multilateral cooperation. 

One of the key moments of the event will be the presentation of a joint policy brief prepared by leading French and Filipino think tanks—the Institut français des relations internationales IFRI (France) and Stratbase Institute (Philippines)—offering actionable recommendations to enhance scientific, institutional, and diplomatic cooperation on biodiversity protection. 

The Philippines, as a maritime nation in the Indo-Pacific, continues to advance its marine conservation agenda. However, enforcement challenges, limited resources, and geopolitical pressures in contested waters continue to hinder effective protection. To address these issues, the Philippines is committed to working with like-minded partners who uphold a rules-based and environmentally sustainable regional order. 

France, with its global leadership in ocean governance and extensive experience in marine protected area management, is a strategic partner in this endeavor. As a nation with territories in both the Pacific and Indian Oceans, France brings valuable expertise and perspectives to Indo-Pacific marine conservation efforts. 

In light of this, the Stratbase Institute, in partnership with the French Embassy in the Philippines, organized a forum entitled “France & Philippines: Strengthening Cooperation for the Protection of Marine Biodiversity,” held on 5 June 2025 (Thursday), from 9:00 AM to 12:00 NN (PHT), at the Mckinley B&C, Manila Polo Club, Makati City.  

Held in line with World Environment Day, the forum supports the global call for urgent, collective action to protect our shared ocean and ecosystems ahead of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference. 

The discussion brought together key stakeholders from the government, diplomatic community, academia, and think tanks to spotlight areas for deeper collaboration, including the expansion of marine protected areas, regional science-based policymaking, and support for coastal communities on the frontlines of ocean degradation.