“The Philippines can champion the establishment of clear international standards for environmental protection in contested maritime areas.” —Ludwig Federigan, Director at Climate Tracker Asia, Inc.
The Philippines faces ongoing pressure to protect its environmental resources amid climate change and rising maritime tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
However, with the country’s successful bid to host the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage Board (FRLD) in the previous year, there is hope on the horizon. This achievement not only strengthens the nation’s commitment to climate action but also boosts its diplomatic and environmental standing in the region—particularly in the WPS, where ecological destruction and geopolitical tensions intersect.
“Hosting the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage Board (FRLD) elevates the Philippines’ profile in international climate discussions – increasing our international credibility,” Ludwig Federigan, Director at Climate Tracker Asia, Inc. said in an interview with Manila Standard.
“This credibility can be leveraged to assert more robustly its rights and responsibilities in regional environmental governance, particularly in areas affected by significant ecological degradation,” he added.
Earlier, Dr. Jonathan Anticamara of the University of the Philippines Institute of Biology reported that fish production in the country decreased by 60 to 80 percent due to marine environment degradation and unfavorable fishing conditions in the WPS. He also pointed to coral destruction and over-fishing in the area.
The Philippine Coast Guard also reported coral reef damages in Sabina Shoal and Rozul Reef, pointing to China’s land reclamation projects and construction of artificial islands in the WPS.
“The Philippines can champion the establishment of clear international standards for environmental protection in contested maritime areas. By aligning these standards with climate resilience initiatives, the country can push for accountability from nations that contribute to ecological degradation,” Federigan said.
“Further, the Philippines can leverage access to global climate research and partnerships to better understand the environmental changes occurring in the WPS… By collaborating with research institutions, both locally and internationally, we can generate data-driven evidence to support advocacy efforts and enforce agreements on environmental protection,” he added.
The Philippine military likewise not just defends the country’s sovereignty and territory but also the environment and sustainability.
Military camps, assets and even its personnel have been involved in different initiatives for the environment.
The Philippine Army for instance, used 12 e-vehicles to ferry its personnel and even civilians to the different locations inside Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.
The Army main headquarters also utilized three solar lamp posts to promote energy conservation and consumption.
“Also, no vehicles around the headquarters complex to promote healthy walking and zero carbon emission. We have also constructed solar powered water refilling stations and laundry.” Army Spokesperson Col Louie Dema-ala told Manila Standard.
To promote environmental sustainability, prevent soil erosion, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen the area’s ecological resilience, a total of 1,000 bamboo seedlings were also planted by Army’s 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division on January 30 at the San Andres Military Reservation in Tanay, Rizal
For its part, the Philippine Air Force also conducted various tree planting projects across its bases and partner communities, with over a hundred thousand trees planted since 2018, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said.
Castillo said PAF air assets are also usually tapped by other government agencies to monitor forests and sea conditions.
“We also use our aircraft for cloud seeding activities to help farmers grow their crops during El Nino, and produce rain to help prevent or suppress forest fires. Our helicopters, equipped with heli-buckets have also been called repeatedly to help in fire suppression of various forest fires and support other disaster response efforts for communities affected by heavy rains and typhoons.”
The Philippine Navy, on the other hand, inked an agreement with private organizations, including the Advocates Capable for Environment to Restructure and Sustainability Inc. (ACERS Inc.), to raise awareness on climate change as well as support humanitarian assistance and disaster response.