Marine ecosystems protected as PH secures EUR200 million blue economy loan
The Philippines secured EUR200 million from France’s Agence Française de Développement (AFD) to safeguard marine ecosystems and expand the blue economy, the Department of Finance said.
Source: Philippines Department of Finance · August 13, 2026 at 7:40 AM · AI-assisted report
Single-source
KUALA LUMPUR, 13 AUGUST 2026 —
The Philippines secured EUR200 million from France’s Agence Française de Développement (AFD) to safeguard marine ecosystems and expand the blue economy, the Department of Finance said.
Market Impact
The Marine Ecosystem for Blue Economy Development programme will create sustainable livelihoods for more than three million fisherfolk, aquaculture operators and tourism workers while lifting national income, Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go said. The funds will finance policy reforms in waste management, marine conservation and coastal resilience, he said.
“The financing will protect the livelihoods of millions of coastal residents and strengthen defences against climate change,” Go told the financing agreement signing. The Asian Development Bank is co-financing the initiative, the DOF added.
MEBED will target solid waste management, marine biodiversity protection and plastic debris reduction while promoting sustainable aquaculture and tourism along 36,000 km of coastline, according to Go. French Ambassador Marie Fontanel said the programme advances shared goals on climate resilience and inclusive growth.
AFD country director Benedicte Gazon said the partnership translates commitments into “tangible impact” for coastal communities. The DOF did not disclose disbursement timelines or allocation details between policy reforms and investments.
The programme does not affect Malaysia directly, but regional blue-economy initiatives often influence regional supply chains and sustainable finance standards that Malaysian companies track.