Senator Loren Legarda has asserted there is a need for the Philippines to step up its role in promoting the sustainability of marine resources around the world.

Legarda also underscored the need for a greater global effort to preserve the integrity of marine life, as people are becoming increasingly aware of the fragility of the environment and its diminishing capacity to support life.

"The leadership of coastal nations is crucial for the protection of our oceans—those who experience the sands of Deauville in France, the Arribada in Tamarindo in Costa Rica, and the seaside cliffs of Palawan know full well what it means to love the sea," Legarda said during the Blue Nations – France and Philippines: Partners for the Oceans event on Wednesday, June 5.

“These are but tiny examples of the vast, life-sustaining bodies of water that cover over 70% of our planet, which not only provide us with essential resources but also regulate the Earth's climate and support diverse marine life,” the senator said.

At the same time, Legarda lauded Costa Rica for making substantial contributions to ocean conservation when it expanded its marine protected areas and the implemented policies against illegal fishing.

Legarda said she hopes the Philippines to replicate such policies, noting that it is one of the countries with the largest coastlines, approximately 36,300 kilometers in length.

Having authored and sponsored the passage of the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) Act, which provides a snapshot of the country's natural resources, the senator said she is optimistic the country can do the same natural capital accounting that Costa Rica demonstrated.

"Natural capital accounting, as exemplified by Costa Rica, offers a transformative perspective on how we view and manage our natural resources,” she said. 

“By recognizing the economic value of the services provided by healthy oceans—such as carbon sequestration, coastal protection, and fisheries—this approach aligns economic incentives with environmental stewardship,” she pointed out.

"It encourages nations and businesses to invest in the long-term health of marine ecosystems, ensuring their sustainability for future generations," she continued.