GIZ, DENR, and DA Strengthen Cooperation for Marine Resilience in the Philippines
The Philippines is strengthening its cooperation on marine biodiversity conservation, sustainable fisheries, and coastal resilience through a historic partnership among the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of Agriculture (DA) and GIZ.
On 15 September, representatives of the three institutions gathered in Quezon City for the ceremonial signing of the Tripartite Implementation Agreement (TIA) for the Solutions for Marine and Coastal Resilience in the Coral Triangle (SOMACORE) Programme.
The agreement marks an important step in translating this institutional partnership into coordinated implementation. It provides a basis for DENR, DA, and GIZ to work more closely on activities that support marine biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource use and resilience of coastal communities. It also strengthens the link between national priorities and SOMACORE's wider regional work across the Coral Triangle.
Speaking at the ceremony, representatives of the German Embassy, DENR, DA and GIZ underscored the importance of continued cooperation to address the interconnected challenges facing marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
For SOMACORE Programme Director Dr. Jan Steffen, the partnership provides an opportunity to connect national action with lessons and solutions from across the region.
As implementation moves forward, the collaboration will help strengthen the capacity of institutions and communities to protect marine ecosystems while sustaining the livelihoods that depend on them.
The partnership reflects a shared understanding that marine resilience cannot be achieved by one institution or one country alone. It requires sustained cooperation, practical solutions and collective action across the Coral Triangle.
