The central importance of oceans is a daily reality in the Philippines: as a major regulator of environmental balances, especially when it comes to climatic events, as a provider of natural resources and as a major channel for trade. Today, natural maritime ecosystems are challenged by human activities and often disrupted because of pollution or over-exploitation. For France too, especially through its overseas territories in the Indo-Pacific, the oceans have a paramount importance for our populations. However, the nature of oceans is that of a global common: they know no boundaries, and as such will be best protected through multilateral cooperation platforms. This is reflected in the denomination of several major events that were organized this year.

Boccoz, M. (2022, October 20). The protection of oceans, a global common for the Philippines and the world. The Philippine Star, p. 7.