DENR at COP29: What to Expect at This Year’s Conference

The participation of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) at COP29 presents a key opportunity to address climate financing gaps. DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga will lead the Philippine delegation to the UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, aiming to secure stronger support for vulnerable countries.

Climate Financing for Vulnerable Nations

One key focus for the DENR at COP29 is to help establish a new global climate finance target for 2025 and beyond, extending the existing commitment of $100 billion per year. Secretary Loyzaga emphasized the urgent need for financing solutions in vulnerable nations such as those in the Asia-Pacific. 

“Limited fiscal space in climate-vulnerable developing countries means we need urgent access to the best science, along with new, additional, and appropriate financing mechanisms from both public and private sources,” she said.

Sustainable Development Goals

The DENR is also set on advancing connections between climate goals, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the UN Plastics Treaty. Secretary Loyzaga emphasized that these frameworks are inherently linked and must be addressed collectively. 

For the Philippines, key priorities include ocean conservation, food and water security, climate-resilient urbanization, and advancements in carbon and biodiversity markets, reflecting the department’s multifaceted approach to climate action.

Loss and Damage Fund Meeting in Manila

Following the DENR at COP29, the Philippines will host the fourth meeting of the Board for the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage in December. The event will foster partnerships to accelerate support for climate-impacted nations, making disaster response efforts more efficient. 

Through this initiative, the department aims to strengthen the fund’s mission and boost the Philippines’ leadership role in regional climate resilience.

READ: Konserbasyon at paglago ng likas yaman tututukan ng DENR sa 2025

As the Philippines joins global discussions through the DENR at COP29, the delegation is cautiously optimistic about pushing forward important climate initiatives despite increasing environmental challenges worldwide.