UK and Philippine geological surveys sign Memorandum of Understanding during bilateral visits

BGS and the Philippine geological agencies operating under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources have benefited from a long-standing strategic partnership. A new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reflects their shared ambition to further strengthen geological knowledge, improve resilience to natural hazards and support responsible resource development. Through the partnership, both countries will continue working together across disciplines including geological analysis, critical minerals intelligence, data management, policy support and scientific coordination.

The agreement was accompanied by bilateral visits to both the UK and the Philippines, providing opportunities for partners to strengthen relationships, showcase ongoing projects, facilitate knowledge exchange and discuss future areas of collaboration in new areas of geoscientific research and innovation.

Supporting responsible resource development

Key areas of focus for the partnership are critical minerals and the development of responsible, resilient supply chains. By combining expertise in mineral intelligence and geological data, the collaboration will support efforts to:

• understand material flows from extraction through to end use, re-use and recycling
• identify supply chain vulnerabilities and opportunities
• forecast future demand and potential economic impacts
• promote responsible sourcing
• inform evidence-based policy, investment decisions and international collaboration

The partnership also presents opportunities to support the Philippines’ responsible nickel production ambitions. As the world’s second-largest producer of mined nickel, the Philippines plays a significant role in the global energy transition. Collaborative work on environmental, social and governance practices, mineral intelligence capabilities and sustainable mining approaches will help maximise economic benefits while supporting responsible resource management.

Strengthening multi-hazard preparedness

The Philippines is among the world’s most hazard-exposed nations, facing a complex combination of risks including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, rising sea levels, extreme weather events and increasing temperatures. Strengthening preparedness and resilience is therefore a central component of the partnership.

The MoU builds on a strong existing relationship and the previous MoU between BGS and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). Previously, the organisations have worked together to develop innovative approaches that integrate 3D visualisation and virtual reality technologies into hazard mapping and preparedness activities.

Future collaboration will focus on increasing understanding of complex multi-hazard events and developing new strategies for risk management. Partners are also exploring opportunities to advance multi-hazard early warning systems and expand the application of Earth observation technologies to improve disaster preparedness and response.

Advancing water security and climate resilience

Work between BGS and Philippine partners has already delivered a national-scale hydrological model of the Philippines, providing valuable evidence to support water resource planning and climate resilience.

Building on this foundation, BGS has been working with partners to create the Philippine Hydro Hub. This initiative aims to bring together UK and Filipino researchers to advance hydrological science and strengthen understanding of the country’s water systems in the face of climate change and increasing environmental pressures.

Building capacity through international collaboration

Beyond individual projects, the MoU demonstrates a shared commitment to strengthening scientific capacity, data sharing and knowledge exchange between the two countries. By bringing together expertise in geological mapping, data management, natural hazards, water resources and critical minerals, the partnership will support both countries in addressing global challenges while creating new opportunities for research, innovation and investment.

The agreement marks an important step forward in the growing scientific relationship between the UK and the Philippines, providing a platform for collaboration that will help deliver more responsible resource management, improved hazard resilience and stronger evidence for policy and decision making in the years ahead.