Focus

Cole Yokingco serves as the Lawyer for Marine Biodiversity Conservation of ClientEarth. He supports ClientEarth's biodiversity conservation work particularly on marine biodiversity conservation law and policy with a focus on MPA and OECM governance, IUU Fishing, and the 2022 Global Biodiversity Framework and its 30x30 target.

Cole joined ClientEarth in September 2026 and is based in Manila.

Experience

Cole specializes in biodiversity conservation and climate change policy with a focus on rights-based approaches. He has extensive experience in policy work and legal research on the nexus between climate and biodiversity as well as the human rights impacts of climate change. Previously, he led the policy engagement of Conservation International Philippines, advising national agencies on policy development for blue carbon ecosystems conservation, nature-based solutions, marine protected areas, and other critical biodiversity policies.

Education

Cole Yokingco holds a Juris Doctor degree and BS Geography degree from the University of the Philippine-Diliman and is qualified to practice law in the Philippines