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The fundamental principles of ARCOAST are as follows:

• Advance a better understanding of the archipelagic environment by a broader range of people.
  
  
• Inherently favor Sustainable Development and thus place priority on the understanding and conservation of the archipelagic environment.
  

  The World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) defines "Sustainable Development" as "meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own" (WCED, 1987).
  

  The framework on sustainable development is founded on three dimensions of development, namely: economic, social, and environmental. These development dimensions are solidified by their corresponding pillars of sustainability--growth with equity, people empowerment, and ecological integrity maintenance, respectively (Philippine Agenda).

• Promote the empowerment of structures of local governance.
  
  
• Advocate closer coordination and integration of policies and programs.
  
  
• Develop practical approaches and solutions to pressing issues and problems that can be implemented with available human and material resources.
  
  
• Recognize the diversity of an archipelagic setting which should be sustained and made key to preserving the integrity of the archipelago.
  
  
• Acknowledge the need to better protect and enhance the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the archipelago within its terrestrial, fluvial, and aerial domains, while forging good relations, amity, and cooperation with all other nations.