The Challenge
The ocean economy supports the livelihoods of over 3 billion people worldwide, yet the financing it urgently needs remains critically out of reach. Tracked ocean finance flows reached just US$9.18 billion in 2023 – less than 2% of the US$550 billion in annual investment estimated to be needed. Although the sustainable blue economy is expected to grow to over US$3.2 trillion by 2030, a substantial funding gap continues to hinder sustainable ocean-related development and innovation.
The barriers are structural as well as financial. Closing the gap requires not only the development of appropriate financing instruments but also the pipeline of bankable blue economy projects and the market infrastructure through which sustained capital can flow.
We work with governments, private sector actors, and community-based organisations to identify sustainable business models and innovative financing solutions for the blue economy. We help our partners navigate the complexities of blue economy finance by identifying and evaluating financing options, designing and optimising innovative funding structures, and advancing the sector through the development of blue finance instruments and frameworks.
Working with governments, private sector entities, and community-based organisations to identify sustainable blue economy business models, assess financing options, and develop the investment case needed to mobilise private and public capital.
Working with governments and regulators on the development of blue bond frameworks and guidelines. Advising sovereign and corporate issuers on alignment with existing frameworks and structuring transactions that meet investor requirements and market standards.
Supporting governments and organisations to design and develop new blue finance instruments, and build the institutional capacity needed to deploy them effectively across diverse blue economy contexts.
Government-issued bonds to finance sustainable ocean economy activities, aligned with ICMA Principles and linked to marine protected area and fisheries management targets.
Bond structures for shipping, aquaculture, and coastal infrastructure companies committing to measurable ocean sustainability standards.
Blended structures for marine protected areas, combining philanthropic, concessional, and commercial capital to secure long-term conservation outcomes.
Structuring access to blue carbon markets for coastal ecosystem restoration projects, enabling mangrove, seagrass, and saltmarsh activities to generate carbon revenues.
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