The Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles
02 March 2018
The ocean economy is estimated to be worth US$24 trillion and investors and policy-makers are increasingly turning to the ocean for new opportunities and resources.
However, unsustainable commercial activities and ineffective governance are eroding the natural capital on which economic growth depends.
There are opportunities for current and future generations to thrive alongside nature in a sustainable blue economy, but only if the international finance community supports economic development that values, restores and protects our ocean.
Working in collaboration with the Prince of Wales's International Sustainability Unit, the European Commission and the European Investment Bank, WWF has developed a set of voluntary sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles to act as a framework for investment and development policy decisions.
These principles complement existing frameworks in sustainable finance and recognise the importance of compliance, transparency and disclosure, as well as the specific challenges of investment in the context of the ocean. They are designed to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular Goal 14 (“Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development”). They are also designed to be compliant with IFC Performance Standards and EIB Environmental and Social Principles and Standards.
Download the full guide to the Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles (PDF)