A group of Lisbon-based ocean organizations will host the second edition of Blue Carbon and Natural Capital of the Ocean conference, bringing together global leaders in finance, science, and sustainability to accelerate investment in the ocean as a strategic economic asset — essential to climate stability, biodiversity, and prosperity.
For years the ocean, which comprises 72% of the planet has received only about 1% of global climate finance and philanthropic funding. But beginning with the UN Ocean Conference in summer 2025, more momentum as begun to build. The International Finance Corporation (IFC – World Bank) has launched the Blue Finance Guidelines 2.0, establishing new global standards for responsible investment in coastal and marine systems. Development banks such as the Asian and African Development Bank have been investing in regional Blue Economies. And private companies such as Newday Impact are working to increase ocean investment.
But catching up from 1% will take work. This session is led by Lisbon Ocean Professionals Network (LOPN) and powered by United by the Sea Associação | Island Innovation | Ocean Community, with the support of Portuguese Navy – Marinha Portuguesa, Banco Santander, OverSea Business Consulting, Universidade Lusófona, NBI, and Blue Alliance MPA.
Hosted at the Vasco da Gama Aquarium the panel includes:
- José G. Pires, IFC – World Bank
- Gonçalo Calado, Universidade Lusófona
- Pierre Rousseau, Blue Alliance MPA
- Ana Agostinho, OverSea Business Consultant
- Cristina Melo Antunes, Banco Santander
- Nuno Gaspar, CEO, NBI – Nature-Based Solutions
The program will cover topics including:
- Recognizing Ocean biodiversity as natural capital and financial value
- Practical investment mechanisms: blue bonds, climate claims, blended finance
- Science-ready pipelines for nature-based solutions
- The role of Portugal as a European Blue Finance Hub
The session will be at Vasco de Gama Aquarium starting at 6 p.m. December 12
