The United Nations Global Compact and the UN Environment Program Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) unveiled the Ocean Investment Protocol, a comprehensive guide to provide financial institutions, insurers and re-insurers, ocean industries, governments and development finance institutions with a clear pathway to collectively lead the growth of the Sustainable Ocean Economy.
By 2050, the market value of a refocused, sustainable and fairly shared ocean economy is projected to reach USD$5.5 trillion. The ocean economy is already equivalent in size to the world’s fifth-largest economy, since global markets rely on the ocean and its industries to support 90% of global trade volume. Developing a regenerative and sustainable ocean economy is becoming increasingly central to global transitions in trade, infrastructure, energy, climate resilience, food security and regenerative tourism. The Protocol builds on the UN Global Compact Sustainable Ocean Principles and UNEP FI’s Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles. Key elements include:
- Holistic Guidance for banks, investors, insurers, governments and development finance institutions, enabling them to manage environmental risks while pursuing growth opportunities in sectors such as offshore renewables, sustainable seafood and climate-resilient infrastructure.
- Data and Disclosure recommendations, promoting greater transparency on nature-related risks and impacts and aligning with global reporting frameworks, including Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), and science-based targets.
- Sector-Specific Roadmaps outlining responsible financing and operational practices in shipping, tourism, fisheries, renewable energy and other key ocean industries.
- Policy and Regulation Support to foster investment-ready environments, highlight the importance of marine spatial planning and encourage incentives for sustainable practices.
- Catalytic Role of Development Finance in advancing pipeline development for the Sustainable Ocean Economy, especially in emerging markets and coastal communities most vulnerable to climate change.
“The ocean is at a tipping point—and the decisions we make now will determine the future of life below water and far beyond,” said Eric Usher, Head, UNEP Finance Initiative. “The Ocean Investment Protocol equips financial actors with practical guidance to unlock the capital needed for a sustainable and inclusive ocean economy projected to reach $5.5 trillion by 2050. But finance alone is not enough. Policymakers must send clear signals and create enabling environments that make sustainable ocean investment the smart, secure, and strategic choice. This Protocol calls on public and private leaders alike to align capital with ocean health—because a thriving blue planet is a foundation for prosperity, resilience, and global progress.”
The Ocean Investment Protocol responds to the critical need for swift, holistic efforts to preserve ocean ecosystems and foster growth in sustainable ocean-based sectors. It outlines actionable steps to align investments with nature- and climate-positive outcomes, fostering innovation across key ocean sectors.
“The Ocean Investment Protocol underscores the transformative role that businesses, governments and development finance institutions can play in protecting our oceans for future generations,” said Sanda Ojiambo, CEO & Executive Director, UN Global Compact. “It provides a blueprint for accelerating responsible investments and ensuring that all sectors of the economy contribute to a healthy and productive ocean.”
Ocean-related investment needs and opportunities are growing amid momentum for a Global Plastics Treaty and a High Seas Treaty as well as implementing the SDGs, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Paris Agreement. The Protocol is intended to galvanize multi-stakeholder collaboration and resource mobilization in the run-up to major ocean, climate and biodiversity milestones.
By setting a clear vision and practical recommendations, the Protocol aims to empower all stakeholders—public and private—to scale up and accelerate actions that protect marine ecosystems, support sustainable livelihoods and drive inclusive economic development.
