The ocean is more than just a vast body of water—it is the heart of our planet, sustaining economies, regulating the climate, and supporting billions of livelihoods. Yet, despite its undeniable significance, ocean conservation remains critically underfunded, receiving less than 3% of global climate finance.
At the Finance in Common Summit (FiCS), Dr. Gene Leon, Executive Director of the Development Bank for Resilient Prosperity (DBRP), delivered a powerful keynote, calling for a system-wide shift in how we finance ocean resilience and sustainability.
Dr. Leon underscored that ocean health is not just an environmental issue—it is an economic and development imperative. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and coastal economies rely on the ocean for fisheries, tourism, and trade, yet they bear the brunt of pollution, climate change, and over-extraction. He emphasized the need for systemic change—one that integrates ecological stability into financial decision-making and makes resilience a measure of prosperity.
Key Takeaways from Dr. Leon’s Keynote:
Public Development Banks (PDBs) Must Lead the Way:
PDBs have a unique mandate to align financial flows with global climate and biodiversity goals. Dr. Leon highlighted their role in scaling up ocean finance through:
Blended finance structures – attracting private capital through credit guarantees and concessional finance.
Nature-backed financial instruments – issuing blue bonds to fund large-scale marine restoration.
Investment in blue infrastructure – financing sustainable ports, aquaculture, and ocean-based renewables.
Leveraging Blue Natural Capital for Sustainable Growth:
Dr. Leon urged for a shift from extractive to regenerative economic models. By monetizing marine ecosystem services—such as blue carbon credits, biodiversity credits, and payments for ecosystem services—nations can turn conservation into a bankable investment.
What’s Needed?
Establishing property rights over marine resources for stable markets.
Using AI & blockchain-based MRV (Monitoring, Reporting & Verification) for credibility.
Ensuring governance models that benefit local communities.
Dr. Leon’s message was clear: We must transition from fragmented policies to system-wide solutions, from short-term profits to long-term resilience. This is the moment to act—to ensure that finance serves the ocean, so the ocean can continue sustaining humanity.
The DBRP remains committed to working with partners to unlock financing for ocean resilience and drive a sustainable blue economy for SIDS and beyond.
Let’s rethink ocean finance—together.
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