Key Impact Points:
- The Ocean Investment Protocol offers clear financial pathways to unlock a projected $5.5 trillion sustainable ocean economy by 2050.
- Developed by UN Global Compact and UNEP FI, the Protocol targets financial institutions, governments, and ocean industries with sector-specific guidance and policy tools.
- Launched ahead of World Ocean Week, it aims to catalyze responsible investment that supports climate resilience, food security, and biodiversity.
UN Releases Blueprint to Finance a Thriving Ocean Economy
The United Nations Global Compact and the UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) have launched the Ocean Investment Protocol, a landmark framework designed to scale finance for a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable ocean economy.
Building on existing initiatives such as the UN Global Compact Sustainable Ocean Principles and UNEP FI’s Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles, the new Protocol offers comprehensive guidance for aligning capital flows with ocean health, sustainable development, and equitable growth.
By 2050, the global market value of a Sustainable Ocean Economy is projected to reach $5.5 trillion.
Ocean Prosperity Tied to Climate, Biodiversity, and Food Security
The ocean already rivals the world’s fifth-largest economy in size, undergirding 90% of global trade and feeding hundreds of millions. But its health is under threat from warming seas, pollution, biodiversity loss, and inequitable access to marine resources.
“The Ocean Investment Protocol underscores the transformative role that businesses, governments and development finance institutions can play in protecting our oceans for future generations. It provides a blueprint for accelerating responsible investments,” said Sanda Ojiambo, CEO & Executive Director, UN Global Compact.
Key Components of the Ocean Investment Protocol
The Protocol outlines a strategic investment roadmap for banks, insurers, governments, and ocean industries. It includes:
- Holistic Investment Guidance across sectors like offshore renewables, climate-resilient infrastructure, and sustainable seafood.
- Data and Disclosure Frameworks aligned with TNFD, TCFD, and science-based targets.
- Sector-Specific Roadmaps for shipping, fisheries, tourism, and ocean-based energy.
- Regulatory and Policy Support to foster enabling investment environments, including marine spatial planning and sustainable incentives.
- Emphasis on Development Finance, especially for vulnerable coastal communities and emerging markets.
“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 of UNEP FI. “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.”
A Timely Launch Ahead of World Ocean Week
The Protocol’s release comes as momentum builds around a Global Plastics Treaty, High Seas Treaty, and ongoing implementation of the SDGs, Paris Agreement, and Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Its unveiling aligns with World Ocean Week (June 1–8), a global initiative to celebrate and protect the ocean. This year’s United Nations World Oceans Day (June 8) is themed “Wonder: Sustaining what sustains us”, with a call to action echoed by actor and UN Oceans Day speaker Michael B. Jordan:
“To protect our planet’s beating heart, we need to awaken new depths within our own.”
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