How to design a robust ocean finance architecture that delivers effective investment flows into a sustainable and regenerative blue economy.

<p>A sustainable and regenerative blue economy focusses on impacts of human activities on marine ecosystems, it aims to conserve and restore natural capital, integrating positive outcomes for nature and people. To align ocean sectors requires significant investment into businesses and projects and the science, data, management frameworks, decision tools and regulations. Emerging ocean finance from public and development finance sources, as well as from private grant funding and impact equity investment leaves a significant SDG14 funding gap.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Designing an ocean finance architecture for effective investment flows requires a number of key steps:</p>
<p>Alignment of approaches, frameworks and taxonomies around principles of a sustainable and regenerative blue economy, with sustainable ocean plans.</p>
<p>Natural capital assessment and accounting, backed by ocean science and data collection, using remote sensing and related technologies.</p>
<p>Integration of nature-based solutions into commercial value chains and coastal infrastructure projects.</p>
<p>Connection of multiple initiatives and opportunities in coastal communities with large global finance pools. A dedicated ocean finance institution that can help to integrate multiple sources of funds, support blended finance approaches and manage large-scale capital market issuance.</p>
<p>A regulatory and central banking framework that allows institutional investors to hold blue natural capital assets for the long term.</p>
<p>Progress is being made on these points, UNOC3 offers the opportunity to make a leap forward.</p>