Investing with a splash: risks and opportunities in ocean finance

Financial institutions are exposed to exponentially increasing ocean-related risks, even in the short term. Ocean-related risks are rarely if ever priced into the value of assets. It is estimated that, for a business-as-usual scenario, around US$8.4 trillion of assets and revenues are at risk in the coming 15 years for commercial fisheries, coastal real estate and infrastructure, coastal tourism, aquaculture, marine renewable energy and ports and shipping. This webinar will explore how the financial sector can leverage blended-finance solutions and engagement to manage rising ocean-related risks and opportunities. The UN High Seas Treaty agreed upon in March 2023 and adopted in June 2023, was hailed as a “breakthrough for the ocean”. While the treaty is yet to be ratified by the parties, it establishes large-scale marine protected areas on the high seas and requires that the impact of economic activities on the biodiversity of the high seas is assessed. Yet, activities currently regulated by other bodies, such as fishing and deep-sea mining, can be excluded from the standards of the treaty. Our panel’s biodiversity and investment experts will share insights on: • Where do investors face invisible ocean-related risks? • What types of innovative blended finance solutions exist today allowing investors to tap into ocean investment opportunities? • How can investors join forces and engage with policymakers to allow maximum protection of their portfolios and the yet-to-be ratified High Seas Treaty? While the focus of the webinar will be on seafood and deep-sea mining, speakers will also bring forward other ocean-related issues investors should consider.