New UN Protocol Sets Clear Path for Sustainable Ocean Economy Investments

On May 28, 2025, the United Nations Global Compact and the UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) unveiled a groundbreaking initiative known as the Ocean Investment Protocol. This essential guide is designed to mobilize and amplify financial resources dedicated to fostering a healthy, resilient ocean that underpins a prosperous Sustainable Ocean Economy. The ambition is significant, targeting a market value of $5.5 trillion by the year 2050.

The Ocean Investment Protocol builds upon the existing Sustainable Ocean Principles established by the UN Global Compact and the Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles developed by UNEP FI. It serves as a crucial roadmap for financial institutions, insurers, ocean industries, government bodies, and development finance institutions, aiming to synchronize their efforts in promoting a Sustainable Ocean Economy. This transition is vital to achieve various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14, which focuses on life below water.

A thriving ocean is not only pivotal for biodiversity and food security but also integral to climate resilience and global livelihoods. The protocol emphasizes that ocean health is intrinsically linked to economic prosperity. The urgency of targeted financing is underscored by the increasing pressures exerted on marine ecosystems, such as rising ocean temperatures, pollution, overfishing, biodiversity loss, and governance issues. These challenges highlight the necessity for dedicated investments and policies to safeguard marine ecosystems while promoting equitable economic opportunities.

Currently, the ocean economy stands as the fifth-largest globally, supporting a staggering 90% of the world's trade volume. Developing a regenerative and sustainable ocean economy is thus critical as global markets heavily depend on it. The Ocean Investment Protocol responds decisively to this imperative, outlining actionable strategies to align financial investments with nature-positive and climate-resilient outcomes, fostering innovation across key ocean sectors.

According to projections, by 2050, a sustainable and equitably shared ocean economy could achieve a staggering market valuation of $5.5 trillion. Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, highlighted the protocol's role in bringing together diverse stakeholders to foster long-term ocean health. She stated, “The Ocean Investment Protocol underscores the transformative role that businesses, governments, and development finance institutions can play in protecting our oceans for future generations.”

Eric Usher, Head of UNEP FI, stressed the gravity of the moment: “The ocean is at a tipping point—and the decisions we make now will determine the future of life below water and far beyond.” He emphasized the need for financial actors to be equipped with the necessary tools to unlock capital for a sustainable, inclusive ocean economy. However, he also pointed out that finance alone is insufficient; policymakers must create an environment conducive to sustainable ocean investments.

Key elements of the Ocean Investment Protocol include the following:

1. Holistic Guidance: Tailored recommendations for banks, investors, and insurers to navigate environmental risks while exploring growth opportunities in renewable energy, sustainable seafood, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
2. Data and Disclosure: Promoting transparency regarding nature-related risks and impacts, aligning with global reporting frameworks like TNFD and TCFD.
3. Sector-Specific Roadmaps: Providing actionable financing and operational practices tailored to industries such as shipping, tourism, fisheries, and renewable energy.
4. Policy and Regulation Support: Encouraging investment-ready frameworks, emphasizing marine spatial planning, and promoting incentives for sustainable practices.
5. Catalytic Role of Development Finance: Fostering development pipelines in the Sustainable Ocean Economy, particularly in vulnerable coastal communities.

The unveiling of the Ocean Investment Protocol aligns with a growing global momentum towards nature-positive strategies, including initiatives aimed at curbing carbon emissions and addressing pollution. Ocean-related investment opportunities are on the rise, coinciding with efforts such as the Global Plastics Treaty and the implementation of key agreements like the Paris Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

This protocol aims to rally diverse stakeholders—both public and private—to intensify their actions in protecting marine ecosystems, supporting sustainable livelihoods, and promoting inclusive economic development. With the Ocean Investment Protocol, the UN and UNEP FI are providing a vital collective framework to reimagine the future of ocean economies and secure a healthier planet for generations to come.