Marine 30x30 Finance Initiative Launched to Support Ocean Conservation Funding
On June 18, 2026, during a high-profile event at the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya, the Minderoo Foundation and the Blue Nature Alliance unveiled a transformative effort known as the Marine 30x30 Finance Initiative. With a considerable financial commitment of $10 million from the Minderoo Foundation, this initiative aspires to help nations craft national ocean finance strategies aimed at securing sustainable funding to protect 30% of their ocean territories by the year 2030.
The backdrop of this initiative is significant. Despite the commitment from over 190 nations to meet the 30x30 goal under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, a major hindrance remains: the shortage of reliable funding. This gap has led to the existence of "paper parks"—protected zones that lack effective management and resources. The Marine 30x30 Finance Initiative intends to fill this void by fostering country-specific marine finance plans, mobilizing financial resources, and establishing long-term financing solutions, including tourism fees and blue carbon initiatives.
In a strategic move, the initiative marks the launch of pilot programs in three initial countries: Seychelles, French Polynesia, and the Dominican Republic. These nations will collaborate closely with the Blue Nature Alliance to create financial models and strategies that intertwine conservation efforts with their own economic and social goals.
"Biodiversity and habitats are dwindling at an unprecedented pace, and there is a pressing need to ensure that at least 30% of both land and sea are designated as conservation areas by 2030 to foster healthy and productive ecosystems," stated Dr. Andrew Forrest, AO, founder of the Minderoo Foundation. He emphasized that one of the primary obstacles in the successful execution of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is financing. Most MPAs are underfunded and lack the necessary financial strategies to succeed, an issue likely to escalate as nations endeavor to fulfill their 30x30 commitments. As the deadline looms near, urgent support is critical for countries to develop robust national ocean finance plans.
"The announcement today lays the foundation for bridging ambitious targets with effective actions, ensuring MPAs yield substantial benefits for biodiversity, ecosystems, and coastal communities," Dr. Forrest added.
In further comments, Chris Stone, the Conservation Finance Lead for the Blue Nature Alliance, remarked, "To safeguard our oceans' future, we must transition from lofty targets to practical implementation. Our partnership with these pilot countries will manifest how solid financial planning can convert commitments into impactful conservation initiatives. Our vision is to establish a scalable guide that any coastal or island nation can employ to effectively fund their marine protection ambitions."
Insights from the pilot nations illustrate the varied approaches being taken to secure financial resources for marine conservation. Seychelles is spearheading these efforts through its Conservation, Climate Change and Adaptation Trust (SeyCCAT) to devise a thorough national marine finance roadmap addressing deficits in the management of its MPA system.
Marie-May Jeremie, the Minister for Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources in Seychelles, expressed, "Seychelles holds the belief that small island nations can lead the global charge in ocean protection. We were pioneers in the debt-for-nature swap, and now, 30% of our waters enjoy protection. However, true leadership entails recognizing that meeting this commitment efficiently requires sustained funding, which we are actively pursuing. Through our cooperation with the Blue Nature Alliance and Minderoo, we are constructing a financial roadmap that reflects our ambition, ensuring our marine protected areas remain vital for the livelihoods of the Seychellois for generations. We aspire that the insights gained through this initiative will illuminate the path for other oceanic nations seeking to transform conservation promises into effective, well-funded protections."
The Dominican Republic, having achieved the 30x30 goal first among Caribbean nations, is now exploring innovative financing avenues, including blue carbon projects and parametric insurance. Minister Armando Paíno Henríquez noted, "We are proud to be pioneers in this effort in the Caribbean, but this milestone is just the start of a new phase. Sustainable conservation demands dependable funding, and this initiative is essential for us to establish the financial instruments needed to perpetuate our marine ecosystems' protection."
French Polynesia, which boasts the world’s largest MPA covering its entire 4.5 million km² exclusive economic zone, is pursuing a conservation trust fund. Minister Taivini Teai stated, "French Polynesia has shown that even small island territories can aim high for ocean conservation. Our goal now is to ensure our protection efforts are accompanied by the necessary long-term resources for management. By developing a sustainable financing framework, we aim to identify innovative solutions to support both the Tainui Atea and our island communities' resilience."
In addition to the country-specific initiatives, the Marine 30x30 Finance Initiative will establish a Community of Practice, a global network aimed at sharing practical experiences and technical know-how to bolster marine finance expertise worldwide.
About Minderoo Foundation: The Minderoo Foundation is dedicated to creating a sustainable future where people and the environment can flourish. The foundation focuses on empowering communities, promoting gender equality, and preserving natural ecosystems. While it emphasizes long-term change, it also responds quickly to urgent challenges through targeted impact operations, advocating reform and developing innovative solutions.
About the Blue Nature Alliance: The Blue Nature Alliance is a international coalition working with various stakeholders—including governments, NGOs, local communities, and scholars—to advance large-scale ocean conservation efforts. Supporting marine conservation initiatives across 130 partners in around 50 sites worldwide, it seeks to enhance the health of our oceans and marine biodiversity.
The backdrop of this initiative is significant. Despite the commitment from over 190 nations to meet the 30x30 goal under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, a major hindrance remains: the shortage of reliable funding. This gap has led to the existence of "paper parks"—protected zones that lack effective management and resources. The Marine 30x30 Finance Initiative intends to fill this void by fostering country-specific marine finance plans, mobilizing financial resources, and establishing long-term financing solutions, including tourism fees and blue carbon initiatives.
In a strategic move, the initiative marks the launch of pilot programs in three initial countries: Seychelles, French Polynesia, and the Dominican Republic. These nations will collaborate closely with the Blue Nature Alliance to create financial models and strategies that intertwine conservation efforts with their own economic and social goals.
"Biodiversity and habitats are dwindling at an unprecedented pace, and there is a pressing need to ensure that at least 30% of both land and sea are designated as conservation areas by 2030 to foster healthy and productive ecosystems," stated Dr. Andrew Forrest, AO, founder of the Minderoo Foundation. He emphasized that one of the primary obstacles in the successful execution of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is financing. Most MPAs are underfunded and lack the necessary financial strategies to succeed, an issue likely to escalate as nations endeavor to fulfill their 30x30 commitments. As the deadline looms near, urgent support is critical for countries to develop robust national ocean finance plans.
"The announcement today lays the foundation for bridging ambitious targets with effective actions, ensuring MPAs yield substantial benefits for biodiversity, ecosystems, and coastal communities," Dr. Forrest added.
In further comments, Chris Stone, the Conservation Finance Lead for the Blue Nature Alliance, remarked, "To safeguard our oceans' future, we must transition from lofty targets to practical implementation. Our partnership with these pilot countries will manifest how solid financial planning can convert commitments into impactful conservation initiatives. Our vision is to establish a scalable guide that any coastal or island nation can employ to effectively fund their marine protection ambitions."
Insights from the pilot nations illustrate the varied approaches being taken to secure financial resources for marine conservation. Seychelles is spearheading these efforts through its Conservation, Climate Change and Adaptation Trust (SeyCCAT) to devise a thorough national marine finance roadmap addressing deficits in the management of its MPA system.
Marie-May Jeremie, the Minister for Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources in Seychelles, expressed, "Seychelles holds the belief that small island nations can lead the global charge in ocean protection. We were pioneers in the debt-for-nature swap, and now, 30% of our waters enjoy protection. However, true leadership entails recognizing that meeting this commitment efficiently requires sustained funding, which we are actively pursuing. Through our cooperation with the Blue Nature Alliance and Minderoo, we are constructing a financial roadmap that reflects our ambition, ensuring our marine protected areas remain vital for the livelihoods of the Seychellois for generations. We aspire that the insights gained through this initiative will illuminate the path for other oceanic nations seeking to transform conservation promises into effective, well-funded protections."
The Dominican Republic, having achieved the 30x30 goal first among Caribbean nations, is now exploring innovative financing avenues, including blue carbon projects and parametric insurance. Minister Armando Paíno Henríquez noted, "We are proud to be pioneers in this effort in the Caribbean, but this milestone is just the start of a new phase. Sustainable conservation demands dependable funding, and this initiative is essential for us to establish the financial instruments needed to perpetuate our marine ecosystems' protection."
French Polynesia, which boasts the world’s largest MPA covering its entire 4.5 million km² exclusive economic zone, is pursuing a conservation trust fund. Minister Taivini Teai stated, "French Polynesia has shown that even small island territories can aim high for ocean conservation. Our goal now is to ensure our protection efforts are accompanied by the necessary long-term resources for management. By developing a sustainable financing framework, we aim to identify innovative solutions to support both the Tainui Atea and our island communities' resilience."
In addition to the country-specific initiatives, the Marine 30x30 Finance Initiative will establish a Community of Practice, a global network aimed at sharing practical experiences and technical know-how to bolster marine finance expertise worldwide.
About Minderoo Foundation: The Minderoo Foundation is dedicated to creating a sustainable future where people and the environment can flourish. The foundation focuses on empowering communities, promoting gender equality, and preserving natural ecosystems. While it emphasizes long-term change, it also responds quickly to urgent challenges through targeted impact operations, advocating reform and developing innovative solutions.
About the Blue Nature Alliance: The Blue Nature Alliance is a international coalition working with various stakeholders—including governments, NGOs, local communities, and scholars—to advance large-scale ocean conservation efforts. Supporting marine conservation initiatives across 130 partners in around 50 sites worldwide, it seeks to enhance the health of our oceans and marine biodiversity.
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