Financing the Ocean Back to Health in Southeast Asia: Approaches for Mainstreaming Blue Finance

This publication identifies investment approaches, opportunities, and finance mechanisms in Southeast Asia that can promote and catalyze funds for a sustainable ocean economy. It emphasizes the significance of the blue economy for protecting biodiversity and achieving economic growth.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 76 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2022
Publisher: Asian Development Bank

This comprehensive publication delves into investment strategies, opportunities, and financial mechanisms in Southeast Asia that can foster and accelerate funds for a sustainable ocean economy. It offers a comprehensive overview of the blue economy, highlighting its pivotal role in safeguarding the biodiversity of natural resources in the region. The blue economy, as defined, encompasses the sustainable utilization of ocean and coastal resources to drive economic growth and enhance livelihoods, while simultaneously preserving and nurturing marine ecosystems. The publication explores how multilateral and bilateral funding sources, a market-based approach, incentives, and regulations can contribute to the realization of a blue economy. It also examines the crucial need for these elements to be aligned within a cohesive development framework.

Southeast Asia, with its vast marine resources and diverse ecosystems, presents a significant opportunity to develop a blue economy. The region's coastal communities rely heavily on the ocean for their livelihoods, including fishing, tourism, and marine transportation. However, these activities have also led to environmental degradation, such as overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction.

To address these challenges, the publication advocates for a holistic approach that combines economic development with environmental protection. It suggests that multilateral funding sources, such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, can play a crucial role in providing financial support for sustainable ocean projects. Additionally, a market-based approach, where businesses are incentivized to adopt sustainable practices, can contribute to the growth of the blue economy.

Incentives, such as tax breaks and subsidies, can also encourage companies to invest in environmentally friendly technologies and practices. Regulations, such as marine protected areas and sustainable fishing practices, can help protect marine ecosystems and ensure the long-term viability of the blue economy.

Furthermore, the publication emphasizes the importance of public-private partnerships in driving the development of a sustainable ocean economy. Collaboration between government agencies, private companies, and civil society organizations can ensure that resources are allocated efficiently and that sustainable practices are adopted on a large scale.

In conclusion, this comprehensive publication provides valuable insights into investment strategies, opportunities, and financial mechanisms that can promote and catalyze funds for a sustainable ocean economy in Southeast Asia. By adopting a holistic approach that combines economic development with environmental protection, the region can achieve sustainable growth while preserving its valuable marine resources for future generations.

Weight: 333g
Dimension: 298 x 216 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789292691639