Blue Natural Capital Financing Facility

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The time to invest in our ocean is now.

We lead innovative financing solutions, support on-the-ground projects, and create opportunities for private sector investment in a sustainable blue future.

Our Work in Innovative Ocean Financing

For over a decade, we’ve focused on Blue Natural Capital (BNC) and blue carbon by generating knowledge, building a scientific community, and shaping policy frameworks for international governance like the UNFCCC.

We’re also developing a pipeline of bankable BNC projects worldwide.Investing in BNC projects supports local communities by enhancing food security, income, and protection against climate impacts. As ocean-based growth accelerates, we’re committed to setting these activities on a sustainable path that benefits both people and nature.

Impacts created

Chris Kirby, Ocean Image Bank Aerial view of a lush wetland with winding brown waterways cutting through vibrant yellow vegetation.

Matt Curnock, Ocean Image Bank Underwater view of a young mangrove tree with bright green leaves reaching toward the sunlit surface of clear blue water.

Underwater view of a young mangrove tree with bright green leaves reaching toward the sunlit surface of clear blue water.

Merr Watson, Ocean Image Bank Aerial view of ocean waves crashing onto a golden sandy beach, creating a striking contrast between the deep blue water and shoreline.

Aerial view of ocean waves crashing onto a golden sandy beach, creating a striking contrast between the deep blue water and shoreline.

Fabrice Dudenhofer, Ocean Image Bank Group of children joyfully swimming underwater, with one smiling and reaching toward the camera.

Identify

projects building on the BNC approach to conserve and sustainably manage coastal and marine ecosystems as part of a promising business model.

Assist

project partners in assessing, preparing and structuring BNC opportunities to become bankable investments, as part of a blended finance approach.

Offer

guidance for projects to become ready to attract sustainable financing, using innovative blended financing models to access different revenue streams.

Apply

the Positive Impacts Framework to measure, report and verify projects’ contributions towards climate and sustainable development goals.

Fueled by strong funding and growing interest in climate-positive projects, demand for BNC initiatives exceeds supply.

We provide expert guidance to project developers, ensuring sound design, successful implementation, and meaningful impacts for coastal communities and biodiversity while reducing emissions and restoring carbon sinks.

A part of the global authority on the status of the natural world

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) harnesses the experience, resources and reach of our more than 1,400 Member organisations and the input of more than 18,000 experts. This diversity and vast expertise makes IUCN the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it.