Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco Secures €25 Billion in Investments
The forum's inaugural results indicate significant financial momentum towards ocean-related initiatives.
The Blue Economy and Finance Forum held in Monaco showcased a productive two-day exchange featuring a panel of heads of state, decision-makers, philanthropists, and solution providers, drawing 1,800 participants from over 100 countries.
Organized by the Prince Albert II Foundation in anticipation of the United Nations Ocean Conference, the event reported initial outcomes of €25 billion in investments and an additional €8.7 billion allocated to accelerate the transition towards sustainable oceanic practices.
The Prince Albert II Foundation noted that the forum successfully catalyzed funding to support transformative projects related to maritime decarbonization, marine ecosystem restoration, marine energy, and biotechnology.
The forum emphasized the blue economy, which encompasses ocean-related activities, as a virtuous sector with the potential for substantial entrepreneurial growth.
In addition to the €25 billion already confirmed, new financial commitments amounting to €8.7 billion have been secured for projects due by 2030, reinforcing momentum towards a regenerative and sustainable ocean economy.
Among the initiatives launched at the forum, 'Business in Ocean' unites 80 companies with a collective revenue of €600 billion, committing to incorporate ocean-related investments and opportunities into their strategies.
The forum also birthed the 'Finance in Common' alliance, comprising twenty development banks that have pledged to jointly mobilize over $5 billion annually for ocean conservation efforts.
Moreover, the #BackBlue coalition, representing financial actors managing $3 trillion in assets, has committed to integrating ocean considerations into their investment decisions.
The forum brought together various financial institutions, aimed at exploring investments in the blue economy.
The concept of blue economy intersects economic development with environmental sustainability, and encompasses various sectors, including fisheries, aquaculture, renewable energy, biotechnology, and maritime transportation.
It has gained traction through support from both public and private sectors, with financing being essential for accelerated growth.
The events highlighted new investment structures, including 'blue bonds' and specialized investment funds that contribute to the financing of projects specifically tied to the blue economy.
Such products are designed to generate returns while contributing positively to oceanic ecosystems.
Examples of specific investment products under discussion include the 'Oceano' and 'Indosuez Blue Cycle' initiatives, which aim to yield financial returns while also facilitating donations toward ocean-related projects.
Investment strategies are structured around publicly traded shares or fixed income products, offering investors traditional financial returns while simultaneously supporting ocean-opportunity initiatives.
The blue economy spans a wide range of business types, from start-ups focusing on innovation in marine sectors to established large enterprises in maritime transport, aquaculture, renewable energy, and coastal tourism.
Geographically, the majority of these investments target European companies, with investors having a focus on diverse market segments.
In addition, ongoing efforts include local initiatives such as financing thermodynamic coastal infrastructure to use ocean resources efficiently.
The Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge also sponsors a start-up each year, aimed at accelerating the development of blue economy innovations.
In 2025, the promising project involves transforming green algae into insulation materials, showcasing practical applications of blue economy principles.
The sense of urgency surrounding ocean conservation and development has spurred significant participation in relevant investment initiatives, as stakeholders continue to explore the complexities and opportunities of the blue economy landscape.
Organized by the Prince Albert II Foundation in anticipation of the United Nations Ocean Conference, the event reported initial outcomes of €25 billion in investments and an additional €8.7 billion allocated to accelerate the transition towards sustainable oceanic practices.
The Prince Albert II Foundation noted that the forum successfully catalyzed funding to support transformative projects related to maritime decarbonization, marine ecosystem restoration, marine energy, and biotechnology.
The forum emphasized the blue economy, which encompasses ocean-related activities, as a virtuous sector with the potential for substantial entrepreneurial growth.
In addition to the €25 billion already confirmed, new financial commitments amounting to €8.7 billion have been secured for projects due by 2030, reinforcing momentum towards a regenerative and sustainable ocean economy.
Among the initiatives launched at the forum, 'Business in Ocean' unites 80 companies with a collective revenue of €600 billion, committing to incorporate ocean-related investments and opportunities into their strategies.
The forum also birthed the 'Finance in Common' alliance, comprising twenty development banks that have pledged to jointly mobilize over $5 billion annually for ocean conservation efforts.
Moreover, the #BackBlue coalition, representing financial actors managing $3 trillion in assets, has committed to integrating ocean considerations into their investment decisions.
The forum brought together various financial institutions, aimed at exploring investments in the blue economy.
The concept of blue economy intersects economic development with environmental sustainability, and encompasses various sectors, including fisheries, aquaculture, renewable energy, biotechnology, and maritime transportation.
It has gained traction through support from both public and private sectors, with financing being essential for accelerated growth.
The events highlighted new investment structures, including 'blue bonds' and specialized investment funds that contribute to the financing of projects specifically tied to the blue economy.
Such products are designed to generate returns while contributing positively to oceanic ecosystems.
Examples of specific investment products under discussion include the 'Oceano' and 'Indosuez Blue Cycle' initiatives, which aim to yield financial returns while also facilitating donations toward ocean-related projects.
Investment strategies are structured around publicly traded shares or fixed income products, offering investors traditional financial returns while simultaneously supporting ocean-opportunity initiatives.
The blue economy spans a wide range of business types, from start-ups focusing on innovation in marine sectors to established large enterprises in maritime transport, aquaculture, renewable energy, and coastal tourism.
Geographically, the majority of these investments target European companies, with investors having a focus on diverse market segments.
In addition, ongoing efforts include local initiatives such as financing thermodynamic coastal infrastructure to use ocean resources efficiently.
The Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge also sponsors a start-up each year, aimed at accelerating the development of blue economy innovations.
In 2025, the promising project involves transforming green algae into insulation materials, showcasing practical applications of blue economy principles.
The sense of urgency surrounding ocean conservation and development has spurred significant participation in relevant investment initiatives, as stakeholders continue to explore the complexities and opportunities of the blue economy landscape.