WEBINAR – Economist World Ocean Summit, 8th June 2023, 4pm CET, 3pm BST, 10am EDT, 7am PDT

Natural capital is central to the fight against climate change. Sustainable and economically profitable marine ecosystems should be a global priority for long-term ocean health. However, marine environments, which are rich in natural resources, continue to degrade at a rapid rate. Blue natural capital—such as mangroves, seagrass and whales—is an undervalued asset. As well as contributing to ocean biodiversity, these natural resources function as carbon sinks. Mangroves and seagrass also help build coastal resilience in the face of the climate crisis.

Activities with a direct impact on the preservation and restoration of blue natural capital include research and data, funding, collaboration with Indigenous communities, investable projects and science-policy alignment. Growing marine natural resources requires a holistic approach to building nature-based solutions, increased co-operation among industry, government and civil society, and greater awareness around ocean literacy.

This session will explore how to protect and value blue natural capital in a credible manner. Speakers will discuss the role of stakeholders such as the private sector, NGOs, policymakers and scientists in creating nature-based solutions to aid marine resources, with a focus on how to attract greater investment in projects that contribute to a healthy blue economy.