Convening as a special event preceding the Third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3), the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) discussed what is needed to enable a regenerative and sustainable blue economy, generate investments in ocean health, transform the shipping industry, and ensure sustainable ocean governance and finance.

Producing at least 50% of our world’s oxygen, the ocean is the planet’s largest carbon sink, the Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) summary report of the meeting notes. The ocean is home to most of the Earth’s biodiversity, and more than three million people rely on it for their livelihoods. Yet, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions-driven warming and acidification, pollution, and overfishing, are among the many threats to life below water, undermining food security around the world.

SDG 14 (life below water) is also the least funded of all the SDGs. “An estimated annual investment of USD 175 billion is needed to make the maritime economy sustainable and inclusive,” ENB writes, “but only USD 30 billion has been disbursed since 2010.”

It is against this backdrop that the BEFF convened in Monaco from 7-8 June 2025, bringing together stakeholders from the public and private sectors, including business, banks, insurance companies, and philanthropies, to share their experiences and analyze how to scale up solutions.

Promoting investment for ocean health, participants shared examples such as responsible accounting of the Earth’s “equity,” designing marine protected areas (MPAs) as regenerative businesses by combining conservation outcomes with economic benefits, and using debt swaps to address the debt crisis while also nourishing ocean conservation.

Delegates discussed blended finance models to finance a regenerative and sustainable blue economy, heard an update on the development of a market for biodiversity nature credits, and learned about initiatives incorporating business, research, and education.

Participants also gained insights into the importance of alternative fuels for shipping mitigation and decarbonization and heard about efforts to build “ports of the future” that are smarter, greener, and marine-friendly.

In addition, speakers emphasized the importance of de-risking investment and the value of partnerships and multilateralism to address challenges. Ministers and Heads of State and Governments highlighted efforts to unlock ocean finance to catalyze sustainable blue economy initiatives.

The Forum also featured curated Solution Hubs (side events), designed to facilitate cross-sector exchanges, networking, and changemaking opportunities. A Blue Innovation Hall showcased innovative solutions and technologies that pave the way for a regenerative blue economy. An art exhibition “highlighted the urgent environmental challenges of our time while inviting reflection on humanity’s relationship with the planet.”

The BEFF was convened by the French Organizing Committee for UNOC3, the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco, and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, with support from the Governments of France and Costa Rica. UNOC3 is taking place in Nice, France, from 9-13 June 2025. [ENB Coverage of Blue Economy and Finance Forum]