Financing the Growth of the Blue Economy

Brief welcome from Simmons & Simmons

Speaker: Sonali Siriwardena, Global Head of ESG - Simmons & Simmons

Speaker: The Rt Hon Lord Goldsmith, Minister of State (Overseas Territories, Commonwealth, Energy, Climate and Environment)

Speaker: Peter Thomson, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean

"The Role of Ocean Conservation in Combatting the Climate, Biodiversity and Pollution Crises"

During the panel, the invited experts will engage in a discussion covering various topics related to ocean protection. Specifically, they will share their insights on the latest scientific findings, the impacts of pollution on marine biodiversity, and the policy, finance, and legal frameworks needed to ensure effective ocean protection. Additionally, the panelists will explore the opportunities that lie beyond blue carbon and how we can capitalise on them to ensure the sustainable growth of the blue economy.

Speakers:

• Elliot Beard, Partner at Simmons & Simmons; and
• Sandy Luk, CEO at Marine Conservation Society;
• Dr Siân Rees, Associate Professor in Social-Ecological Systems Research at University of Plymouth;
• Mike Rowe, Director for Marine and Fisheries in Defra
• Martin Koehring, Global Director of Impact at Forum for the Future (moderator).

"Investing in Ocean Recovery for a Regenerative Future"

Speaker: Ralph Chami, Financial economist, with 24 years of experience at the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

"Opportunities for financing the Blue Economy"

During the panel, our panellists will delve into an engaging discussion surrounding the funding requirements for maintaining a healthy ocean. They will explore the investment opportunities that arise from such initiatives and discuss the necessary steps for their further development. A key aspect of the conversation will revolve around the availability of financial products, including the viability of blue gilts and bonds as potential solutions. The panellists will also address the critical question of how investors can effectively measure the impacts of their investments on the ocean, emphasising the importance of aligning financial decisions with environmental sustainability goals.

Speakers:

• Chip Cunliffe, Programme & Risk Director at ORRAA;
• Chris Gorell Barnes, Founding Partner at Ocean 14 Capital;
• My-Linh Ngo, Head of ESG Investment at BlueBay Asset Management;
• David Thompson, CIO at Zurich Insurance Company Ltd; and
• Martin Koehring, Global Director of Impact at Forum for the Future (moderator).

“Reflections from Antarctica”

Speaker: Emily Cunningham, Award-winning Marine and Coastal Biologist

Brief closing remarks followed by drinks.

Speaker: Will Oulton, Non Exec Trustee Director and Board Champion for Ocean Recovery of the UK Marine Conservation Society (MCS)