Seas of opportunity: navigating the Blue Economy

Exploring the concept of the Blue Economy: definitions, scope, and opportunities

In episode one, Sonali Siriwardena, Partner and Global Head of ESG at Simmons, teams up with Sandy Luk, CEO at the Marine Conservation Society. Together, they delve into the intriguing realm of the Blue Economy, unravelling the challenges of securing private finance capital for projects aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 14 – ensuring life below water thrives. Tune in as we embark on a journey to navigate the waters of change and opportunity.

Building a sustainable economy around blue natural capital

In this episode, James Merchant, Marine natural capital analyst at the Marine Conservation Society explores with Dieter Helm, Professor of Economic Policy at the University of Oxford and a Fellow in Economics at New College, Oxford, the why and the how of building a sustainable blue economy -- an economy where finance and policy measures are geared towards regenerative and not extractive activities in the oceans.

International collaboration and frameworks for preserving ocean ecosystems and marine biodiversity?

In this episode, Kamile Jankauskyte, ESG analyst at Simmons & Simmons speaks with Minna Epps, Head of the Ocean Program at International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) on international collaboration and frameworks for preserving ocean ecosystems and marine biodiversity. In particular, the episode deep dives into the milestone agreement reached last year on the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdictions treaty.

The role of blue finance in building a sustainable blue economy

In this episode, Kamile Jankauskyte, ESG analyst at Simmons & Simmons speaks with Ted Janulis, Founder and Principal at Investable Oceans on the role of blue finance in building a sustainable blue economy whilst at the World Ocean Summit in Lisbon. The episode walks through the current state of sustainable blue finance and some of the opportunities on the horizon as we look to scale investment.

The ocean engine that powers our planet

In this episode, we consider how the ocean shapes life on Earth with Dr. Helen Czerski, a distinguished physicist and oceanographer, as she joins James Merchant at the Marine Conservation Society. Together, they delve into the expansive role of the ocean, exploring its fundamental importance to our existence and the health of Planet Earth.

Financing ocean-based solutions for a resilient future

In this episode, sustainable finance and ocean policy specialist Dorothee Herr talks us through ocean based solutions, what they can achieve and the role that governments and the private sector can play in making it happen.

Role and importance of local communities and Indigenous knowledge in contributing to the blue economy

In this episode, we delve into the critical issues surrounding our blue ecosystems and their sustainable future. We're joined by Mere Takoko, Indigenous Ocean and Climate Conservationist, who shares her insights on the role of local and indigenous communities in creating and safeguarding a sustainable blue economy.

What does ocean restoration look like?

In Episode 8 of Seas of Opportunity, Dr Jean-Luc Solandt shared his insights on the practicalities of ocean restoration. Jean-Luc has dedicated over two decades to marine conservation, most recently as Marine Recovery Programme Manager at the Marine Conservation Society. He is a marine biologist and Marine Protected Area specialist with a lot of first-hand experience of being involved in marine restoration projects.

We often talk about the need to scale-up finance for ocean restoration. This is a broad term and it may not always be clear exactly what it means. Jean-Luc joined the podcast to shed some light on this as we considered what ocean restoration looks like in reality, what the challenges are and how to it can be scaled up.

How the UK Government can deliver a Sustainable Blue Economy

In this enlightening episode, Belinda Bramley, an environmentalist and independent blue economy consultant, shares her valuable insights on the environmental and social dimensions of governmental involvement in a sustainable blue economy. She notably emphasises the importance of proactive governmental action and the necessity of engaging local communities in these initiatives.

Understanding marine natural capital

Sian Rees is a marine scientist specialising in marine conservation, marine management and policy. Sian has authored key research on marine natural capital, looking at securing the benefits it provides and how it informs decision making. She has also been part of Defra’s Marine Natural Capital Ecosystem Assessment Advisory Group.

Addressing ocean pollution & the role of local government in ocean recovery

In this episode, we’re tackling the topic of ocean pollution and envisioning what a healthy ocean could look like with Emily Cunningham, a marine biologist and renowned ocean conservationist. Emily shares her experiences from various explorations, highlighting the pervasive nature of both visible and invisible pollution, such as forever chemicals and microplastics. No part of our planet, including our oceans, is untouched by pollution. This issue is not only environmental but has also become a global health concern. Sewage contamination exacerbates the problem, necessitating a committed response from governments and the private sector. Regenerative investment initiatives and local-level actions are essential in driving solutions for ocean conservation.

Beyond blue sky thinking, learning from blue projects already in flight

In the 12th episode, Simmons Global Head of ESG, Sonali Siriwardena, engages with Ralph Chami, a distinguished financial economist with a rich background in climate change and biodiversity loss. With over 32 years of experience, including 25 at the International Monetary Fund, Ralph has dedicated his recent years to developing frameworks for valuing natural capital. This episode takes us beyond theoretical discussions, focusing on tangible case studies and projects from around the globe that illustrate how we can preserve and restore our blue ecosystems.

Innovation in Insurance: de-risking the blue economy

This episode delves into the transformative role of parametric insurance in safeguarding marine ecosystems and supporting the livelihoods dependent on them. Featuring expert insights from Sarah Conway, a leader in ecosystem resilience, the episode highlights how innovative financial instruments can enhance the resilience of natural assets like coral reefs, while also discussing the mechanisms of funding and the involvement of various stakeholders in ecosystem conservation. This enlightening discussion sheds light on the intersection of finance, conservation, and sustainable development within the blue economy, offering a roadmap for future initiatives.

Blue Returns: Financing the Future of Marine Conservation

In this episode, Nicolas Pascal, Executive Director and Co-founder of Blue Alliance Marine Protected Areas, shares insights on leveraging marine protected areas to foster coral reef regeneration, combat poverty, and nurture a sustainable blue economy.

The role of development finance institutions in scaling finance into the blue economy

In this episode, Dr Pushkala Ratan, Principal Specialist at the IFC, delve into the critical role of development finance institutions in mobilising capital for the blue economy. They discuss how the IFC has been at the forefront of blue finance, standardising guidelines and driving investments into projects that address pressing challenges like plastic pollution, coral reef degradation, and water scarcity. The conversation highlights the growing momentum in blue bonds and the transformative potential of innovative partnerships to scale sustainable finance in ocean-based industries.

Scaling Private Finance in the Blue Economy

The 16th episode highlights the growing momentum behind blue bonds as a key tool for sustainable finance. Willem Visser, Sector Portfolio Manager and VP of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and T. Rowe Price International Ltd, outlines the innovative strategy driving their emerging markets blue economy bond, emphasising collaboration and phased growth to build this nascent asset class.

Closing the Loop: Investors and the Future of the Blue Economy

In this final episode of Seas of Opportunity: Navigating the Blue Economy, Sonali Siriwardena is joined by Will Oulton, Vice Chairman of the Marine Conservation Society, to explore the critical role of investors in shaping a sustainable future for our oceans. Reflecting on key insights from the series, they discuss how finance, policy, and advocacy can continue driving positive change for marine biodiversity.