Joining forces in their mutual interest to support the sustainable use of marine resources, the IUCN Global Marine and Polar Programme (GMPP) will act as a strategic advisor to the Blue Action Fund. Both recognise the fundamental role and benefits of effectively managed marine protected areas (MPAs). In this light, the IUCN will use its experience and expertise to provide strategic advice to the funding programme as well as support in the appraisal of grant applications.

The role is well in line with the IUCN Global Marine and Polar Programme’s work towards ensuring that coastal and marine ecosystems are restored and maintained, and that any use of their resources is sustainable and equitable.

The Blue Action Fund and IUCN both share the same desire to support the scaling up of safeguarding efforts in and around marine protected areas. This strategic advisory role provides a great opportunity to contribute IUCN’s expertise through its network to the Blue Action Fund’s grant programme and the much needed funding of these underrepresented areas. We look forward to continuing and strengthening the collaboration by supporting the Blue Action Fund in its mission.”

Minna Epps, Director of IUCN’s Global Marine and Polar Programme

 

The role of MPAs goes beyond safeguarding marine biodiversity and associated ecosystems. In fact, well-managed MPAs and MPA networks unveil significant benefits for coastal communities and national and international economies. This is true through enhancing fisheries, stabilising communities’ incomes, ensuring food security and contributing to greater mitigation of and resilience to climate change impacts. This recognition has led to significant efforts leading up to the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity, calling for at least 30% effective protection of the ocean by 2030.

Despite recognition of the critical importance of costal and marine ecosystems, MPAs still lack appropriate funding. The effective protection of the marine environment implicates a great complexity of political, social and economic issues, making the implementation of conservation actions difficult. Without sufficient funding to sustain the costs of operating MPAs, the achievement of conservation efforts remains challenging.

To respond to MPA funding needs, the Blue Action Fund was established at the end of 2016. Initiated by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and KfW Development Bank and later joined by the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the French Development Agency, the conservation trust fund is dedicated to supporting the establishment and improved management of MPAs. It provides grants to NGOs working towards achieving this in selected MPAs of Africa, Latin America and Asia-Pacific.

Consensually agreed to by all 193 UN Member States in 2015, SDG14.5 calls for the protection of 10% of our coastal and marine ecosystems by 2020. In addition, there is now the much needed ambition to protect 30% of these ecosystems by 2030. However, less than 1% of Official Development Assistance is currently geared towards sustainable use of the ocean. The Blue Action Fund is a uniquely structured financing instrument that accelerates our support for marine protection and facilitates innovation and new partnerships.  The Blue Action Fund delivers impact and inspire ocean optimism. We are welcoming more partners to join and help to restore a healthy ocean that benefits all.”

Dr. Heike Henn, Chair of Blue Action Funds Supervisory Board and Director for Climate policy, Energy, Urban Development and Environment (ad interim) and Commissioner for climate policy and climate financing at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

The Blue Action Fund started in 2017 with a capital base of EUR 24 Million provided by Germany, but thanks to further contributions from Germany, Sweden and France as well as the Green Climate Fund, available funding will be well above EUR 100 Million at the end of 2020.

The programme currently consists of 11 grants and is expected to continue grow significantly. Through its efforts, the Blue Action Fund is filling an important space in securing appropriate resources and investment for MPAs and the IUCN Global Marine and Polar Programme is proud to be part of it.