World Bank IFC and WOC Partner on Investing in Pacific Blue Economy
WORLD BANK IFC AND WOC PARTNER ON ROUNDTABLE FOR IMPACT INVESTING IN THE PACIFIC BLUE ECONOMY
International Finance Corporation (IFC), Inspire Impact and the World Ocean Council Collaborate on Event to Explore Pacific Blue Economy Investment Opportunities
18 September 2020
The IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, in collaboration with Inspire Impact, will host a landmark discussion on investment opportunities in the Pacific Blue Economy, including why the sustainable use of oceans must be central to planning for a post-pandemic recovery.
The first Pacific Blue Economy Roundtable, to be held September 18, provides a wide-ranging discussion on the threats to ocean health while also mapping out the steps needed to realize the potential of the Blue Economy and capitalize on emerging investment opportunities across a range of sectors from aquaculture to green shipping, ports and tourism.
World Ocean Council (WOC) CEO Paul Holthus will provide an overview of the Pacific Blue Economy, focusing on the emerging investment opportunities for investors in the Pacific Blue Economy.
‘’While the challenges faced by the nations of the Pacific are profound, we also see immense opportunities to harness benefits that flow from the Blue Economy in a way that puts sustainability at the top of the agenda,” said Mike van Niekerk, Partner and Chief Impact Officer at Inspire Impact. “This event creates an avenue for matching investors that have the capital and desire to have a positive impact on environmental and social issues with like-minded investors and companies in the Pacific, helping them solve some of the challenges they face,” he said.
“The importance of the Blue Economy cannot be overstated,” said Thomas Jacobs, IFC Country Manager – Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands. “A business as usual approach simply won’t work and risks having negative environmental and social impacts on the people of the Pacific and the oceans upon which they rely for their livelihoods. It is also clear we need to move collectively to a business model and investment footing that enhances sustainability, including in sectors that rely on our oceans.”
WOC CEO Paul Holthus stated, “The World Ocean Council is pleased to be working with the IFC and Inspire Impact to help advance investment in sustainable ocean and island development as part of the WOC Ocean Investment Platform and our Ocean Funds Roundtable.’’
# Blue Economy by the Numbers #Contribution of Pacific Ocean-based fishing and tourism sectors to the national economies in the Pacific Island Countries and Territories: USD 3.3 billion, or more than 10 % of the regional GDP Source: Seidel & Lal. 2010. Economic value of the Pacific Ocean to the Pacific Island Countries and Territories. IUCN. Gland. 75 p |
 |
Recent and Upcoming WOC Outreach and Engagement17-19 September, Online Workshop 18 September, Online Seminar 23-24 September, Online Summit 30 September, 10:00 BST, Webinar 1-2 October, Online Conference 6-8 October, Rotterdam/Online Summit 14-16 October, Online Event 15-16 October, Online Event |
|
|
World Ocean Council (WOC) – The Global Blue Economy Business OrganizationThe WOC is the international, cross-sectoral alliance for private sector leadership, collaboration and action on ocean sustainability, stewardship and science. Companies from a range of industries worldwide are distinguishing themselves as leaders in “Corporate Ocean Responsibility”, including: shipping, oil and gas, tourism, fisheries, aquaculture, mining, renewable energy, ocean technology and investment. WOC Members are listed here, a part of the WOC Network of 35,000+ ocean industry stakeholders around the world. The WOC is a registered not-for-profit organization in the US and France. |
|
|
|
Contact email: info@oceancouncil.org Web: www.oceancouncil.org |
