Conservation finance for coral reefs : a Vibrant Oceans Initiative whitepaper

Abstract

This whitepaper reviews a broad range of finance solutions related to coral reef conservation, including conservation trust funds, blended finance, small and medium-sized enterprises, blue carbon, blue bonds, environmental impact bonds, debt for nature swaps, insurance products, and biodiversity offsets. We highlight opportunities and solutions for both well-documented successful finance solutions and a range of innovative approaches that are currently being piloted. We also provide guidance on how governments, reef managers, and conservation stakeholders can identify, prioritize, and implement a portfolio of finance mechanisms to achieve their desired conservation outcomes. We highlight a practical approach to conservation finance that requires an understanding of the objectives of conservation and resilience initiatives, the threats facing coral reef social-ecological systems, the actors who either benefit from the ecosystems or impact them, and how capital and incentives can be used to mitigate threats and improve equitable social and ecological outcomes.