Blue Action Fund
The
Blue Action Fund: Protection of Oceans and Coastal Communities
editAbout Us
editThe Blue Action Fund is a foundation established in 2016 by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in cooperation with KfW Development Bank. Today, the fund is one of the largest public funders for the protection of the seas and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods in coastal communities worldwide[3][4].
Mission and Values
editThe main mission of the Blue Action Fund is to intensify the protection of oceans and coasts, particularly in developing countries. The fund focuses on the conservation of marine biodiversity and the improvement of living conditions for coastal fishermen in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. By supporting non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local actors, the fund aims to establish, expand, and better manage marine protected areas, as well as promote the sustainable use of coastal and marine resources[1][4].
Key Products and Services
editThe Blue Action Fund offers targeted funding to NGOs that are committed to the protection of marine protected areas and the improvement of living conditions in coastal communities. The projects supported by the fund focus on the establishment, expansion, and better management of marine protected areas, as well as the promotion of sustainable livelihoods. By 2021, the fund had supported 17 projects in 17 countries with a funding volume of over 42 million euros[1][5].
Sustainability Goals and Initiatives
editThe Blue Action Fund is closely linked to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. The fund works to stop the dramatic loss of marine biodiversity while promoting local development and sustainable livelihoods in coastal communities. Through open calls for project proposals, the fund ensures a transparent and effective project selection process[1][3].
Funding and Partnerships
editThe Blue Action Fund is financed through public funds from Germany, Sweden, France, Norway, and Ireland, as well as through the Green Climate Fund. Additionally, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a strategic partner of the fund[1][4].
Conclusion
editThe Blue Action Fund is a key player in the global effort to protect the oceans and promote sustainable development in coastal communities. Through its targeted funding and partnerships, the fund makes a significant contribution to the conservation of marine biodiversity and the improvement of living conditions in the most vulnerable coastal regions of the world.