Ocean’s survival hinges on finding the billions needed to save it

Countries have pledged to protect 30 percent of the ocean by 2030 – a target known as 30x30 – yet vast areas remain unmanaged or open to damaging activities.  AP - Kirsty Wigglesworth

The ocean supports food, jobs and the climate systems that keep global weather in balance – but only 8 percent of it is protected, and money to safeguard the rest is critically lacking. This weekend, finance leaders and marine experts are meeting in Monaco for what many say is a make-or-break moment to close the funding gap and secure the ocean’s future.

The Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) is one of three high-level events leading into next week’s critical UN Ocean Conference in Nice (UNOC).