• As the largest asset class in the global financial market, the bond market can play a significant role in catalyzing investments to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

• With high investor demand for thematic bonds, there is huge potential for a blue bond label nested within existing green, social, or sustainability-linked bond principles. 

• The 5 Tipping Points for a Healthy and Productive Ocean and the Sustainable Ocean Principles can serve as a framework to guide investments. 

Key Facts:

• The blue economy is valued at about US $3 trillion annually, making it the world’s seventh largest economy based on GDP, supporting the livelihoods of about 3 billion people worldwide

• SDG 14: Life below water currently receives the second lowest amount of capital invested of any of the SDGs. However, the ocean has a significant role to play in supporting sustainable development.

• Blue bonds today are where green bonds were 10 years ago. The green bond market has seen rapid growth, with more than USD $1 trillion in total issuance, and blue bonds are poised to see a similarly strong market.

What is the Action Platform doing this year? 

• Continue promoting the Practical Guidance to Issue a Blue Bond as a reference for companies interested in issuing a blue bond. 

• Continue collaborating with stakeholders to create a consistent understanding and broad consensus of what constitutes “blue”. 

Resources:

• Sustainable Ocean Principles

• Practical Guidances for the Sustainable Ocean Principles

• Practical Guidance to Issue a Blue Bond 

• Blue Bonds Reference Paper

• SDG Bonds: Leveraging the Bond Market for the SDGs

• Ocean Stewardship 2030

• Blue Bonds: The Next Wave of Sustainable Bonds | Morgan Stanley

• International Capital Market Association

• European Union Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance

• Climate Bonds Initiative