A strategic response to the critical challenges facing our oceans
2050 is proud to announce its partnership with Waves of Change (WOC), an international organization dedicated to the preservation and sustainability of the oceans. In a global context marked by increasing environmental challenges, this collaboration aims to mobilize resources and develop innovative initiatives to protect our largest territory: the ocean.
Oceans cover 71% of our planet’s surface, absorb 30% of our CO2 emissions, and produce up to 80% of the oxygen we breathe. However, their importance is often overlooked in climate discussions. With rapidly rising ocean temperatures and increasing acidification, marine ecosystems and coastal communities are in great danger.
Ocean Observation, especially underwater, is necessary and should be a priority.
Andreea Strachinescu (EU Commission)
Waves of Change: The ideal partner
Founded on a systemic approach, Waves of Change stands out for its ability to bring together diverse stakeholders – from scientists to investors to policymakers – around a common mission. Identified as a key partner during our ocean exploration in September 2023, WOC boasts a global network and official recognition as a partner of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC).
This partnership aims to achieve three major objectives: to develop an Ocean Investment Playbook, which will serve as a strategic guide to help investors navigate the blue economy and identify sustainable opportunities; to actively prepare for UNOC 2025, a crucial event to be held in Nice, Costa Rica, and Monaco on the financial aspects, with a focus on forming coalitions and engaging key stakeholders; and to establish connections with influential experts in the field of ocean sustainability.
Recap of the Waves of Change Forum 2024
In June 2024, through our partnership, we played an active role in the Waves of Change Forum, an event designed to gather ocean stakeholders in preparation for UNOC 2025. The forum highlighted the importance of an international network, with strong participation from Asia and India, underscoring the need to incorporate global perspectives. The discussions were led by leaders such as Ashok Adicéam from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responsible for orchestrating UNOC, who shared visions for a sustainable blue economy.
We want to make the IPCC of the Ocean with science and metrics. It’s about protection and prosperity, the only solution to include all the economies
Ashok Adicéam (UNOC)
Another highlight of the forum was the involvement of financial partners such as Crédit Mutuel-Arkea, who actively supported our initiative for the Investor Playbook, demonstrating the importance of financial backing for ocean sustainability.
The Playbook is great as we need to have a better understanding of the risks.
Sophie Coulon-Renouvel (Crédit Mutuel Arkéa)
Furthermore, the forum emphasized the urgent need to mobilize more funds for the blue economy, a major challenge discussed by all participants.
Last year a lot of announcements were made during the biodiversity conference, but they were not followed through due to a lack of education. Currently, the « blue economy » is considered an asset class, which is an issue because it’s too small and prevents investors from engaging. Professional investors dislike everything related to the ocean.
Minh Trinh (Waves of Change)
Finally, the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) and data in ocean observation was highlighted as a key means to attract investors, showing how technology can play a crucial role in protecting oceans and promoting sustainable investments.
By supporting this initiative, 2050 is showcasing its commitment to playing an active role in transforming the blue economy, while paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable economy. Our collaborative approach aims to shape a future where ocean protection and economic prosperity go hand in hand.
