April 17, 2019 — Global non-profit The Nature Conservancy has announced a $1.6 billion plan to help save and restore the world’s oceans by selling “blue bonds” to coastal and island countries.
The Blue Bonds for Conservation initiative will refinance and restructure debt for coastal and island countries, so long as those nations committed to protecting at least 30 percent of their near-shore ocean areas, including coral reefs, mangroves, and other important ocean habitats.
In exchange for enhanced ocean protections, TNC says the Blue Bond will give nations better terms for debt repayment and support with ongoing conservation work.