last remaining global commons, the world’s oceans rely more on investments from public financing sources like the GEF than other environments. Future GEF replenishments should pay particular attention towards funding coastal and marine issues to ensure an overall improved ocean health.
While 2015 will be remembered for the significant advances countries made agreeing on how to improve the health of the plant and its inhabitants, the next five to ten years will be just as critical to show leadership by implementing the agreements. Conventions like the UNFCCC and CBD must be adequately financed to reach the goals they were established to accomplish. Substantial increases to GEF’s ability to invest beyond conventions guidance to facilitate regional coastal and marine management and fostering protection of global ocean commons are essential. No other organization on the planet is positioned to have the impact the GEF can have when properly financed. Securing public and private financing to improve oceans health will have impacts far beyond environmental benefits – improved food security, sustainable economies, and even mitigated impacts of climate change will also have positive impacts on the globe.
"But despite all the positive momentum, one big question still looms larger than a pink right whale in a tiny COP negotiation room - who is going to pay for it all?"
100 - SEVENSEAS