LocationsMaldives and UNDP Present Marine Finance Solutions at Global Development Forum
July 15, 2025
Global Development Forum
Seville, Spain | 3 July 2025 – At the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (#FFD4), the Maldives and UNDP co-hosted a side event on Blended Finance for Marine Biodiversity, showcasing how innovative financing can support climate resilience and marine conservation in small island developing states (SIDS).
The session brought together international stakeholders to explore how blended finance—strategically combining public, private, and philanthropic capital, can unlock new resources for achieving SDG 14: Life Below Water.
Global Development Forum
A key feature of the event was the launch of a new study on parametric coral reef insurance, focused on equatorial reef bleaching. This emerging financial tool is designed to provide timely payouts based on environmental triggers, offering a mechanism to respond swiftly to climate-related stress on coral ecosystems.
Global Development Forum
The event included participation from development partners including the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), represented by Policy Lead Giorgia Racis. Their involvement reflects the strong and ongoing partnership between the United Kingdom and the Maldives, as well as a shared commitment to advancing sustainable finance solutions for ocean protection.
Global Development Forum
By drawing attention to market-based models that support biodiversity and climate adaptation, the Maldives and UNDP highlighted the practical steps that countries can take to attract investment into nature-positive initiatives.
This side event contributed to the broader FFD4 dialogue on aligning financial systems with sustainable development goals and emphasized the potential of marine finance to build resilience in vulnerable coastal economies.