Blue Bonds (for coastal/marine resilience)
The Gulf of Guinea region holds immense potential to harness Blue Bonds as a financing vehicle for coastal and marine resilience. By repurposing sovereign or municipal debt into instruments dedicated to the protection of coastal ecosystems, Blue Bonds can unlock long-term capital for projects such as shoreline defences, marine protected areas, and fisheries co-management. GoG-RRI envisions playing a catalytic role in structuring and coordinating a multi-country Gulf of Guinea Blue Bond Facility, ensuring that proceeds are transparently tied to measurable outcomes in ecosystem restoration, livelihoods, and coastal protection. This approach will not only channel investment into urgent adaptation priorities but also position the Gulf of Guinea as a global leader in innovative Blue Economy financing.
- What it is: Bonds or debt conversions that dedicate savings/proceeds to marine/coastal protection and climate adaptation.
- Why it fits: Coastal states can ring-fence funding for shoreline protection, fisheries co-management, and MPA-linked livelihoods.
- Proof of concept: Seychelles’ sovereign blue bond ($15m; World Bank guarantees/GEF support). Gabon’s ~$500m debt-for-nature/“blue bond” conversion unlocking >$120–160m for marine conservation with DFC political-risk insurance and TNC support. World Bank+1Bank of AmericaThe Nature Conservancydfc.govFinancial TimesAP News
- GoG-RRI angle: Convene finance ministries, marine authorities, and DFIs to scope a multi-country Gulf of Guinea Blue Facility that can structure sub-sovereign issuances (e.g., for coastal regions/port cities) with partial guarantees and performance covenants.
