Qatar and Goumbook Advance Blue Economy Vision at UNOC3

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is increasingly taking the lead in fostering regenerative blue economies and securing innovative financing for the well-being of our oceans. This was a key takeaway from a recent high-level session at the Blue Economy & Finance Forum (BEFF), held in anticipation of the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3).

Catalyzing Ocean-Positive Investment

The MENA Blue Finance Leadership Think Tank, an initiative of MENA Oceans (powered by Goumbook in collaboration with the UN Climate Champions Team), convened global and regional leaders. Their discussions centred on strategies to mobilize and structure ocean-positive finance, aiming to fuel both ecological restoration and economic resilience across the MENA region.

Blueprint for Coastal Resilience

During the session, the MENA Oceans Initiative, in a strategic partnership with Earthna – Qatar Foundation, unveiled the MENA Blue Economies for Coastal Resilience (BEFCR) Programme. This program will develop comprehensive strategies for six vital blue economy sectors: maritime transport and shipping, coastal development, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, desalination and water, offshore energy and renewables, and coastal and marine tourism. The goal is to enhance infrastructure and ecosystem resilience in MENA's coastal cities, empowering countries to fully harness their ocean resources.

"Building regenerative blue economies requires shared intent, clarity of purpose, and collaborative frameworks that turn ambition into coordinated action. The BEFCR Programme is a starting point for connecting blue investment to ocean regeneration and resilience across MENA in a meaningful way,” said Goumbook founder Tatiana Antonelli Abella.

“The launch of the BEFCR Programme reflects our shared conviction at Earthna that climate resilience in MENA’s coastal cities must be rooted in both science and innovation. By aligning economic growth with ecosystem regeneration, we are paving new pathways for sustainable prosperity across the region,” said Dr. Gonzalo Castro de la Mata, Executive Director, Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future (Earthna), a member of Qatar Foundation.

Funding Ocean Resilience

With keynote addresses from BEFF Co-Chairs Pascal Lamy and H.E. Ambassador Ilana Victory A Seid, the discussions primarily focused on establishing the groundwork for regenerative blue economies in the region. A significant part of the conversation revolved around how financial support could be mobilized and structured to sustain these initiatives. Key ocean-linked sectors within MENA were identified as crucial drivers for ocean-positive growth.

Insights from Experts

Global and regional experts underscored the importance of scientific leadership, community engagement, traceability, and robust governance. They also highlighted the potential of exploring catalytic capital and novel public-private financing mechanisms. The panel shared valuable perspectives on ongoing regional efforts, which include advancements in marine tourism, modernization of fisheries, and ecosystem restoration deeply rooted in community livelihoods.

Future of Ocean Finance

As the MENA region solidifies its position as an influential force in the global ocean economy, the session reinforced a shared understanding: the design and deployment of scalable financing solutions must be driven by research, built on principles of equity, and focused on delivering measurable impact for ocean health and coastal resilience.