Ocean conservation gets a significant boost as Ocean Resilience and Climate Alliance secures $300 million.
The fight against climate change has received a significant boost from an unexpected source: the ocean. The Ocean Resilience and Climate Alliance (ORCA), a collaborative effort by leading climate and ocean philanthropies, announced a series of exciting developments at the Our Ocean conference in Athens, Greece, demonstrating its commitment to harnessing the ocean’s potential as a powerful ally.
Just four months after its launch at COP28, the Ocean Resilience and Climate Alliance has secured impressive leadership and additional funding. Dr. Alasdair Harris, known for his work in integrating community conservation with climate resilience strategies, has been appointed as the coalition’s Director. Furthermore, ORCA has garnered an additional $50 million in commitments, bringing its total investment to over $300 million.
Launched in December 2023 with $250 million in initial funding, the Ocean Resilience and Climate Alliance aims to unlock the ocean’s potential as a powerful ally in the fight against climate change. The coalition focuses on supporting organizations working with coastal communities to develop solutions that are not only environmentally beneficial but also just and equitable. This collaborative approach ensures that the most vulnerable populations disproportionately impacted by climate change are empowered to participate in solutions.
See also: The Ocean’s Potential to Combat Climate Change.
Ocean Resilience and Climate Alliance is anchored by Oceankind and Builders Vision and has attracted a diverse group of funders, including established names like Bloomberg Philanthropies, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. This robust network of funders allows the Ocean Resilience and Climate Alliance to work with a wide range of stakeholders: non-profits, local communities, and Indigenous Peoples. This collaborative approach ensures that solutions are developed with the needs and knowledge of those most affected by climate threats to the ocean and its inhabitants.
ORCA directs its significant funding towards seven core areas, each crucial in combating climate change. These areas include blue carbon habitat restoration, a strategy that utilizes the ocean’s natural ability to store carbon dioxide. Funding also supports initiatives in ocean diplomacy, fostering international cooperation on ocean conservation efforts. Additionally, the Ocean Resilience and Climate Alliance invests in research into ocean carbon capture, a technology with the potential to remove excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
The coalition has identified lead grantees for each focus area, entrusting them with advancing strategies and attracting further support. Oceans 5, a prominent grantee, will champion ocean-climate diplomacy, advocating for international collaboration on ocean conservation efforts. Similarly, Oceans North will concentrate on safeguarding the Arctic, a region particularly vulnerable to climate change. Conservation International will focus on developing sustainable blue carbon business models, ensuring long-term conservation efforts. Finally, Blue Ventures will empower coastal communities in developing countries to participate in climate solutions, ensuring that those most affected by climate change have a voice and a role in developing solutions.
The progress made by the Ocean Resilience and Climate Alliance in such a short timeframe is significant. The appointment of Dr. Harris, an experienced leader in ocean conservation, will undoubtedly propel the organization forward. The additional $50 million in funding allows ORCA to expand its reach and support a wider range of impactful organizations. The network of committed partners, from established philanthropies to local communities, ensures that solutions are developed with a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities.
Looking ahead, ORCA is poised to play a significant role in harnessing the power of the ocean to combat climate change. With its new leadership, increased funding, and a network of committed partners, the organization has the potential to make a real and lasting difference in the health of our planet. As ORCA continues its work, the future of our blue planet appears a little brighter, with the ocean playing a vital role in mitigating the effects of climate change and ensuring a more sustainable future for all.
