The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) has officially become an Institutional Partner of the Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA), reinforcing global efforts to scale investment in coastal resilience, ocean risk reduction, and nature-based solutions.
This collaboration underscores IOC’s commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water), by strengthening the science-policy-finance nexus essential for protecting and regenerating the ocean.
Why ocean finance matters
Despite the ocean’s critical role in climate regulation and economic stability, ocean finance remains underdeveloped. Barriers such as fragmented governance, limited risk data, and investor uncertainty have slowed progress. ORRAA addresses these challenges by creating innovative financial and insurance products that reduce ocean risk and unlock sustainable blue economy opportunities.
What is ORRAA?
ORRAA is a multi-stakeholder alliance of governments, financial institutions, non-profits, and intergovernmental bodies working to catalyse at least USD $500 million into coastal and ocean natural capital by 2030. Its mission: build resilience for 250 million climate-vulnerable coastal people through solutions that mitigate ocean risk and foster sustainable livelihoods.
Benefits of the collaboration
By joining ORRAA, IOC brings world-class scientific expertise and policy leadership to the global push for financial innovation and equitable risk modelling. This partnership will strengthen synergies with IOC-led initiatives such as:
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UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030)
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Ocean Decade Collaborative Centre for Ocean-Climate Nexus
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Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme
Through ORRAA, IOC will help incubate and scale tools that link ocean science, risk analytics, and blended finance, particularly in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and low-lying coastal regions most exposed to climate-driven hazards.
Nature-based solutions in action
Examples of projects supported under this alliance include mangrove restoration, coral reef protection, and blue carbon initiatives, all proven to reduce coastal erosion, buffer storm surges, and store carbon while supporting biodiversity and local economies.
Expected impact
This collaboration aims to:
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Reduce economic losses from coastal hazards
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Enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services
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Create sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable communities
Call to action
Governments, investors, and NGOs are invited to engage with ORRAA’s initiatives and co-create solutions that safeguard ocean health and coastal resilience.
For more about ORRAA, visit: www.oceanriskalliance.org
