Estate Living Magazine The Slow Movement - Issue 39 March 2019 | Page 30

P R O P E R T Y
&
I N V E S T M E N T
INVEST IN A
HEALTHIER
OCEAN
Everybody knows that good business has to be sustainable,
and that – really – we do not have to choose between a profitable economy on the one
hand, and clean air and oceans on the other. So, cleverly, the
Republic of Seychelles has put the two together and launched the
world’s first sovereign blue bond — a pioneering financial instrument designed to
support sustainable marine and fisheries projects.
And, of course, to preserve the clean oceans and clear air of these beautiful islands.
The bond, which has so far raised
US$15 million from international
investors, demonstrates the potential
for countries to harness capital
markets for financing the sustainable
use of marine resources. The World
Bank assisted in developing the blue
bond, and in reaching out to the three
investors: Calvert Impact Capital,
Nuveen, and Prudential Financial,
Inc.
Proceeds from the bond will
include support for the expansion of
marine protected areas, improved
governance of priority fisheries, and
the development of the Seychelles’
blue economy.