Connecting Science, Innovation and Investment for the Ocean
CIESM was pleased to participate in the second edition of the Blue Economy & Finance Forum (BEFF) in Monaco, which once again brought together public authorities, financial institutions, scientific organisations, philanthropic actors and private stakeholders around the future of the ocean.
Across the discussions, a recurring message emerged: while the blue economy continues to gain momentum, accelerating its development will require stronger connections between science, innovation and investment. Several speakers highlighted the growing importance of science-based metrics and impact assessment frameworks to support informed investment decisions and measure progress over time. The role of clear regulatory frameworks, as well as greater alignment across sustainability initiatives and sectors, was also repeatedly emphasised as a prerequisite for scaling ocean investment.
The Forum further highlighted the need to bridge remaining gaps between innovation and finance. As technologies and solutions continue to emerge, stronger cooperation and clustering efforts will be essential to translate ambition into implementation and accelerate impact at scale.
Speaking during the closing session, CIESM Interim President Roberto Calcagno welcomed the momentum generated by the Forum and highlighted the importance of developing bankable projects supported by clear business models, strengthening collaboration across sectors, and maintaining ambitious environmental objectives.
More broadly, the discussions reflected a growing recognition that addressing ocean challenges requires coordinated action across disciplines, institutions and sectors. In this context, science remains essential not only for advancing knowledge, but also for providing the metrics, evidence and long-term perspective needed to guide effective decision-making and investment.
The Commission congratulates the organisers on the success of this second edition and for fostering valuable exchanges among public, private, scientific and philanthropic stakeholders committed to the future of the ocean.