“Making Oceans Count” Initiative to Expand Ocean Asset Metrics and Data for a Sustainable Blue Economy

Today marks a significant advancement in sustainable finance as the Green Digital Finance Alliance (GDFA), in collaboration with key partners HUB Ocean and Copenhagen Business School, introduces "Making Oceans Count II " (MOC2).

Copenhagen, Denmark – March 19th, 2024.

With the VELUX FOUNDATION's support, Making Oceans Count II (MOC2)  will develop much-needed blue indicators and metrics for measuring impacts and dependencies from human activities on nature.  Ocean assets metrics are parameters or measurements used to assess the health, productivity, and sustainability of ocean resources.

 Through a systematic data-driven process,  MOC2 will address the needs from future regulatory frameworks and ESG standards geared specifically towards the finance sector.

 With a primary focus on Denmark and the Nordics, the program is poised to generate insights with global relevance for a well-supported, sustainable blue economy.

Strengthening metrics for shipping and renewable offshore energy

Expanding on the achievements of its predecessor, MOC2 will initially focus on further enhancing metrics related to the shipping industry, then broaden its scope to include offshore renewable energy as another critical sector. This research will address a broader range of environmental challenges, incorporating robust strategies to bolster the thriving blue economy.

Gerrit Sindermann, Executive Director of the Green Digital Finance Alliance, emphasized the significance of MOC2: "Our goal with MOC2 is to connect financial industry stakeholders to the heart of ocean data, enabling them to align investments with the protection of marine ecosystems. This consortium effort is not merely an advancement for the financial sector but a collective leap towards global marine preservation."

Five strategic work packages

The consortium has outlined five strategic work packages to pursue a healthier marine environment in Danish and European waters. The work packages will address the needs of the sustainable blue economy and finance actors, expand the use of asset-level data for ocean activities, unlock scientific marine and environmental data, research key platforms for sharing metrics, and ensure that ESG and finance professionals are equipped to prioritize ocean health.

 Martin S. Moen, CFO and Finance Lead at HUB Ocean, underscored the power of collaboration: "Our involvement in MOC2 highlights the importance of leveraging global networks and innovative data platforms to address marine pollution and support sustainable investments. Together, we are setting a new standard for the responsible management of our oceans."

An invitation to industry and science

The Green Digital Finance Alliance, HUB Oceans, and Copenhagen Business School invite industry and science community stakeholders to join this ambitious journey. By developing and leveraging insightful blue metrics, "Making Oceans Count II" aims to make a tangible, positive impact on the marine environment, enabling adaptation to the evolving environmental and regulatory landscape.

 Copenhagen Business School underlined the educational impact of the initiative: "Dr, Kristjan Jespersen, Associate Professor at Copenhagen Business School, shares, "Through MOC2, we're integrating ocean sustainability into our curriculum, equipping the next generation of business leaders with the knowledge and tools to balance economic progress with marine ecosystem health."

Closer alignment

Aligned with the VELUX FOUNDATION's strategic focus, MOC2 aims to combat marine pollution and promote climate solutions, emphasizing restoring sea and coastal areas. The initiative encourages closer alignment between the financial and private sectors with evolving regulations, fostering a transition towards sustainable practices.

 Charlotte Mogensen, Program Director at VELUX FOUNDATION, proudly supports the initiative: "The ocean transcends national boundaries, and initiatives like 'Making Oceans Count II' play a vital role in making a positive difference for the global marine environment. We look forward to following the project."

For more information about the "Making Oceans Count" program and its developments, please reach out via ocean@gdfalliance.org 

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**About the Green Digital Finance Alliance** 

The Green Digital Finance Alliance is a Swiss-based non-profit organization, established by the United Nations Environment Programme and Ant Group. Specializing in digital finance innovations for climate, nature, and biodiversity challenges, GDFA operates on a global scale, fostering collaborations across sectors and geographies to facilitate a sustainable transition. For more information about GDFA, visit https://www.greendigitalfinancealliance.org

 ** About VELUX FOUNDATION**

VELUX FOUNDATION is a philanthropic foundation that aims for a democratic and sustainable society on an enlightened and inclusive basis. The foundation was established by Villum Kann Rasmussen, MSc (Eng), who founded VELUX A/S and other companies in the VKR Group, with the object of enhancing people’s daily lives with more daylight, fresh air and a better environment. For more information about the VELUX FOUNDATION, visit https://veluxfonden.dk/en

 **About Copenhagen Business School**

CBS is Denmark’s largest educational and research institution within business administration and economics in a wide sense. The university is committed to providing business-related education programmes and continuing education for the public and, in particular, the private sector. Programmes are based on a strong and internationally renowned research base which CBS works consistently to strengthen. CBS is committed to communicating knowledge and new ideas to tomorrow’s business leaders and society in general. Its main contribution in this field is research and research-based education, and investment in research and high academic standards is therefore crucial to CBS’ contribution to society. For more information about CBS, visit www.cbs.dk