Barbade et Montserrat

Results

A pipeline of investible deals has been identified and assessed along with public and private partners.

Why

Oceans offer tremendous potential for economic sectors, livelihoods and food security. Despite opportunities, the challenge of attracting private investments in the blue economy has been exacerbated by skill and capacity gaps, lack of coordination, high costs of capital and collateral requirements, elevated investors' perception of risks, and a limited number of investment-ready projects. ‘Blue Invest’ addresses these challenges head on by building a robust blue economy pipeline of bankable initiatives and unlocking the necessary investments towards them.

What

Through a robust pipeline of investible projects, the proposal anticipates new investment in high-impact areas to create a resillient and sustainable blue economy in the Eastern Caribbean. The initial pipeline of projects already identified will expand marine protected areas, build sustainable fishing value chains, improve fishery business models, and create innovative and environmentally friendly waste management and energy solutions. The programme will also create decent jobs, combat food insecurity, reduce poverty, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The programme will also generate green employment opportunities, especially for women.

How

Each project supported by Blue Invest will receive tailored technical assistance and financial support with the aim to increase the market success rate, thereby contributing to sustainability and economic resilience. Concessional loans and performance grants will de-risk high-impact projects and crowd-in private financing. The pre-identified pipeline focuses on 6 areas: waste management, biodiversity conservation, fisheries and aquaculture, energy, marine transport and tourism.

Financial instruments

Blue Invest will deploy concessional loans and performance grants on a project by project basis. Blue Invest will leverage financing from development partners and private investors co-investing in the pipeline. Blue Invest aims to leverage US$29 million to over 20 investable blue economy projects.