Context
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Blue Natural Capital (BNC) is the natural capital found in coastal and marine environments – in ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds. Unfortunately, this capital is undervalued in many places around the globe and continues to be lost and degraded at an alarming rate.
Why is BNC important?
- BNC ecosystems provide invaluable resources and livelihoods to local communities including tradable products, an abundance of seafood, and tourism revenue.
Source: IUCN - They improve water quality and act as a buffer to storm surges.
- Also referred to as blue carbon, they are efficient at removing carbon from the atmosphere but are sources of significant carbon emissions if destroyed.
- They are vital refuges for biodiversity and a key component of a healthy ocean.
Blue Natural Capital Financing Facility and Blue Carbon Accelerator Fund
- The Blue Natural Capital Financing Facility (BNCFF) supports the development of sound, investable BNC projects with clear ecosystem service benefits, based on multiple income streams and appropriate risk-return profiles.
- The BNCFF is managed by IUCN and funded by the Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
- The Blue Carbon Accelerator Fund (BCAF) supports the development of blue carbon restoration and conservation projects in developing countries and helps pave the way for private sector finance.
- The BCAF is managed by the IUCN and funded by the Australian Government.
Reference: Blue Natural Capital
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