Assessing Financial Flows within the South West Indian Ocean Blue Economy

This study for WWF first analyses the financial flows in the South West Indian Ocean blue economy. Investments and loans to the SWIO region are primarily of foreign origin and directed towards unsustainable commercial activities such as energy and mineral resource extraction. The study then examines the effectiveness of voluntary policies and government regulations in place to mitigate the environmental, social and governance risks inherent in financing ocean-based commercial ventures. Most financiers do not have sufficiently comprehensive ESG policies in place to manage their exposure to ocean-related risks, and that there is currently little regulation to ensure that financial flows into the region are directed towards activities that are sustainable and inclusive.