Philanthropy must dive deeper

Long-term global stability depends heavily on what happens in the ocean.

- Shaun Seow

Nowhere is this more evident than in Asia, home to much of the Coral Triangle and vast mangrove and seagrass ecosystems that sustain fisheries, protect coastal communities, and store massive amounts of carbon. Together, these ecosystems underpin food security, employment, and climate resilience across the continent and beyond.

Yet, despite its importance, the ocean plays a marginal role in investment, governance, and planning decisions. Less than 1% of global philanthropic funding is directed towards ocean health, and an even smaller share reaches Asia. As a result, many conservation projects remain underdeveloped at a time when marine ecosystems and coastal communities face growing strain.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Philanthropy can make a decisive difference. By linking science, policy, finance, and communities more effectively than other forms of capital, it has a unique ability to foster collective action. It can take early risks, back emerging ideas, and fill gaps where markets and governments fall short.

There are many compelling examples. The Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance is developing innovative financial and insurance instruments to strengthen climate-vulnerable coastal communities. The 30x30 Southeast Asia Ocean Fund works with national and subnational governments and residents to expand marine protection in line with scientific priorities and local needs. And The Audacious Project enables donors to back one of the world’s largest coral restoration initiatives, combining science, technology, and community expertise to regenerate reef systems at scale.