BC+ accelerates business models that incentivize blue carbon ecosystem conservation, support local economies with technical assistance and grant funding, and attract additional finance for scaling impact.

Why Blue Carbon Plus?

Coastal blue carbon ecosystems—mangroves, seagrasses, tidal marshes, and macroalgae—support biodiversity, provide essential ecosystem services, and help mitigate climate change. However, they face threats from coastal development, aquaculture, pollution, and shifting ocean conditions, releasing up to 1.9 gigatons of greenhouse gases annually.

Traditional blue carbon projects rely on alternative livelihoods, which often remain small-scale, or carbon finance, which many high-potential areas lack the necessary conditions to access.

BC+ tackles these challenges by scaling business models that tightly weave together protection and production goals, making coastal habitat preservation a crucial component of success and economically benefiting local communities.

How it Started

Launched in 2024, BC+ is a global program jointly developed by Conservation International and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to leverage the expertise and networks of these recognized organizations. Through strategic partnerships and engaging with governments, local stakeholders, and financial institutions, BC+ will build innovative, regenerative business models and accelerate coastal conservation on a large scale.

Our Impact

By 2050, this initiative is anticipated to influence and contribute to:

20 or more BC+ businesses receiving at least $50M in early-stage venture capital.

$50M or more in blue economy finance disbursed.

The conservation and restoration of up to 16.9 million hectares of mangrove, tidal marsh, and seagrass.

Climate benefits up to 2.2 billion tonnes CO2e.

Increased incomes for more than 100 million people.

Funding

The Ocean Resilience and Climate Alliance (ORCA), a collaboration of 13 donors, has committed 30 million USD to BC+ to develop phase one of the project, including initial scoping and implementation of the first few business models.

To meet the program’s full potential and 2050 outcomes, we aim to raise an additional USD $20.5 million to reach our overall goal of USD $50 million.

Raised: $30 Million

Goal: $50 Million

Opportunities

Seagrass Positive Businesses

The Blue Carbon Plus (BC+) Seagrass-Positive Businesses Funding Window is now open! Click the links to find out more and to apply.

The application window is open until May 31, 2025.

Learn more

Apply

This work is supported by the Ocean Resilience & Climate Alliance (ORCA) through the generous contributions of its funding partners.

Explore ORCA

Who We Are

BC+ Executive Council

Carsten Krome

Carsten Krome is the Managing Partner at Hatch Blue, a venture capital firm focused on investing in technologies promoting sustainable production of farmed and alternative seafood. Hatch catalyses farmed and alternative seafood innovation through investment, expertise, insights and by building a strong, committed innovation community.

Daniela Raik

As the Executive Vice President of Field Programs, Daniela leads the delivery of Conservation International’s conservation impact in nearly 30 countries worldwide. Daniela directs the organization’s efforts to maximize nature as a climate solution, expand ocean conservation and advance models of sustainable development that maintain natural capital while generating benefits for people.

Lysa Wini

Lysa Wini is Solomon Islands Programming Manager at Nia Tero, a Council Member of the Mangrove Breakthrough Council, and Researcher PhD Student at University of Strathclyde. Lysa collaborates with Indigenous communities in the Solomon Islands, focusing on incorporating Indigenous knowledge into decision-making processes. She is using an interdisciplinary approach to examine how working colonial maritime legacies shape the present issues in ocean governance.

Matthew Arnold

Matt Arnold is Global Head, Impact Finance & Markets at The Nature Conservancy. Matt oversees the Conservancy’s NatureVest, Corporate Engagement, Sustainable Sovereign Debt and Carbon Markets teams, collectively working to deliver impactful conservation outcomes to achieve The Nature Conservancy’s 2030 goals.

Peter Bryant

Peter Bryant is a Program Director at Builders Initiative, where he leads environmental grantmaking, impact investing and strategic partnerships for the Builders Initiative Ocean Initiative. He collaborates with both internal and external stakeholders when crafting grants and impact investments that reflect key ocean themes, including sustainable fisheries, seaweed and shellfish aquaculture, ocean conservation, and climate resilience.