Blue Nature Alliance

Enriched Philanthropic Network · Found: 2026-03-10 13:21

Global partnership and consortium of philanthropies aiming to protect 7 million square miles of ocean within 5 years, convening governments, NGOs, Indigenous communities, and scientists with $51.7M+ in pledged funds.

Source: https://bluenaturealliance.org/

Funding Details

Funder

Blue Nature Alliance (Conservation International, Pew Charitable Trusts, GEF, Minderoo Foundation, Rob and Melani Walton Foundation)

Funding Goal

Catalyze the conservation of 18 million square kilometers of ocean through the creation, expansion, or improved management of large-scale ocean conservation areas, supporting the global 30x30 target.

Funding Amount

$51.7M+ total pledged funds across the Alliance; individual grant amounts to partners not publicly disclosed

How to Apply

The Blue Nature Alliance does not operate a traditional open grant application process. Instead, it functions as a partnership-based consortium. Interested organizations are encouraged to reach out through the Alliance's website to explore collaboration and partnership opportunities. The Alliance identifies and selects conservation areas and partners through its network of founding organizations (Conservation International, Pew Charitable Trusts, GEF, Minderoo Foundation, Rob and Melani Walton Foundation). A Partner Resource Packet is provided to accepted grantees.

Target Region

Global — 33 partnership areas across all major ocean basins including Antarctica, Arctic, Caribbean, Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe

Contact

Contact available via the Blue Nature Alliance website (contact form). Social media: Twitter/X, LinkedIn, YouTube. The Alliance also maintains a grievance mechanism for partners.

Last Checked

2026-03-11 19:07

Application Checklist

Eligibility

• Organization must focus on large-scale ocean conservation (creation, expansion, or improved management of marine conservation areas)
• Must demonstrate capacity to work collaboratively with governments, Indigenous communities, and/or scientists

Project Scope

• Projects should align with the 30x30 global ocean conservation target
• Project area should involve coastal ecosystems (coral reefs, mangroves, kelp forests) or open ocean features (seamounts, fish habitats)
• Conservation areas should be of significant scale (the Alliance focuses on large-scale MPAs, not small local projects)

Constraints

• No formal open application — partnership inquiries must be submitted via the Alliance website or direct contact
• Partners must adhere to the Alliance's Code of Conduct, Environmental and Social Management Framework, and Gender-Based Violence guidelines

Summary

The Blue Nature Alliance is a global partnership dedicated to large-scale ocean conservation. It is led by Conservation International, The Pew Charitable Trusts, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Minderoo Foundation, and the Rob and Melani Walton Foundation. The Alliance aims to catalyze the conservation of 18 million square kilometers of ocean within five years by supporting the creation, expansion, or improved management of marine protected areas and ocean conservation areas. It has mobilized over $51.7 million in pledged funds. The Alliance currently operates across 33 partnership areas and 161 ocean conservation areas spanning 29+ million km², working with over 130 partners globally. Its geographic scope covers all major ocean basins — from polar regions (Antarctica, Arctic) to tropical waters (Caribbean, Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia), coastal Africa, and the high seas. It focuses on diverse marine ecosystems including coral reefs, mangroves, kelp forests, seamounts, and essential fish habitats. Rather than operating as a traditional open grant program, the Blue Nature Alliance functions as a collaborative partnership and funding consortium. It works closely with NGOs, governments, Indigenous peoples and local communities, and scientists to support effective marine conservation. The Alliance provides technical assistance, capacity building, and financial support to partners. Resources include a Partner Resource Packet for grantees, environmental and social management frameworks, and various best-practice guides. Interested organizations are invited to reach out through the Alliance's website to explore partnership opportunities. The Alliance places strong emphasis on community-led conservation, Indigenous consultation processes (as demonstrated in Chile's Rapa Nui MPA), MPA workforce development, deep-sea research partnerships, and sustainable financing models for marine protected areas.

Historical Context

The Blue Nature Alliance was launched as a five-year initiative to catalyze the conservation of 18 million km² of ocean. It has grown from its initial goal to now encompass 161 ocean conservation areas across 29+ million km² with 130+ partners. The Alliance has been active through at least 2025-2026, with annual impact reports (most recent covering July 2024 - June 2025). It has supported notable conservation milestones including Chile's Rapa Nui MPA management plan approval and contributions to UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) discussions.

Why it was added

Major philanthropic consortium for large-scale ocean protection; significant pooled funding for MPA development

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