Mid-term review of the Blue Natural Capital Financing Facility and the Blue Carbon Accelerator Fund

Healthy coastal and ocean ecosystems are essential for climate resilience, biodiversity, and sustainable economies—yet they remain critically underfunded. Mobilising finance for blue nature-based solutions (NbS) is key to bridging this gap. PEM is currently finalising a mid-term review of two re-granting mechanisms managed by the IUCN Ocean Team that aim to unlock this potential. The Blue Natural Capital Financing Facility (BNCFF) supports the development of innovative, nature-based, and economically sustainable projects that generate clear ecosystem service benefits through diverse income streams and appropriate risk-return profiles. The Blue Carbon Accelerator Fund (BCAF) builds on BNCFF’s foundation, offering dedicated funding to support blue carbon restoration and conservation projects in developing countries —helping to pave the way for private sector finance.

The MTR’s findings and recommendations will help fine-tune project management and early results, ensuring both mechanisms remain effective, adaptable, and well-aligned with their goals. The recommendations will also contribute to strengthening the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) system to facilitate impact-driven adaptive management.

📸: Blueyou – The Selva Shrimp project, Indonesia