​Storebrand signs the Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles

The ocean is the largest ecosystem on earth, a driving force for all nature and host to 80% of the planet’s biodiversity. Major industries such as shipping, fishing, aquaculture, and coastal tourism all depend on its health. And not the least, we as humans for our own well-being.

Storebrand is therefore proud to announce that we have signed the United Nations-backed Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles. The endorsement of the principles signals our commitment and ambition to accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable use of the world’s oceans, seas and marine resources.

"As investors we have a crucial role to play in financing the transition to a sustainable blue economy and to rebuild ocean prosperity. Major industries such as shipping, fishing, aquaculture, and coastal tourism all depend on healthy oceans. Not only are oceans one of the main natural carbon sinks, they are also home to 80 % of all life on earth, says Jan Erik Saugestad, CEO Storebrand Asset Management.

The Initiative aims to accelerate the transition towards sustainable use of the world’s ocean, seas and marine resources by developing practical actions and outputs for insurers, lenders and investors.

The principles are a gold-standard and a global guiding framework for banks, insurers and investors to finance a sustainable blue economy.

Earlier this year Storebrand launched a New Climate Policy for investments which gives biodiversity a key priority and underscores that oceans will be given special attention.