Charting the Ocean Funding Landscape in Southeast Asia
- Patricia Chu
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
At Mana Impact, we’re proud to support the growing movement of ocean investment across Southeast Asia. Our latest report, Southeast Asia Ocean Funders Report, offers a first-of-its-kind deep dive into public data from 2019 to 2024, highlighting the region’s funding flows, key players, and emerging opportunities in the blue economy. Commissioned by the Rumah Group and the ECCA Family Foundation, the report provides clarity on where capital is being directed—and where critical gaps remain—in support of the ocean’s health.
Oceans in Southeast Asia are teeming with life and economic value. They’re home to the world’s largest coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds, and contribute nearly a quarter of global fisheries production. Despite this importance, funding is often insufficient or scattered. Our research examined three core sectors—Nature-based Solutions and Ecotourism, Plastics Avoidance, and Sustainable Aquaculture—revealing a diverse ecosystem of funders, but only a small number with a dedicated blue economy focus. Singapore and Indonesia emerged as key funding hubs, though many funders operate globally and see Southeast Asia as a region of growing relevance and opportunity.
Most investments come in the form of grants and equity, with innovative financing models just beginning to take root. Policy environments also play a decisive role: strong national frameworks can unlock momentum by encouraging both private and international capital. With this report, Mana Impact aims to inspire more targeted, collaborative efforts to fund and scale ocean-positive solutions—and to help chart a healthier, more resilient future for the region’s seas.
