Blue economy

Ocean Positive: Reimagining Ireland's Blue Economy for People and Planet

THE CHALLENGE

The blue economy is vast — encompassing marine fisheries, marine renewable energy, port activities, shipbuilding, maritime transport, and coastal tourism. For Ireland, with more than 880,000 km² of maritime coastline, the ocean is the country’s single greatest natural asset.
It is also under pressure. Ireland’s marine ecosystems face significant biodiversity loss, and the country is now developing a comprehensive plan to reform its Marine Protected Areas — committing to expand coverage from 2% to 30% by 2030. Alongside biodiversity recovery, expanded MPAs offer significant potential for blue carbon sequestration.

880k km² of maritime coastline make the ocean Ireland’s greatest natural asset.

WHO IS LEADING THIS WORK?

The pilot takes a regional, cross-sector approach, engaging stakeholders across fisheries, aquaculture, ocean farming, marine tourism, and coastal communities in the West of Ireland. It is developing a nature-positive roadmap for the blue economy designed to be integrated directly into regional and national policy, and piloting nature-positive accounting practices that embed NP indicators into economic decision-making.

The work also includes methodological development: improving approaches to nature-positive valuation in marine and coastal contexts, and building the knowledge base needed to engage investors and institutions effectively.

WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE GROUND?

Nature-positive roadtrip:
A cross-sector roadmap for the blue economy, designed to integrate directly into regional and national policy frameworks.

Nature-positive accounting:
Piloting accounting practices that embed NP indicators into regional economic decision-making, and building investor knowledge.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

01

A nature-positive roadmap for the blue economy in the West of Ireland, integrated into policy frameworks.

02

Nature-positive accounting practices incorporating NP indicators into regional economic decision-making.

03

An improved methodology for NP valuation approaches, implemented by at least 10 regional actors.

04

10 or more nature-positive enterprises identified and supported, with increased investor understanding of blue economy opportunities.

Explore the roadmap

Standard Bodies

Your work helps ensure transparent and reliable practices across industries. Partner with us to create and promote standards for a nature-positive future.

Who are you

You could be working with industry-specific standard-setting bodies or certification schemes. You might be involved in developing, implementing, or auditing environmental and sustainability standards.

Why you're crucial

Your role in developing standards is key to avoiding greenwashing and supporting transparency and accountability across the NPE.
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Researches & Academics

We’re gathering experts to understand and measure the Nature-Positive Economy. Be part of our effort to break down silos and advance global research on this crucial topic.

Who are you

You might be a professor, scientist, PhD student, or researcher in fields related to environmental science, economics, or business sustainability, or any discipline contributing to the Nature-Positive Economy.

Why you're crucial

Your research and academic insights are fundamental to developing a clear definition and conceptual framework for NPE.
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Citizens & Communities

Your daily choices and community actions are the foundation of a Nature-Positive world. Join us in building communities that prioritise both people and nature. 

Who are you

You are individuals, community leaders, local activists, or members of grassroots organisations who care about nature and want to make a difference locally.

Why you're crucial

Your deep understanding of unique environmental challenges is key to shaping an effective and inclusive Nature-Positive Economy.
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Environmental Bodies & NGOs

Your experience and knowledge are invaluable in shaping what a Nature-Positive Economy means for people and the environment.

Who are you

You could be working for or leading environmental organisations, conservation groups, sustainability-focused NGOs, or any non-profit entity dedicated to protecting and restoring nature at local, national or international level.

Why you're crucial

Your deep understanding of unique environmental challenges is key to shaping an effective and inclusive Nature-Positive Economy.
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Finance & Investors

You are already showing how to work with nature, your experience can help others do the same. Partner with us to co-create a future for the Nature-Positive Economy.


Who are you

You might be an investment banker, venture capitalist, public funder, angel investor, insurance company representative, or anyone involved in financial decision-making who could support nature-positive initiatives across different sectors.


Why you're crucial

Your role in creating conditions and incentives for NPE investment is fundamental to its long-term success.
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Nature-based Enterprises

You are already showing how to work with nature, your experience can help others do the same. Partner with us to co-create a future for the Nature-Positive Economy.


Who are you

You could be running or working in businesses that directly work with and for nature as a core element of a product or service, such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries or tourism. 



Why you're crucial

Your expertise in working with and for nature is essential for developing and implementing the NPE framework, and for inspiring others to follow your lead. 
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Business

Your success is vital for demonstrating that prosperity, competitiveness and sustainability can go hand-in-hand. We’re here to support you in generating value through nature-positive practices.

Who are you

You might be a CEO, sustainability officer, business owner, or manager in any sector looking to integrate nature-positive practices into your operations. This includes both large corporations and SMEs.

Why you're crucial

Your understanding of nature’s impact and dependencies on business is key to aligning with the NPE concept.
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Policymakers

Your success is vital for demonstrating that prosperity, competitiveness and sustainability can go hand-in-hand. We’re here to support you in generating value through nature-positive practices.

Who are you

You could be a local government employee, a member of the EU Commission, a national policy advisor, or anyone involved in creating and implementing environmental, economic and social policies at any level.

Why you're crucial

Your role in adapting policies, regulations, and guidance is essential for aligning with systemic change towards a Nature-Positive Economy.

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Shape Europe's Nature-Positive Future

Join 500+ businesses in our 15-minute survey shaping EU policy, sector roadmaps, and support programmes.

✓ Early access to findings 

✓ Influence on standards & training

Participate