SDG14 Finance Strategic Research & Mapping

Details

Mission and objectives

Coral reefs are some of the most biodiverse, ecologically complex, and valuable ecosystems on the planet. Supporting a quarter of marine species globally, reefs provide vital ecosystem services valued at $2.7 trillion annually including food security, coastal protection, and livelihoods for more than one billion people globally. Despite their immense value, coral reefs are Earth’s most endangered ecosystems. Without urgent action and scaled resources, coral reefs could face extinction by 2050 as a result of climate change and local drivers of degradation. The Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) is a blended finance mechanism designed to address the SDG14 funding gap and support implementation of the Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework. Taking a science-based approach, this United Nations multi-partner initiative focuses on reducing local drivers of degradation in reef ecosystems that exhibit resilience to climate change (i.e., climate refugia). To facilitate blue economic transition the GFCR, with the support of the Green Climate Fund, incubates and scales investable pipelines that accelerate climate resilience for both marine ecosystems and coastal communities. Investable solutions supported by the Fund include sustainable revenue streams for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), sustainable ocean production (i.e., fisheries and aquaculture), plastic recycling, waste and sewage management, blue carbon credits, as well as sustainable agriculture and eco-tourism. By scaling sustainable revenue streams to save reefs from the brink of extinction, the GFCR supports long-term ocean conservation aims, tackles food insecurity, and mobilises capital for climate adaptation and mitigation.

Context

The road maps are set by the Global Biodiversity Framework and Coral Reef Breakthrough, the financial vehicles are in place, now we need the will of public and private leaders to fund implementation at scale. The current paradigm of overexploitation combined with insufficient investment is dire for coral reefs. With the next Ocean Conference now on the horizon, 2024 marks a significant year to mobilise collective action and commitments. The overall objective of the GFCR 2023-2025 Demonstration and Mobilisation Strategy is to mobilise greater global action and investment for coral reef conservation through strategic communications and engagement. It recognises that an integrated approach is needed for the achievement of this objective centred on three interlinked sub-objectives - building awareness, mobilising resources, and demonstrating solutions. The consolidation of this strategy is based on lessons learned and the need for an integrated plan that can be executed and achieved throughout GFCR Coalition activities. With an aim to fully capitalise the GFCR [grant and investment funds] by UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) in June 2025, 2024 is positioned as a critical year for the collective efforts of the Coalition to convene and build connections with donors and investors, present funding needs, and secure multi-year commitments. This assignment will support SDG14 resource mobilization objectives and contribute to SDG17 Partnerships for the goals objectives. Please note the work of the Online Volunteers will be to directly develop resource tools (mapping & research reports) that will be used by UN staff members in fundraising efforts. Online Volunteers will not directly take part in fundraising efforts with potential donors.

Task description

- Develop research reports including recommendations on potential SDG14 coral reef donors and investors, this includes: Developing one page reports within a template form on donor alignment to relevant SDG14 initiatives, including mandate alignment, funding potential, prioritized geographies, overlapping partnerships, history of UN partnerships and key decision-makers within the organization. This will support strategic engagement efforts by the GFCR Global team colleagues to reach fundraising objectives. The delivery expected is 3 to 5 one page reports per Online Volunteer. - Produce mapping of top prospective donors, this includes: [All Online Volunteers Jointly] Developing a donor mapping within a template form on relevant donors aligned SDG14 initiatives and their key decision makers/contacts and office locations. The final consolidated mapping should be within one excel file including two Excel tabs with approximately 30-60 entities per tab. This will support strategic engagement efforts by the GFCR Global team colleagues to reach fundraising objectives. The delivery expected is approximately 20 Excel rows x 5 columns per Online Volunteer.