Seaflower Fund
The Seaflower Fund is a pioneering financial mechanism designed to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable management of Colombia’s Seaflower Biosphere Reserve—one of the Caribbean’s most ecologically and culturally significant marine ecosystems.
Structured with dual components, the fund blends a sinking fund for immediate conservation action with an endowment fund targeting US$5 million to provide long-term, sustainable financing. This approach addresses an existing 72% financing gap across marine protected areas (MPAs) in the region. The sinking fund—initially capitalised with US$4.7 million in co-financing—supports biodiversity protection, ecosystem restoration, sustainable livelihoods, reef-positive enterprises, and environmental education. Simultaneously, the endowment fund leverages donor matching to attract co-investment and may incorporate revolving and collective investment tools to further support reef-based economic opportunities.
The fund’s structure and launch at COP16 marked a major milestone in sustainable ocean finance in Colombia. Managed by Fondo Acción and built in partnership with local institutions and civil society, the fund reflects strong local ownership, fiduciary transparency, and long-term vision. Once fully capitalised, the endowment is projected to generate US$250,000 annually for MPA operations and community-based initiatives. The Seaflower Fund stands as a replicable model for financing reef protection and coastal resilience through blended finance and inclusive governance.
The below diagram illustrates the structure of this finance solution:
