Development Banks confirm support for the Clean Oceans Initiative

Rémy Rioux, CEO, AFD

“I am proud that AFD Group is contributing, alongside five prominent public development banks (PDBs), to the strengthening of the Clean Oceans Initiative, which has committed to doubling its financing to reach four billion euros by 2025. This commitment, which was announced at the One Ocean Summit in Brest, demonstrates that PDBs work closely with coastal and river stakeholders to reduce plastic pollution in the oceans resulting largely from land-based activities. I am also delighted that EBRD has joined this initiative, thereby reinforcing Team Europe in its fight to preserve the oceans.”

Dario Scannapieco, CEO, CDP

“Preserving the environment and natural resources is a major goal for CDP and is one of the priorities of the new 2022-2024 Strategic Plan. In times when we re-build our economies, our commitments for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda must not falter. CDP stands ready to play an active role by promoting constructive partnerships and looks forward to join forces with its Clean Oceans Initiative partners and is delighted to welcome EBRD as an important partner.”

Odile Renaud-Basso, President, EBRD

“We are delighted to join this important initiative for the future of our oceans and the planet. The EBRD’s robust commitment to green investments and track-record in fighting environmental degradation in marine ecosystems, such as the Baltic, Black Sea, Mediterranean and Red Seas, make us ideal partners to push this agenda forward. Our operations in greener municipal infrastructure, maritime transport, as well as property and tourism will make a real difference in reducing ocean waste and, in particular, plastics.”

Dr Werner Hoyer, President, EIB

“Clean oceans are essential for a sustainable planet. I am proud of the success of the Clean Oceans Initiative and warmly welcome the EBRD as our new partner in the pursuit of our ambition. This kind of cooperation is crucial to tackling global challenges and a great example of the value that EIB Global, our dedicated arm for global partnerships, can bring.”

José Carlos García de Quevedo, Chairman, ICO

“Preserving the health of our oceans is a priority to consolidate the model of sustainable growth and development. With this goal in mind, as national promotional bank, ICO reaffirms its commitment to the Clean Ocean Initiative. We are proud to join together with other NPBs, our efforts to the founders of this initiative (AFD, KFW and EIB) to achieve the new target set for 2025.”

Stefan Wintels, CEO, KfW

“The oceans are under severe pressure: they are polluted, littered, overfished, their species richness is massively compromised. Being one of the initiative’s founders, KfW is therefore very much welcoming the new commitment to double the overall target by 2025. In addition, we are delighted that EBRD has joined the Clean Oceans Initiative. As a common European response to a key global challenge, this step strengthens our joint efforts against plastic waste.