Martin Koehring 🌏 Global Blue Economy and Sustainability Expert | Ocean Futurist | Charity Board Trustee | TEDx Speaker

In February 2026, I delivered a lecture at the VII Winter Crash Course at CECRI – the Centre for International Relations Studies at the University of Minho​ examining the blue economy as a coupled ecological–economic–political system. The discussion explored how maritime governance, strategic autonomy, and financial architecture interact in shaping development pathways across the Indo-Pacific.

On 17 January 2026, the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement entered into force. The world has finally acknowledged that nearly two-thirds of our planet's ocean cannot be governed by conservation intent alone. But from a blue finance perspective, entry into force is only the starting gun, not the finish line.

Last month, I had the privilege of moderating two key events at UNIDO's General Conference in Riyadh - both dedicated to advancing one of the most forward-looking agendas in global sustainable development: UNIDO's emerging Blue Industry vision.

I'm excited to present at the first Interactive Dialogue on "Unlocking Blue Finance in India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the Philippines" organized by Ocean Centres - a global initiative hosted by the United Nations Global Compact and supported by the Lloyd's Register Foundation, active in Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

I had the honor of delivering a keynote address on "Navigating a Wave of New Blue Finance Opportunities" at the World Ocean Forum in Busan, South Korea. The Forum offered rich discussions spanning cooperation, innovation, finance, and sustainability in the global blue economy.

Excited to be speaking next week at the World Ocean Forum 2025 in Busan, South Korea on "Navigating a Wave of New Blue Finance Opportunities".

Last week I had the privilege of speaking at Ocean and Coastal Futures' inaugural Blue Finance event in London, the UK's first gathering dedicated to aligning finance, policy, and community for a regenerative blue economy. Read the event highlights here.

Exciting news! I'll be speaking at Ocean and Coastal Futures' inaugural Blue Finance event in London, 10-11 September 2025! This UK-first gathering brings together leaders from finance, ocean sustainability, and government to explore how capital can drive sustainable, regenerative solutions for our ocean.

During the recent UN Ocean Conference in Nice I was part of UNIDO's event on Advancing Blue Industry for Sustainable Development. I highlighted that sustainable blue industry is intrinsically connected to sustainable blue finance.

Great to speak at the Ocean-Climate Nexus during this week's London Climate Action Week. I shared my perspectives on accelerating ocean-climate action through finance and the role of the private sector. Other panels focused on civil society and AI.

I am looking forward to speaking at the Ocean-Climate Nexus, the key event placing the ocean at the centre of the climate discussion during London Climate Action Week. I will share my perspectives on "accelerating ocean-climate action through finance" in a keynote and talk about the role of financial institutions in a panel discussion.

What an insightful and exciting time its been at the UN Ocean Conference (and associated events) in Nice! Great to see so many ocean friends and progress in key areas such as accelerating blue finance, sustainable use of the high seas, and pollution.

Today I was delighted to give the opening remarks for the Biodiversity Credit Alliance's event on "Marine Biodiversity Credits: Applying High-level Principles to Coastal & Ocean Ecosystems" during the UN Ocean Conference in Nice.

I'm looking forward to moderating "Amplifying best practice in the Caribbean UK Overseas Territories", an online event by the Marine Conservation Society during the UN Ocean Conference.

I'm looking forward to speaking at UNIDO's Green Zone event on "Advancing Blue Industry for Sustainable Development" as part of the UN Ocean Conference in Nice. Last year I supported the United Nations Industrial Development Organization on its Blue Industry strategy.

There's no better way to start World Ocean Day than speaking at a fantastic Solution Hub on "Mainstreaming Sustainable Blue Finance" at the Blue Economy & Finance Forum in Monaco. Hosted by WWF, AXA and ORRAA, this event brought together stakeholders to discuss existing best practice and opportunities to build a sustainable blue finance ecosystem.

Excited to be in Nice from Thursday for the One Ocean Science Congress. I spoke about the financial aspects of implementing the BBNJ Agreement at an OOSC Interactive Townhall organised by UN Environment Programme.

I'm looking forward to speaking about Maritime Cooperation Safeguarding the Blue Economy and Marine Biodiversity at Circle the Med - The Mediterranean Forum in Athens on 4th June. As maritime regions face increasing environmental and security challenges, this session will explore collaborative solutions for sustainable blue growth and maritime security.

I moderated the launch webinar for the Ocean Investment Protocol, with excellent speakers from the UN Global Compact, the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action, the European Investment Bank, IDB-Invest, Barclays, Lloyds of London, and Orsted. The Protocol was co-published by the UN Global Compact and UNEP FI.

Happy International Biodiversity Day, celebrating harmony with nature and sustainable development! Great to be at the National Oceanography Centre's Parliamentary reception (sponsored by Barry Gardiner MP) last night, highlighting the importance of research for ocean health, biodiversity and prosperity.