A collective call to action

The ocean sustains us all – producing over half the oxygen we breathe, regulating our climate, and supporting over 3 billion people. But warming waters, pollution, and habitat loss are accelerating. Protecting ocean health is essential – for people and planet. UBS Optimus Foundation is working to mobilize capital, knowledge and collaboration to protect life in around our oceans.

Let’s put a price on nature

It’s estimated that the ocean economy contributes between USD 2-3 trillion annually, yet its resources remain undervalued and unpriced, leaving them at risk of exploitation and depletion. Through early-stage funding solutions and testing innovative financing models, philanthropy can help bridge this pricing gap.

By taking risks early and proving that these models can have an impact, philanthropic capital is unlocking scalable investment for ocean protection – including reef regeneration in the Philippines and Indonesia’s first fisheries impact bond.

Discover how philanthropy is helping to drive the blue nature transition in our new Bluestreak paper.

Download Blue Streak paperpdf

Experience the ocean like never before

Ocean with David Attenborough

UBS was proud to co-sponsor the World Premiere of “OCEAN WITH DAVID ATTENBOROUGH,” in cinemas globally from 8 May 2025.

This landmark documentary captures the beauty, fragility, and interconnectedness of life beneath water – reminding us why protecting the ocean is one of the defining challenges of our time.

Watch the trailer.

Building coastal resilience with UBS Climate Collective

The UBS Climate Collective brings together communities, scientists, and philanthropists to protect coastal ecosystems—nature’s frontline defense against climate change. In partnership with Ocean Titans, our documentary follows UBS clients and experts working alongside local leaders to restore and protect marine ecosystems.

Watch the film to discover what’s possible when private capital and community leadership come together.

Protecting our ocean, together

Through the UBS Optimus Foundation and in partnership with our clients, we’re backing pioneering innovative solutions and championing Sustainable Development Goal 14 (life below water, the most underfunded goal1) to regenerate ocean health:

  • Funding marine conservation and blue carbon projects
  • Partnering with organizations like the Blue Marine Foundation to shape a sustainable blue economy.
  • Supporting community-led efforts to strengthen resilience and restore ecosystems
  • Raising awareness through storytelling and global engagement

1White Paper by World Economic Forum - SDG14 Financing Landscape Scan: Tracking Funds to Realize Sustainable Outcomes for the Ocean, 2022

Ambition Loop with Mangrove Breakthrough

From catalytic capital to commercial scale

Nigel Topping (Ambition Loop) and Ignacio Beguin Billecocq (Mangrove Breakthrough) explore how early philanthropic investment can build the foundations - data, norms, collaborations - for larger-scale finance in ocean and climate solutions. They also highlight the role of UBS Optimus Foundation in enabling systemic, long-term impact.

Blue Marine Foundation

A springboard for ocean action

Kaija Barisa (Blue Marine Foundation) shares how the partnership with UBS Optimus Foundation is driving urgent marine conservation - starting today, not tomorrow. She highlights the critical role philanthropists can play in supporting solutions that benefit nature, climate, and communities, and calls for deeper engagement with NGOs and local actors to scale impact.

Insights and resources

Guide

Sea beyond the Blue

With this guide, we are bringing you over 20 years of experience in advising our clients on strategic philanthropy and the expertise of over 60 ocean experts, philanthropists, and changemakers who shared with us – and now with you – what they feel the priorities for ocean conservation are, what they have learned over the years, and their best tips to help you take impactful actions.

Solution

UBS Climate Collective

UBS Collectives brings you a choice of ready-made collectives focused on issues we're well placed to solve with you. Whichever you choose, you'll be joining a global network of philanthropists, experts and organizations who want to tackle an issue as much as you. By working together and combining your efforts, skills, and resources, you'll achieve more than could ever be possible alone.

Article

Blue Finance

The UBS Global Wealth Management CIO office adds the Blue Economy to its top five Longer-Term Investment themes, spotlighting ocean sustainability as a key growth frontier. With the sector expected to double in value by 2030, investors are urged to dive into this emerging opportunity.

Report

Big Blue Report

Mangrove area in Amazon region

Developed by Impact46, its learnings are based on the experience of the UBS Climate Collective over the last two years in South Asia. The report unpacks what we mean by #bluecarbon and stresses the key role nonprofits and philanthropy have in supporting the blue carbon ecosystem. Want to hear practical recommendations for philanthropists and investors interested in fostering Blue Carbon ecosystems?

Guide

On thin ice

On thin ice is a guide for all who wish to address climate change and combines the expertise of more than 40 climate experts, philanthropists and changemakers, with UBS´s twenty plus years of experience in advising clients on making an effective impact. Find out how you can make a difference.

Article

Blue nature is more

Interview with David Obura, Director of CORDIO East Africa and Chair of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, also known as IPBES.

Let’s restore the ocean, together

We’re here to support your journey – from first steps to collective leadership. Contact us to explore how we can make your philanthropy work smarter in protecting the ocean for generations to come.

Speak to our experts

Get guidance on how to give strategically for ocean impact

Join a collective

Collaborate with a group of donors from accross the globe focused on marine resilience

Access expert insights

Explore field-tested reports and guides to deepen your interest