Although many may not realise it, the ocean is a huge ally in the battle against climate change. Looking to ensure the long-term health of marine ecosystems, and in turn, make a bigger dent in global warming, Ant International, the digital payment and financial technology provider, has launched AquaViva.
AquaViva is a global programme for marine conservation that aims to foster open, collaborative partnerships and improve digital innovations. This is particularly impactful as the ocean generates 50 per cent of the oxygen we need, absorbs 25 per cent of all carbon dioxide emissions and captures 90 per cent of the excess heat generated by these emissions.
However, only eight per cent of the ocean is protected so far. This is short of the 30 per cent target necessary to sustain the ocean’s benefits for people and the environment.
Every organisation has a role in reducing climate change. For Ant International, this involves sharing its sustainability-first mindset, which supports eco-friendly initiatives that benefit marine ecosystems, with other firms.
Taking an open collaborative approach, Ant International will work with partners across public and private sectors to drive collective impact. It aims to make more progress towards climate sustainability, micro, small and medium-sized business (MSME) inclusion and digital enablement ahead of COP30.
With an ecosystem comprising over 90 million merchants, of which many are MSMEs, and 1.6 billion digital users, Ant International will leverage its digital channels to reach global users to motivate them to take sustainable and meaningful actions towards marine conservation.
GCash case study
Ant International has supported its ecosystem partner, GCash in the Philippines, with its GForest initiative, to encourage its users with eco-friendly activities and support tree planting.
Leiming Chen, chief sustainability officer, Ant International said: “Digital innovation can play such a substantive role in sustainability awareness and action, as we have seen from the very successful forest initiative by our partner GCash.
“Ant International decided to focus on marine conservation and biodiversity due to the huge impact that the ocean has, not just to the climate but to so many local communities and livelihoods, particularly here in Asia Pacific, where many communities are impacted by coastal changes. By leveraging our digital ecosystem and partners, we can effectively reach millions of users, and together with our knowledge partners, drive large-scale information sharing and incentivise users to take action and track their progress.”
AquaViva partners with Conservation International
Conservation International, a global organisation with over 25 years of experience in Asia Pacific (APAC) conservation, joins as AquaViva’s first key partner, contributing its deep expertise to protect oceans and enhance ecosystem health. Ant International and Conservation International will partner to drive marine conservation efforts from Singapore, where both organisations have established presence, to the APAC region.
The inaugural joint project will focus on whale shark conservation in Indonesia. Led by Conservation International’s main implementing partner Konservasi Indonesia, the project will engage with Indonesian authorities and communities to develop and implement ecotourism policies and practices that support whale shark-friendly, sustainable tourism around key habitats in Saleh Bay, Sumbawa; Gorontalo, Sulawesi; and Kaimana, West Papua.
The two parties will also further explore partnerships where Conservation International can enhance its research capacity to further its marine conservation work. This will be made possible by leveraging Ant International’s digital solutions to draw more insights from the research data they collect.
Dr Richard Jeo, senior vice-president, the Asia-Pacific field division, Conservation International
Dr Richard Jeo, senior vice-president, the Asia-Pacific field division, Conservation International commented: “Oceans are the lifeline of our planet’s survival, yet their immense importance is often overlooked. Over 600 million people rely on the ocean for food and livelihoods, and it plays a critical role in regulating and stabilising Earth’s climate.
“Protecting our oceans is essential for human survival. Initiatives like AquaViva are crucial in raising awareness about the ocean’s often-overlooked role in climate regulation, food security, and the emerging blue economy.”
Evolving mindsets
AquaViva will leverage Ant International’s digital capabilities to raise awareness and educate communities. Additionally, it will foster a global mindset toward marine sustainability.
This includes leveraging data analytics and outreach platforms to support Conservation International’s research and deepen insights into conservation efforts. Through these advanced digital tools, the partnership aims to inspire a broad audience, bringing together governments, corporations, and individuals to drive eco-friendly practices that benefit marine life.
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