Small-scale fishers and coastal communities across the tropics are set to gain renewed support thanks to a landmark USD 62 million gift to Blue Ventures from MacKenzie Scott. The funding comes at a pivotal moment for communities on the frontline of the climate and ocean crisis, and will help strengthen locally led efforts to protect marine ecosystems, sustain livelihoods, and build long-term resilience.
As a clear endorsement of the leadership of coastal communities, this gift recognises the solutions they are already driving, rooted in deep local knowledge and lived experience. It will help scale approaches that have proven effective locally, broadening the reach of community-led initiatives, while giving communities greater flexibility and security to respond to rapidly changing environmental and economic pressures, such as warming seas, declining catches, and growing uncertainty for coastal livelihoods.
The funding will support the implementation of Blue Ventures’ 2030 Strategy, which places community leadership at its core. A significant proportion of this support will flow directly to local partners, providing long-term, flexible resources through the Frontline Community Fund, enabling coastal communities to drive their own priorities and strengthen stewardship of their seas.
“This gift strengthens trust in community-led conservation at a moment when coastal communities are carrying the greatest burden of the climate and ocean crisis. It enables us to continue standing firmly beside communities, complementing their efforts and respecting their autonomy to lead effectively. By backing approaches that have been shaped and proven locally, this funding helps fishing communities continue to safeguard marine life, sustain their way of life, and better respond to the challenges of a changing climate,” said Ebrima Saidy, CEO of Blue Ventures.
Over 100 million people rely on small-scale fishing for their daily food and livelihood. Vital mangroves, seagrasses, and reefs shield coastlines from storms, floods, and rising sea levels, while supporting fish populations and underpinning local economies.
For more than twenty years, Blue Ventures has worked alongside small-scale fisher communities and local organisations across the tropics, learning together how to manage fisheries sustainably, restore marine ecosystems, and strengthen livelihoods. The organisation will continue to support community partners in deepening existing initiatives, sharing learning, and planning confidently for the future, while amplifying the collective voice of fishers. It maintains that conservation led by communities, for communities, is the only viable pathway to protecting coastal seas at scale, ensuring that fundamental rights are respected and equity is not undermined in the rush to conserve ocean life.
“This generous award couldn’t come at a more important moment for climate action and community-led solutions. We’re grateful for the trust and flexibility this funding brings, supporting not just our work but many others striving for a healthier, more resilient planet. I hope fellow philanthropists will join in, amplifying the impact across this remarkable group of organisations working to deliver lasting climate solutions for people and the planet,” said Chelsea Wieber, Blue Ventures’ Director of Development.
The gift contributes to Blue Ventures’ ambition to enable 10,000 fishing communities to lead fisheries management and marine conservation, improve food security and economic resilience for 5 million people, bring 200,000 km² of carbon-rich seas under effective local stewardship, and equip hundreds of communities and grassroots organisations with the funding, skills, data, and advocacy support they need to succeed. This contribution strengthens the shared goals of Blue Ventures and partner communities, reinforcing efforts underway across the tropics.
The use of these funds will be guided by Blue Ventures’ values, particularly transparency, accountability, and community leadership. The organisation will work closely with partners and Regional Advisory Councils to shape funding priorities, ensuring that resources are directed to those who know their coasts best, and leverage local knowledge, science, and community networks.
The gift is part of a broader philanthropic movement that recognises the critical role of local and community-led solutions in addressing the climate crisis. It signals that scalable, frontline action is essential to meeting global challenges and reinforces the importance of sustained investment in people and ecosystems. Flexible funding of this kind enables communities to act proactively and creatively, adapting to challenges while scaling effective approaches.
With this support, Blue Ventures is better positioned to continue learning and growing alongside coastal communities as they lead efforts to secure healthy oceans and sustainable livelihoods. The organisation expresses its gratitude to MacKenzie Scott for this transformative funding, which strengthens trust in community-led climate and ocean action.
