Dredging and marine aggregate extraction are highly damaging to seabed habitats, leading to the loss and removal of species, and stress on marine life. However, dredging is needed for a number of sectors that can contribute to a sustainable blue economy, such as marine renewable energy, shipping, ports and coastal infrastructure. A significant amount of investment and financing continues to be directed towards this harmful activity as part of capital construction and infrastructure projects.

Recognising this, UNEP FI’s sustainable blue economy finance community has published a briefing paper, focusing on the intersection of finance and dredging activity. Designed for banks, insurers and investors, this paper highlights financial, reputational and regulatory risks associated with dredging, setting out a pathway for positive change, and the support of a transition to more responsible practices.

This is the first of three briefing papers on harmful marine extractives, with two to follow later this quarter, with the other two covering the offshore oil & gas and deep-sea mining sectors.

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