Press Release
Ocean Philanthropy Gains Momentum in Southeast Asia as the 30x30 Southeast Asia Ocean Fund Surpasses Target and Announces First Grantees
Singapore, 24 April 2025:
Just three months into operation, the 30x30 Southeast Asia Ocean Fund has surpassed its initial fundraising target of USD 5M and announced its first cohort of grant partners. Announced in October 2024, the funders’ collaborative which is now made up of 11 philanthropic funders, and administered by Asia Community Foundation, is fueling a growing movement to protect 30% of Southeast Asia’s seas by 2030. This milestone marks a shift from commitment to action, with community-led conservation efforts receiving crucial support to drive impact on the ground.
The global 30x30 Goal is a commitment to protect at least 30% of the world‘s land, freshwater and ocean by 2030 to address the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. It was formally adopted as part of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in December 2022.
Backed by leading philanthropic organisations, including Bluejacket Foundation, Dalio Philanthropies, Djinda Foundation, ECCA Family Foundation, Eden Impact, Oceankind, Quantedge Advancement Initiative, Rumah Foundation and The Moh Family Foundation, the 30x30 Southeast Asia Ocean Fund is dedicated to accelerating ocean protection in the region. By pooling resources and expertise, the fund supports high-impact marine conservation initiatives aligned with the global 30x30 Goal, prioritising local organisations across Southeast Asia to empower communities driving on-the-ground conservation efforts.
The funders’ collaborative officially launched in January 2025, receiving a strong response to the call for proposals. Organisations from seven Southeast Asian countries submitted a diverse and compelling range of applications, highlighting the pressing need for funding to protect ocean ecosystems.
Following a thorough review process, three projects were chosen for their strategic approach and strong alignment with the Fund’s mission of creating, expanding and strengthening protected and conserved areas, with a clear focus on enhancing biodiversity and ensuring long-term ecosystem health for communities and nature. By supporting work that engages local groups in planning, implementation and governance, the fund aims to foster equity, long-term impact and sustainable conservation outcomes that reflect the needs and strengths of local actors.
First Cohort of Grantees
Manengkel Solidaritas (North Sulawesi, Indonesia): to improve the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) by developing management plans, establishing Community Surveillance Groups, and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
Sulubaai Environmental Foundation (Taytay, Palawan, Philippines): to expand and create MPAs to safeguard critical habitats, engage communities, and implement sustainable practices.
Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (Bird’s Head Seascape, Indonesia): to strengthen conservation areas through Indigenous women-led customary practices, supporting sustainable marine management and empowering indigenous communities
The Fund is currently accepting applications and invites organisations working on marine conservation and community-driven initiatives to apply.
The funding provided through this initiative represents just a drop in the ocean—much more is needed to achieve the 30x30 Goal in the region and secure a sustainable future for communities and nature.
“We decided to join the 30x30 Southeast Asia Ocean Fund because it fills a critical gap — supporting locally led marine conservation across a region where biodiversity and community wellbeing are deeply intertwined. This is our first pooled, regional fund, and it meaningfully complements our own oceans portfolio by enabling us to back grassroots efforts beyond our own geographical scope. Oceans know no boundaries — and they urgently need collective solutions. We are especially encouraged to see Asian-based funders coming together, and are eager to learn quickly from other countries to bring insights back to where we work, and to scale our own efforts through collective action.” Carol Liew, Managing Director, ECCA Family Foundation
“Supporting ocean conservation in Southeast Asia, with its diverse and developing countries, presents an opportunity not only to protect precious ecosystems, but also to address critical humanitarian priorities for hundreds of millions across the region.” said Kathlyn Tan, Director of Rumah Foundation.
As efforts to protect the ocean and build a sustainable future continue, regional and global funders, local actors and conservation practitioners are invited to join this vital initiative.
Interested organisations can visit 30x30fund.org for more details.
About 30x30 Southeast Asia Ocean Fund:
The 30x30 Southeast Asia Ocean Fund is a funders’ collaborative dedicated to catalysing progress toward protecting 30% of Southeast Asia's seas by 2030. It supports inclusive, equitable and effective conservation of ocean ecosystems, leading to positive outcomes for people and nature. Administered by the Asia Community Foundation, the 30x30 Fund unites regional and global donors to drive meaningful impact.
Contact:
Barbara Jackson
Director of Advisory and Impact
Asia Community Foundation
barbara.jackson@asiacf.org
Kathlyn Tan
Director
Rumah Foundation
kathlyn@rumahgroup.com