The Aquatic Ecosystem Biodiversity Opportunity

Mazarine has recently become very bullish on opportunities at the intersection of freshwater and marine ecosystems, and the growing biodiversity indsutry.

Protecting native endangered aquatic species and controlling aquatic invasives is part of SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water)

As an impact investor entirely focused on water-related risks,  Mazarine is bullish on the biodiversity vertical. . While everyone in 'water' would naturally agree that protecting native endangered aquatic species and controlling aquatic invasives is important, it's traditionally not been included in the so-called 'water industry". For this reason, we are even more bullish.

Technology verticals that fill our deal-flow pipeline

Remote Sensing and AI : Innovations in remote sensing and artificial intelligence (AI) are revolutionizing how we monitor biodiversity in freshwater and coastal ecosystems. AI-driven models, combined with satellite data, are used to track changes in water quality, aquatic species populations, and habitat conditions. For example, Earth observation technologies can monitor the health of coral reefs and wetlands in real time, allowing for faster responses to environmental degradation.

eDNA (Environmental DNA) and eRNA (Environmental RNA) : These methods allows scientists to collect DNA and RNA traces left by organisms in the water, making it easier to detect the presence and activity of rare or endangered species in lakes, rivers, and coastal areas without invasive methods. It’s a powerful tool for biodiversity monitoring.

Hydroacoustic Technologies : These innovations help in tracking fish populations and marine life in freshwater and coastal environments by using sound waves. These are especially useful in large water bodies where traditional sampling is challenging.

Keeping an eye on policy and governance

Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) : Many governments are adopting IWRM frameworks, which promote the sustainable management of water, land, and ecosystems. These policies encourage stakeholder participation and balance economic, social, and environmental needs to maintain biodiversity in freshwater ecosystems.

Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) : Coastal areas are seeing an increase in MSP initiatives, where regions are zoned for specific uses like conservation, fishing, or recreation. These plans aim to protect biodiversity while allowing sustainable use of marine resources.

Biodiversity Targets and Protected Areas : Policies supporting the expansion of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and freshwater conservation zones are critical. The UN’s Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework advocates for protecting 30% of the world’s freshwater and marine ecosystems by 2030 to reverse biodiversity loss.

Attached link

Taxonomy

• Biodiversity
• Forest Biodiversity
• Biodiversity conservation