Singapore, 18 November 2024 – In a groundbreaking announcement at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29), Ant International, a leader in digital payments and financial technology, unveiled its ambitious marine conservation initiative, AquaViva. This global program aims to harness the company’s technological innovations and ecosystem partnerships to preserve marine biodiversity and foster sustainable ecosystems.
Launching with a focus on whale shark conservation in Indonesia, AquaViva represents Ant International’s commitment to environmental sustainability through collaborative action and digital empowerment.
Why Oceans Matter: A Crisis in the Making
The ocean is humanity’s silent guardian, producing 50% of our oxygen, absorbing 25% of carbon dioxide emissions, and capturing 90% of excess heat generated by these emissions. Yet, despite its critical role, only 8% of the world’s oceans are protected, falling far short of the 30% conservation target set by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Ant International recognizes this urgency. With a vision to address this global challenge, AquaViva positions marine conservation as a cornerstone of its sustainability efforts.
Driving Change Through Technology and Collaboration
Leiming Chen, Chief Sustainability Officer of Ant International, emphasized the power of digital innovation in fostering sustainability:
“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.”
Ant International’s digital ecosystem, encompassing over 1.6 billion users and 90 million merchants globally, will serve as a catalyst to educate, mobilize, and incentivize communities to participate in marine conservation efforts.
Partnering for Whale Shark Conservation in Indonesia
In collaboration with Conservation International, AquaViva’s inaugural project zeroes in on the conservation of whale sharks in key habitats across Indonesia. This initiative will support sustainable ecotourism in regions such as Saleh Bay (Sumbawa), Gorontalo (Sulawesi), and Kaimana (West Papua), working closely with local authorities and communities.
Dr. Richard Jeo, Senior Vice-President of Conservation International’s Asia-Pacific Field Division, highlighted the critical importance of such initiatives:
“Oceans are the lifeline of our planet’s survival, yet their immense importance is often overlooked. 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.”
Through advanced data analytics, Ant International will enhance Conservation International’s research capabilities, providing deeper insights into marine conservation efforts.
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AquaViva’s Vision for the Future
AquaViva goes beyond raising awareness. By combining digital outreach platforms with cutting-edge analytics, the program aspires to unite governments, corporations, and individuals around actionable marine sustainability goals. Together, the partnership aims to not only protect marine biodiversity but also foster a culture of environmental responsibility on a global scale.
About Ant International
Headquartered in Singapore, Ant International drives the future of global commerce through digital innovation, empowering businesses of all sizes with transformative payment and financial solutions.
About Conservation International
For over three decades, Conservation International has been a leader in protecting the planet’s most vital ecosystems. From science to policy and fieldwork, their initiatives empower nature and humanity to thrive together.
