Blue Cities Alliance
The Blue Cities Alliance unites cities to accelerate their transformation into resilient, prosperous communities connected to thriving oceans.
We’re building a dynamic global movement of city leaders, businesses, scientists, NGOs, and communities focused on coastal restoration, a thriving blue economy, and innovative solutions that harmonize economic growth with ocean health.
Our Path To Impact
The Blue Cities Alliance is launching with a collaborative, community-driven approach to accelerate coastal transformation. Our goal is to amplify existing initiatives, bridge innovative ideas with practical solutions, and foster cross-sector partnerships.
We believe meaningful progress comes from aligning voices across sectors—city leaders, scientists, businesses, investors, and community stakeholders—around shared goals. Rather than duplicating ongoing efforts, we aim to elevate groundbreaking projects, connect innovators, and inspire public engagement through powerful storytelling.
As we build our alliance, we will focus on:
Amplifying Existing Innovations: Highlighting and scaling successful local and global solutions in coastal resilience and blue economy development.
Facilitating Collaboration: Creating meaningful connections between policymakers, industry leaders, environmental experts, and communities to share best practices, drive strategic investments, and scale impacts.
Engaging Communities: Inspiring public awareness and participation through storytelling, outreach, events and advocacy to strengthen the connection between people, their cities, and the ocean.
By cultivating this ecosystem of collaboration and innovation, the Blue Cities Alliance aims to unlock new possibilities for thriving, resilient coastal cities and abundant oceans.
Why Blue Cities Matter
Blue Cities face common climate challenges.
570 cities will be affected by sea level rise by 2050, affecting 3 billion people.
Rising sea levels, extreme weather, pollution, and collapsing marine ecosystems are not distant threats—they are urgent realities.
Without action, coastal cities face severe flooding, infrastructure damage, loss of critical marine resources, economic instability, declining tourism and fisheries.
Venice, Italy, 2019
Adam Sébire / Climate Visuals
Jatrapur Union, Bangladesh
Muhammad Amdad Hossain / Climate Visuals
Blue Cities concentrate our culture, commerce, and capital.
Most global megacities are coastal, with over half of the world’s population living in coastal areas.
Our coastal areas and oceans are crucial economic generators, producing an estimated $1.5 trillion annually.
Coastal and marine tourism represents at least 50% of a global industry worth $9.5 trillion that employs 1 in 11 people.
Healthy coastal ecosystems have huge economic impact.
“There’s good news, though: investing in ocean sustainability is worth the cost: every $1 in key ocean actions can generate $5 in economic, health, and environmental benefits.” —Fast Company
The business case for a regenerative Blue economy is clear. By investing in coastal restoration, you are improving people’s lives and livelihoods, providing financial gains, and leading for future generations.
Goals for economic growth (SDG 8) and reducing poverty (SDG 1) are directly linked to restoring life below water (SDG 14) and immediate climate action (SDG 13).
Our Vision for the Future
The Blue Cities Alliance envisions a world where coastal cities are thriving hubs of innovation and regeneration. By integrating ecological restoration with economic development, we aim to bring people together, amplify innovations, and unlock new possibilities for vibrant, sustainable coastal cities.
At the heart of the Blue Cities Alliance is our commitment to fostering collaboration between communities, policymakers, and experts to drive lasting change. We believe that cultural acceptance of issues accelerates policy change, and that shared values and collective action lead to transformative outcomes.
As we grow, we aspire to build bridges between city leaders and the public, creating opportunities for individuals to engage meaningfully with their coastal environments. By aligning with existing city coalitions and initiatives, we will amplify local efforts through collaboration and storytelling—supporting a global movement toward resilient cities and a regenerative blue economy.
“When coastal cities lead, oceans thrive, economies grow, and communities prosper.”
—Alexandra Cousteau
Coastal cities are on the frontlines of rapid change, confronting rising sea levels, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
They also hold the key to global solutions. With over 40% of the population near coastlines, their potential to lead marine restoration is immense.
The Blue Cities Alliance amplifies this potential by:
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Equipping Cities
Amassing tools and knowledge to design and implement scalable restoration projects.
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Encouraging Collaboration
Bringing sectors together to ensure impactful, regenerative solutions that benefit communities.
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Inspiring Communities
Helping people reconnect with and care for their urban marine environments.
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Celebrating Cultures
Ensuring local traditions remain central to each community’s transformation.
Blue Cities can lead the world.
The Blue Cities Alliance will support leaders across sectors in advancing their commitments, accelerating impact, and connecting with a global network dedicated to building resilient and regenerative coastal cities.
We are just getting started. Join us!
Together, we can elevate leaders across sectors by creating visibility, recognition, and collaboration opportunities for our cities and oceans.
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City Leaders
Amplify global recognition, policy development support, and strategic partnerships.
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Businesses & Investors
Highlighting emerging blue economy markets and facilitating investment opportunities.
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NGOs & Communities
Elevating local innovations and connecting them with partners who can amplify their impact.
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Media
Providing exclusive access to compelling stories of urban transformation and pioneering coastal solutions.
