About Us

The coastal regions of the world serve as a nexus of ecological processes and services to people. A clear understanding of the connections and downstream linkages between ecological systems and the services they provide to human welfare is critical to sustainable development and poverty alleviation. Given our human population projections, the pace of land transformation and the consequent demand on natural resources, planning becomes an essential ingredient if we are to effectively address resource use conflicts and sustain those systems that support us.

The Blue Team (the part of the Environment Department's Water Team that works on  coastal and marine resources) of the World Bank represents a cross-section of professionals within the World Bank's Anchor and its Regional Operations. As part of the Water Resources Management Sector within the Bank, we focus on the environmental dimensions of water resources, and the implications of land development actions downstream. Our focus is on integrating the importance of Freshwater, Coastal and Marine Resources within the various program elements of the Bank's Environmental Strategy. Our overall objective is to mainstream the vertical integration of these issues in all Bank-funded water policies, strategies, programs and investments.

Our specific objectives are to support:

• the implementation of the Bank's environment strategy and the preparation and implementation of a water resources sector strategy that embraces the above principles;
• the implementation of the WCD strategic priorities and policy principles;
• the preparation and implementation of regional water management strategies and programs, and sector strategies (for irrigation, for example);
• the protection of water related global commons and public goods;
• the compliance of environmental safeguard policies in selected water sector investments;
• the demonstration of integrated approaches for coastal resources management and integrated river-basin management;
• sustainable financing;
• knowledge sharing;

This Coastal and Marine Resources Web Page highlights the key themes and information that describe the issues of concern, activities, and that support our objectives. The Who's Who section provides a list of the Bank's professionals working in this important area of development.