Part III Human Health and Human Rights, 15 Our Oceans, Our Livelihoods: The World Bank and Oceans Governance

This chapter focuses on the role of the World Bank in ocean governance. Created in 1944, the World Bank is an international financial institution belonging to the United Nations (UN) system. It comprises two institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA). The chapter first provides an institutional overview and structure of the World Bank before discussing its position in the UN system as well as its mission. It then considers the World Bank’s role in the conservation and management of oceans, and particularly in the areas of food security, marine biodiversity and climate change. It also examines the World Bank’s strategy towards helping to restore ocean health to an optimal through its so-called blue projects.