The case for protecting healthy natural infrastructure, such as reefs and mangroves, is strong and momentum is building for scaled-up intervention. Certainly, from a climate change perspective, UNFCCC so-called ‘Blue CoPs’ in 2019 and 2020 have a substantial focus on oceans and the importance of the ocean’s so-called blue natural capital to achieving climate change mitigation and adaptation. However, conservation efforts are at risk of being undermined, and overtaken by the proposed development on the horizon and projected tens of trillions of investment in heavy infrastructure and exploitation expected in the next decade, much of which will take place on or within reach of the coast. Despite the growing interest in the tremendous investment flows being directed at coastal areas, there remains a lack of understanding

of the extent to which these investments will either support or undermine coastal ecosystems, national priorities and political imperatives. The economic value of coastal protection provided by coral reefs, mangroves and salt marshes in the Western Indian Ocean is estimated at US$1.2 billion annually. As coastal development, urbanization and industrialization progress in the South West Indian Ocean, the value of coastal property and infrastructure will grow rapidly, and the measured economic value of coastal protection will climb accordingly. This will be reflected in a higher gross marine product.