Ant International Launches ‘AquaViva’ to Advance Global Marine Conservation Efforts

SINGAPORE, November 22, 2024 – Ant International, a leader in digital payments and financial technology, has unveiled AquaViva, its ambitious new sustainability programme focused on marine conservation. Announced at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29), the initiative aims to protect vital marine ecosystems through digital innovation and global partnerships.

The programme’s first project, in collaboration with Conservation International, will focus on whale shark conservation in Indonesia, marking a significant step in the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

Ocean Conservation: A Global Imperative

The ocean is critical in mitigating climate change, producing 50% of the Earth’s oxygen, absorbing 25% of carbon dioxide emissions, and capturing 90% of the excess heat generated by these emissions. However, with only 8% of the ocean currently protected—far below the 30% target set by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework—initiatives like AquaViva are urgently needed.

Through AquaViva, Ant International aims to leverage its extensive digital ecosystem—comprising over 90 million merchants and 1.6 billion digital users—to raise awareness and inspire action toward sustainable practices. The company will work with public and private partners to drive collective impact, with a focus on marine conservation, climate sustainability, and MSME inclusion ahead of COP30.

Digital Innovation Meets Marine Conservation

Ant International’s approach integrates technology to mobilise global communities. For example, the company previously supported its ecosystem partner GCash in the Philippines with its GForest initiative, encouraging eco-friendly activities and tree planting among users.

Leiming Chen, Chief Sustainability Officer of Ant International, emphasised the role of technology in driving change, “Digital innovation can substantively enhance sustainability awareness and action. By leveraging our ecosystem and partnerships, we can reach millions of users and incentivise them to take measurable steps towards marine conservation, particularly in Asia Pacific, where communities are significantly affected by coastal changes.”

AquaViva’s First Project: Whale Shark Conservation in Indonesia

Ant International has partnered with Conservation International, a leading environmental organisation with over 25 years of experience in Asia-Pacific conservation. The first AquaViva project will focus on whale shark conservation in Indonesia, a region rich in marine biodiversity.

The initiative, led by Conservation International’s local partner Konservasi Indonesia, will collaborate with Indonesian authorities and communities to develop sustainable ecotourism practices. Target areas include Saleh Bay in Sumbawa, Gorontalo in Sulawesi, and Kaimana in West Papua—key habitats for whale sharks.

Dr Richard Jeo, Senior Vice-President of Conservation International’s Asia-Pacific Field Division, underscored the importance of ocean conservation, “Oceans are the lifeline of our planet, yet their significance is often overlooked. Over 600 million people depend on the ocean for food and livelihoods, and it plays a critical role in stabilising Earth’s climate. Initiatives like AquaViva are essential to raising awareness about the ocean’s pivotal role in climate regulation, food security, and the emerging blue economy.”

Beyond direct conservation efforts, AquaViva will use data analytics and digital outreach platforms to enhance research and education. Ant International’s digital tools will support Conservation International’s research by extracting actionable insights from collected data, furthering conservation efforts.

This partnership aims to unite governments, corporations, and individuals in fostering eco-friendly practices that benefit marine ecosystems. By combining cutting-edge technology with collaborative partnerships, AquaViva represents a bold step toward a sustainable future for the world’s oceans.