DWS Concept ESG Blue Economy: equity fund focuses on ocean protection

The aim of the fund is to support the "Blue Economy" and to have a positive effect on the sustainable actions of companies
The focus is on companies related to coastal and marine ecosystems
Partnership: DWS relies on WWF's expertise in marine protection

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With the DWS Concept ESG Blue Economy, DWS is expanding its thematic ESG product range with a new globally investing equity fund. The aim of the fund, managed by Paul Buchwitz, is to support the "Blue Economy" and to have a positive impact on the sustainable actions of companies. The focus is therefore primarily on shares of companies related to coastal and marine ecosystems.

The following figures make clear how much potential there is in the blue economy: "The blue economy is expected to grow twice as fast as the established economy by 2030," says Paul Buchwitz with a view to the Oceans Day on 8 June 2021. The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) puts the global value of ocean-related assets at around 24 trillion dollars. And the annual "gross ocean product" of the oceans, at 2.5 trillion dollars, is so large that it would rank the Blue Economy eighth among the world's largest economies. Due to the enormous importance of the oceans, not only as an economic resource, but also for the preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity, the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), together with the WWF, has defined criteria for five ocean-related sectors, which the DWS Concept ESG Blue Economy has integrated into the investment process.

Blue economy: A new twist in an old tragedy

Markets and policymakers are finally waking up to the challenges and opportunities of protecting marine ecosystems, while simultaneously promoting sustainable development.

Focus on the health of the marine ecosystem

The focus of the fund is, for example, on companies that help to curb ocean acidification, reduce marine pollution and those that deal with the sustainable use of marine resources, ecosystems as well as sustainable fisheries. These include companies that contribute to ocean health and focus on sustainable consumption, reducing carbon emissions and preventing water pollution. There is also a focus on ocean-dependent sectors such as shipping and ports, energy and resources, coastal tourism and aquaculture.

Close dialogue with companies

"We invest in companies that offer solutions that can help the Blue Economy become more sustainable. However, the focus is also on companies that use the ocean as a resource and have already started to transform their business models or demonstrate their willingness to act more sustainably in the future," explains Buchwitz. "In addition, we enter into intensive dialogue with selected companies that have a clear negative impact on the ocean and have not yet embarked on the right path."

For further information please contact:

Sabina Diaz Duque
Tel. +49 (0)69 / 910 14177
sabina.diaz-duque@dws.com

Kathrin Mahr
Tel. +49 (0)69 / 910 13388
kathrin.mahr@dws.com

About DWS Group

DWS Group (DWS) is one of the world's leading asset managers with EUR 820bn of assets under management (as of 31 March 2021). Building on more than 60 years of experience, it has a reputation for excellence in Germany, Europe, the Americas and Asia. DWS is recognized by clients globally as a trusted source for integrated investment solutions, stability and innovation across a full spectrum of investment disciplines.

We offer individuals and institutions access to our strong investment capabilities across all major asset classes and solutions aligned to growth trends. Our diverse expertise in Active, Passive and Alternatives asset management – as well as our deep environmental, social and governance focus – complement each other when creating targeted solutions for our clients. Our expertise and on-the-ground-knowledge of our economists, research analysts and investment professionals are brought together in one consistent global CIO View, which guides our investment approach strategically.

DWS wants to innovate and shape the future of investing: with approximately 3,500 employees in offices all over the world, we are local while being one global team. We are investors – entrusted to build the best foundation for our clients’ future.