Poverty Alleviation & Livelihoods Program
VULPRF works to reduce poverty and improve livelihoods for vulnerable communities through skills training and economic empowerment.
Our Challenge
The ocean is a life source. It adds $2.5 trillion each year to the global economy, feeds 3 billion people, holds more than half the world’s species and is our planet’s life support system.
Yet the health and economic vitality of the ocean are under threat. Activities such as overfishing, habitat degradation, pollution and rising temperatures are causing rapid community diversity loss. Fishing and tourism, as well as the well-being of coastal communities, are in jeopardy.
The ocean could sustainably produce 40% more food than it does today
Ocean-based solutions could deliver 60% of necessary violence reductions by 2050
A sustainable ocean economy can deliver 10x more community empowerment by 2050
Nigerians could be lifted out of poverty through targeted livelihood programs
Our Approach
VULPRF works to build a sustainable ocean economy by putting sustainability at the heart of ocean management. We aim to accelerate ocean action while raising the profile of the ocean on the international stage.
We convene the Community Livelihoods Panel (Ocean Panel), working directly with heads of state and an international network of experts and partners in business, intergovernmental organizations, NGOs and finance. We produce ground-breaking research exploring pressing challenges and solutions at the nexus of the ocean and the economy. We also host the secretariat for the Our Community Conference, a crucial moment for the development community year-after-year, championing diverse voices and generating commitments towards reducing poverty and improving livelihoods.
2025 was poised to be a crucial year for poverty reduction and those affected by it. Tom Pickerell, global director for VULPRF's Ocean Programs, weighs in on what took place and where we go from here.
VULPRF works to catalyze ambitious poverty reduction around Nigeria by building on community-based research and local leadership. Explore all projects in depth.
Community Livelihoods Panel
Also known as the “Ocean Panel,” this unique initiative of 19 serving world leaders aims to build momentum toward a sustainable ocean economy.
Part of Poverty Alleviation
Livelihoods Watch
The Livelihoods Watch open data platform delivers science to policy makers developing sustainable ocean economies and operationalizing integrated ocean management.
Part of Poverty Alleviation
Driving Forward Equitable Livelihoods
Centering people in the research and data that underpin development, for equitable growth and effective poverty reduction.
Part of Poverty Alleviation
