Introducing Brightwater, a Company Scaling Nature-Based Solutions, Protecting Marine Ecosystems and Engaging Coastal Communities in Sustainable Conservation Practices

 Brightwater helps clients go beyond Net Zero goals through climate impact investments
that balance financial returns with environmental and social returns

CHICAGO – May 2, 2024 – Today marks the official launch of Brightwater, a company that originates and customizes climate-impact investments to enhance the health of coastal ecosystems and bolster the economies of coastal communities. By harnessing the power of nature-positive investing and biodiversity conservation, Brightwater will help its individual, corporate, and institutional investment clients generate attractive financial, environmental, and social returns.

Brightwater offers a suite of services tailored to protect, restore, and scale coastal nature-based solutions. Impact solutions include three models: acquiring coastal land and placing it in conservancy with carbon absorption and restoration opportunities; long-term, high-quality, blue carbon and biodiversity credit partnerships; and legacy conservation projects. All Brightwater models are structured to meet their client’s unique objectives, and all of their projects include close coordination with local communities to ensure long-term sustainability.

Jessie Stenftenagel, a marine biologist and CEO of Brightwater, brings over 30 years of expertise and commitment to global marine conservation. Her team of experienced professionals in global real estate, finance, impact investment, and environmental consulting are poised to connect corporations and private entities with unique nature-based investment opportunities.

"At Brightwater, we leverage our expertise to identify and design large-scale, high-integrity projects with impactful and lasting benefits for people and the planet," stated Stenftenagel. “Nature-based investments around the globe have doubled in the past year, and enterprises that lead the charge in pioneering 'nature-positive' investments will not only generate global, climate impact value, but will also experience positive economic, social, and environmental returns.”

Over 50% of the world's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is intricately linked to biodiversity preservation and ecosystem diversity, emphasizing the essential need for collaborative conservation initiatives.

"We are pleased to collaborate with Brightwater to assist corporations in achieving their Net Zero and nature-positive goals through global, multi-benefit land acquisition opportunities. These unique solutions yield blue carbon and biodiversity credits while also protecting the planet's natural resources and improving local communities," noted John Musgjerd, Senior Managing Director at JLL (Jones Lang Lasalle) and Global Real Estate Advisor of Brightwater.

Nature's importance is gaining momentum on the corporate agenda. Brightwater is uniquely positioned to help organizations accelerate goals, move beyond Net Zero, and help empower coastal communities to protect ocean ecosystems for the benefit of all. Brightwater projects will initially focus on Latin America and the Caribbean, with plans to expand globally.

ABOUT BRIGHTWATER

Brightwater is a pioneering sustainability consultancy empowering impact and sustainability-focused corporate and individual investors to align with their Net Zero and nature-positive goals. With a mission to prioritize coastal nature-based solutions and biodiversity conservation, Brightwater aims to deliver economic, environmental, and social returns on investment. With over 30 years in marine conservation and a global real estate and finance network, Brightwater offers a range of services to support its mission, including property acquisition, blue carbon and biodiversity asset protection and verification, sustainability consulting, and planning and marketing services.

US startup launches to scale fundings towards coastal NbS, biodiversity conservation

Government of Belize and Brightwater Launch First Blue Carbon Pilot to Advance Climate Solutions and Marine Conservation

CHICAGO – August 4, 2025 – The Government of Belize (GOB), through the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, in partnership with Brightwater, is proud to announce the launch of Belize’s groundbreaking blue carbon pilot project, which will lead to the development and issuance of Belize’s first high-quality blue carbon credits.

This milestone reflects Belize’s continued leadership in nature-based climate solutions and its commitment to advancing a thriving blue economy through community engagement and long-term conservation.

Developed under an exclusive agreement between the Government of Belize and Brightwater, the pilot brings together the expertise of the Brightwater Collective’s technical advisors – Stantec Inc., JLL, SEARCH LLC, and Climate Wedge – alongside the Ministry’s on-the-ground partner, the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA). This collaboration combines world-class knowledge in coastal and marine science, carbon markets, finance, and cultural heritage. The pilot will serve as a model for scalable, science-driven climate action that delivers measurable emissions reductions, supports sustainable livelihoods, and strengthens the resilience of Belize’s coastal ecosystems and communities.

First focused on Turneffe Atoll—one of the most biologically diverse marine ecosystems in the Caribbean and a global priority for conservation—this blue carbon pilot aims to protect and restore critical mangrove and seagrass ecosystems that deliver essential climate mitigation benefits. In addition to carbon sequestration, the project will focus on measurable biodiversity uplift, enhance marine and coastal resilience, safeguard cultural and ecological heritage, and support sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

“The launch of this pilot is a major step forward for Belize’s blue economy,” said Ms. Beverly Wade, CEO in the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation. “It reflects our commitment to protecting coastal ecosystems and advancing nature-based solutions as a core strategy for creating real economic value for our people, addressing the climate crisis, and delivering global environmental benefits.”

Grounded in science and stakeholder engagement, the project is designed to meet leading international standards for carbon verification and to serve as a scalable model for future blue carbon investments throughout Belize.

“Our mission is to develop high-quality blue carbon projects that deliver tangible community benefits, meaningful climate impact, and measurable biodiversity gains—grounded in local knowledge and stewardship, and building on the strong scientific foundation already established in Belize,” said Jessie Stenftenagel, CEO of Brightwater. “We are proud to work alongside the Government of Belize and our technical advisors to bring this landmark project to life.”

The Turneffe Atoll pilot includes ecological and carbon baseline assessments, participatory stakeholder engagement, ecosystem mapping, and the establishment of a robust monitoring and verification framework. Alongside carbon storage, the project will support sustainable fisheries, enhance reef health, and build local capacity in climate adaptation and coastal restoration.

“This blue carbon pilot exemplifies Belize’s leadership in mobilizing innovative finance for both nature and people,” said Hon. Christopher Coye, Minister of State for Finance. “By valuing our natural assets, we are unlocking new investment opportunities that strengthen our economy, empower local communities, and advance global climate goals.”

This initiative builds upon Belize’s world-renowned conservation legacy and its leadership in marine protection. It sets a new precedent for aligning government policy, scientific innovation, and international investment with nature-based climate solutions that center people, culture, and ecosystems.

About Brightwater

Brightwater develops high-quality, people-centered blue carbon projects that leverage the power of coastal ecosystems to drive climate action, biodiversity protection, and sustainable development. Working in partnership with governments, scientists, investors, and communities, Brightwater is setting a new global standard for integrity, transparency, and long-term value in nature-based climate solutions.