This document summarizes the approach that the global partnership for oceans (GPO) will take in its work with countries to help improve the health of the oceans and reduce coastal poverty. Restoring the health of the world's ocean is a global challenge that can and must be solved if one has to alleviate poverty, build resilient communities, and foster strong coastal economies. The natural systems underpinning the health of the ocean and the livelihoods, food, and other services dependent upon them are at risk, due largely to human action occurring in the context of weak institutions. The GPO has been established as a convening platform that can help to reduce the barriers to countries obtaining the finance and expertise needed to restore ocean health. To finance this support, the GPO will establish a new global fund for oceans (GPO fund), as well as an ocean investment roundtable. To mobilize the knowledge countries need, the GPO will include a network of expertise from the partners, coordinated through a global assembly of partners, supported by the GPO fund, and a number of communities of practice established around specific issues and themes.