New Delhi: The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) convened a consultative workshop in New Delhi today to discuss the status of the Blue Economy Pathways study report. The workshop brought together experts from various line Ministries, including the World Bank, to deliberate on India’s journey towards achieving resource-efficient, inclusive, and resilient growth in its maritime sector.
Participating ministries included the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Niti Aayog, Ministry of Port Shipping and Waterways, Ministry of Tourism, as well as state and national research and development organizations.
During the workshop, emphasis was placed on the collaborative role of each line Ministry in contributing to the preparation of the Blue Economy Pathways report. This report, undertaken in partnership with the World Bank, aims to outline global best practices in Blue Economy implementation, develop an ocean accounting framework, strengthen institutional capacities, and propose innovative finance mechanisms aligned with India’s Blue Economy Policy framework.
The Blue Economy holds immense promise as a driver of economic growth and social welfare, provided sustainability and socio-economic inclusivity remain central to its strategy. It seeks to enhance the livelihoods of coastal communities, preserve marine ecosystems, and ensure the security of marine areas. Moreover, the Blue Economy will foster cutting-edge scientific and technological research, encompassing strategic, scientific, political, environmental, and economic dimensions.
India’s strategic maritime position, boasting a coastline stretching 7,517 kilometers and an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) spanning over two million square kilometers, underscores the nation’s rich maritime potential. The coastal economy supports over four million fisherfolk and coastal communities, making the efficient and sustainable utilization of ocean resources imperative for India’s economic growth and environmental stewardship, in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).