By leveraging its rich marine resources and engaging in meaningful collaborations, India can drive its blue economy strategy
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This article is part of the essay series “Sagarmanthan Edit 2024”
India's blue economy, emphasising the sustainable use of ocean resources, is vital to the nation as it addresses climate change, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss. This multifaceted approach prioritises the protection of marine ecosystems while fostering economic growth. The intersection of international and national efforts is crucial towards realising the potential of the blue economy, enabling India to strengthen its commitment to environmental stewardship while advancing its economic goals.
At the heart of India’s blue economy strategy is a commitment to collaboration, both domestically and internationally. The Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal (MAK) Vision 2047 represent comprehensive frameworks aimed at transforming India’s maritime sector into a significant driver of economic growth and sustainable development. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) has established a Blue Economy coordination committee to enhance collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring a unified approach to sustainable practices and policy formulation within the blue economy framework.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) has established a Blue Economy coordination committee to enhance collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring a unified approach to sustainable practices and policy formulation within the blue economy framework.
International partnerships play a critical role in amplifying India’s efforts. Collaborating with foreign research institutions and universities allows knowledge transfer and resources and technological innovations, which are essential for the sustainable development of marine resources. These partnerships provide access to cutting-edge research and technology adaptable to local contexts, addressing the unique challenges faced by India's coastal communities. Through international collaboration, India learns from global leaders while also contributing to the collective effort to protect the world's oceans.
The focus on renewable ocean energy is a key component of both national and international strategies. India has enormous potential in tidal and wave energy, estimated at over 12,000 MW and 40,000 MW respectively. However, harnessing this potential requires a significant investment in research and development. By engaging with international experts and institutions, India can overcome barriers related to high capital costs and technological complexity. Projects such as the 1 MW Eco Wave energy plant in Vizhinjam, Kerala and the 65kW Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Scheme in Lakshadweep exemplify the fruitful outcomes of international collaboration. These initiatives advance India’s renewable energy goals and position the nation as a contributor to global efforts in addressing climate change through sustainable energy solutions.
By engaging with international experts and institutions, India can overcome barriers related to high capital costs and technological complexity.
India has made significant strides in marine research, leveraging its vast coastline and rich biodiversity. National initiatives enhance the understanding of marine ecosystems, promote sustainable fisheries, and develop renewable ocean energy technologies. Exploration of deep-sea ecosystems highlights India's leadership in oceanic research. Expeditions conducted for the extraction of polymetallic nodules in partnership with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) enable the discovery of new marine species and contribute to the understanding of deep-sea habitats. Furthermore, the emphasis on marine pharmaceuticals derived from India’s rich marine biodiversity showcases how national and international research can converge to promote health and sustainability. Collaborative efforts can lead to the development of new drugs and treatments, addressing health challenges while ensuring the conservation of marine resources.
Empowering coastal communities is another critical aspect of India's blue economy strategy. The nation recognises that sustainable development must include the voices and expertise of local populations. National programmes, aimed at educating coastal communities and equipping them with sustainable fishing practices and marine resource management skills, are essential. These efforts are significantly enhanced through international partnerships that share successful community engagement models.
Expeditions conducted for the extraction of polymetallic nodules in partnership with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) enable the discovery of new marine species and contribute to the understanding of deep-sea habitats.
Universities play a crucial role in blue economy partnerships by fostering research, innovation, and collaboration between industry, government, and communities to promote sustainable ocean resource management and economic growth. Nelson Mandela University in South Africa exemplifies this approach, engaging coastal communities through its Ocean Sciences Campus. Through workshops and programmes in sustainable fishing, tourism and coastal conservation, the university empowers local populations to manage marine resources responsibly and participate in the blue economy. By adapting these practices to local contexts, India can ensure that coastal communities actively participate in the blue economy, improving their livelihoods while safeguarding marine resources. Likewise, the Coastal Communities and Marine Pollution (CCMARPOL) international conference by the Indian Maritime University actively brings together scientists, policymakers, regulatory bodies, classification societies and industry leaders from local and global arenas. Such collaborative steps foster rich dialogue that encourages the exchange of innovative ideas and best practices.
As India continues to forge international partnerships, the focus on collaborative research and development remains paramount. Oceanic research serves as a catalyst for innovation, promoting sustainable practices that enhance economic opportunities while prioritising environmental health. Research areas such as climate change impact, marine pollution and biodiversity conservation benefit immensely from both national expertise and international insight. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, including governments, academic institutions, and the private sector, India can create a robust framework for addressing the complex challenges facing the blue economy.
In conclusion, India’s blue economy strategy reflects a balanced approach that prioritises both national and international efforts. By leveraging its rich marine resources and engaging in meaningful collaborations, India can drive sustainable economic progress while protecting the ocean's ecological health. Collaborative research initiatives allow countries to leverage diverse expertise, informing evidence-based policymaking tailored to regional and global challenges.
By bringing together diverse stakeholders, including governments, academic institutions, and the private sector, India can create a robust framework for addressing the complex challenges facing the blue economy.
The integration of international knowledge and resources with national initiatives strengthens India's capacity to address pressing challenges, fostering innovation and the responsible management of marine resources.
To advance partnerships in the blue economy, we need to concentrate on a few key areas: fostering research and innovation through close collaboration between universities and industries, enhancing capacity building with tailored training programmes, and developing evidence-based policies through cooperation between government and academic institutions. Engaging local communities in resource management is vital for their empowerment and the promotion of sustainable practices. Additionally, public-private partnerships can leverage resources and expertise for sustainable development, while international collaboration will facilitate knowledge sharing and technology transfer. Lastly, establishing frameworks for monitoring and evaluation will ensure the effectiveness and adaptability of new initiatives, driving meaningful progress in the blue economy.
Malini V. Shankar is the Vice Chancellor of the Indian Maritime University.
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A career bureaucrat with over four decades in Government, Dr. (Mrs.) Malini V Shankar, IAS (Retd) is the Vice Chancellor of the Indian Maritime University. ...
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