- Dona Paula, Goa, India.
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- iiosc2020[at]nio[dot]org
Abstract Submission No. | ABS-2022-01-0454 |
Title of Abstract | Blue Economy Policy of India |
Authors | Prashant Srivastava* |
Organisation | Ministry of earth Sciences |
Address | Ministry of earth Sciences New Delhi, New Delhi, India Pincode: 110001 Mobile: 9810777248 E-mail: srivastava.pks@gov.in |
Country | India |
Presentation | Oral |
Abstract | Indias blue economy is understood as a subset of the national economy comprising the entire ocean resources system and human-made economic infrastructure in marine, maritime, and onshore coastal zones within the countrys legal jurisdiction. It aids the production of goods and services that have clear linkages with economic growth, environmental sustainability, and national security. The blue economy is a vast socio- economic opportunity for coastal nations like India to utilize ocean resources for societal benefit responsibly. With a coastline of nearly 7.5 thousand kilometres, India has a unique maritime position. Nine of its 29 states are coastal, and the nations geography includes 1,382 islands. There are nearly 199 ports, including 12 major ports that handle approximately 1,400 million tons of cargo each year. Moreover, Indias Exclusive Economic Zone of over 2 million square kilometres has a bounty of living and non-living resources with significant recoverable resources such as crude oil and natural gas. Also, the coastal economy sustains over 4 million fisherfolk and coastal communities. With these vast maritime interests, the blue economy occupies a vital potential position in Indias economic growth. It could well be the next multiplier of GDP and well-being, provided sustainability and socio-economic welfare are kept centre-stage. Therefore, India's draft blue economy policy is envisaged as a crucial framework towards unlocking countrys potential for economic growth andwelfare The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) as the nodal Ministry has been pioneering the Blue Economy policy for India. It has been rolled out in the public domain, inviting suggestions and inputs from various stakeholders, including industry, NGOs, academia, and citizens. The draft blue economy policy document outlines the vision and strategy that the Government of India can adopt to utilise the plethora of oceanic resources available in the country. The draft policy framework emphasises policies across several key sectors to achieve holistic growth of Indias economy. The document recognises the following seven thematicareas. i. National accounting framework for the blue economy and oceangovernance ii. Coastal marine spatial planning andtourism iii. Marine fisheries, aquaculture, and fishprocessing iv. Manufacturing, emerging industries, trade, technology, services, and skill development v. Logistics, infrastructure and shipping, includingtrans-shipments vi. Coastal and deep-sea mining and offshoreenergy vii. Security, strategic dimensions, and internationalengagement Several countries have undertaken initiatives to harness their blue economy. For instance, Australia, Brazil, United Kingdom, United States, Russia, and Norway have developed dedicated national ocean policies with measurable outcomes and budgetary provisions. Canada and Australia have enacted legislation and established hierarchal institutions at federal and state levels to ensure progress and monitoring of their blue economy targets. With a draft blue economy policy framework of its own, India is now all set to harness the vast potential of its oceanresources. |