In Context
- The Union Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) is finalising a National Policy on the blue economy for the country.
More about the news
- About:
- A draft policy framework on India’s Blue Economy had been prepared.
- The policy envisages the optimal utilisation of all sectors of the maritime domain, from living and non-living resources to tourism and ocean energy for the sustainable development of coastal areas.
- The document contains key recommendations on the following dimensions:
- A national accounting framework for the blue economy and ocean governance;
- Coastal marine spatial planning and tourism priority;
- Marine fisheries, aquaculture, and fish processing;
- Manufacturing, emerging industries, trade, technology, services, skill development;
- Logistics, infrastructure, and shipping;
- Coastal and deep-sea mining and offshore energy; and
- Security, strategic dimensions, and international engagement.
- A National Blue Economy Advisory Council has been proposed to be set up.
- It will have the secretaries of relevant ministries and departments as members and include chief secretaries/principal secretaries of the coastal states and representatives from industry.
What is Blue Economy?
- According to the World Bank, the blue economy is the:
- “Sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystem.”
- European Commission defines it as:
- “All economic activities related to oceans, seas and coasts.
Significance of India’s Blue Economy
- India’s blue economy:
- It is 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 country’s legal jurisdiction.
- Coastal states and islands:
- With some 7,500 kilometres, India has a unique maritime position. Nine of its 29 states are coastal, and it’s geography includes 1,382 islands.
- Ports and Exclusive Economic Zone:
- There are nearly 199 ports, including 12 major ports that handle approximately 1,400 million tons of cargo each year.
- Besides, India’s 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.
- Coastal settlements:
- The coastal economy sustains over 4 million fisherfolk and coastal communities.
Initiatives Taken by the Indian Government
- Sagarmala Project:
- Vision of the Sagarmala Programme is to reduce logistics cost for export-import and domestic trade with minimal infrastructure investment.
- Coastal Economic Zones:
- The government identifies CEZs in the National Perspective Plan for Sagarmala Programme.
- CEZs aims to promote exports by providing infrastructure and facilities to entrepreneurs to set up businesses and industries near Ports.
- Indian Ocean Rim Association:
- India has been taking active participation in the IORA for promotion of blue economy in Indian Ocean littoral states.
- Matsaya Sampada Yojana:
- It is a flagship scheme for focused and sustainable development of the fisheries sector in the country.
- It will bring about the Blue Revolution by harnessing fisheries’ potential in a sustainable, responsible, inclusive and equitable manner.
- Polymetallic Nodules:
- India has received the sanction from International Seabed Authority for deep-sea mining in the Central Indian Ocean.
Way ahead
- The blue economy occupies a vital potential position in India’s economic growth.
- Countries like Australia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, the United States, Russia, and Norway have developed dedicated national ocean policies with measurable outcomes and budgetary provisions.
- With a draft blue economy policy framework of its own, India is now all set to harness the vast potential of its ocean resources.
- It could well be the next force multiplier of GDP and well-being, provided sustainability and socio-economic welfare are centered.
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Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar
Eco Mitram
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Source: TH
