SDG 14: Life Below Water | SDG 13: Climate Action
Institution: Ministry of Earth Sciences
India hosted the 48th Annual Conference on Oceans Law and Policy (COLP48) in New Delhi, marking its first convening in nearly five decades. Addressing the gathering, MoES Secretary Dr. M. Ravichandran underscored the Indian Oceanβs centrality to climate regulation, biodiversity, livelihoods, and trade, while warning of rising threats from climate change, sea-level rise, acidification, and intensifying cyclones.
He outlined five priorities for ocean governance: ensuring livelihood and food security through sustainable fisheries and mariculture, deepening regional cooperation across Indian Ocean Rim states, integrating traditional knowledge with scientific policy frameworks, advancing climate resilience through ecosystem-based approaches, and mobilizing finance and capacity for marine science and governance. Dr. Ravichandran also highlighted the need for marine spatial planning, hazard mitigation, and indigenous technological innovation to harness renewable energy, minerals, and eco-tourism sustainably.
Noting that the ocean covers 70% of Earth yet only 5% is fully explored, he called for greater international cooperation, research, and monitoring. He cautioned that annual marine heatwave days in the Indian Ocean could increase tenfold by centuryβs end, with major risks to coral reefs, fisheries, and coastal communities.
Relevant question for policy stakeholders:
How can Indiaβs leadership at COLP48 translate into a national ocean governance strategy aligned with global climate and biodiversity frameworks?
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https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2165373