The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) in collaboration with the Embassies of France and Costa Rica, organized the “second Blue Talks” on Tuesday in New Delhi. This high-level event marked a significant step in the lead-up to the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), which is scheduled to be held in Nice, France, from June 9 to 13.
Building on the success of the first Blue Talks in February 2024, this second edition brought together a wide array of participants, including scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and representatives from civil society. The event provided a platform to accelerate action and forge concrete commitments towards the sustainable use and protection of ocean resources, aligning closely with Sustainable Development Goal 14 and the broader objectives of the UN Ocean Decade.
The core discussions of the second Blue Talks centered on conserving and restoring marine and coastal ecosystems, enhancing ocean science and education, reducing marine pollution originating from land-based activities, and strengthening the interconnection between oceans, climate, and biodiversity. These topics formed the foundation of a dynamic stakeholder consultation session designed to generate innovative, long-term strategies for ocean sustainability.
The event was chaired by Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and co-chaired by Néstor Baltodano Vargas, Ambassador of Costa Rica to India, and Damien Syed, Deputy Head of Mission at the French Embassy. In his address, Dr. Ravichandran emphasized the importance of prioritizing comprehensive ocean resource mapping, adopting cutting-edge technologies, and investing in human capital to achieve the goals of SDG 14 and the UN Ocean Decade. Ambassador Vargas highlighted the significance of such dialogues in deepening cooperation among nations for sustainable ocean governance.
A central highlight of the event was the launch of a white paper titled “Transforming India’s Blue Economy: Investment, Innovation and Sustainable Growth.” Developed in collaboration with a strategic knowledge partner, the document outlines a strategic framework to align national efforts, encourage investment, and foster cross-sectoral collaboration. The paper emphasizes the economic and ecological potential of India’s marine resources, supported by the active involvement of 25 central ministries and various coastal states and union territories. These efforts build upon commitments made during India’s G20 Presidency and the Chennai High-Level Principles for a Sustainable and Resilient Blue Economy.
The report not only acknowledges substantial progress across sectors but also points out key challenges such as limited inter-agency data sharing, inadequate private investment, and technological gaps in areas like offshore wind energy and deep-sea exploration. It offers practical solutions and presents scalable models from across India, such as women-led seaweed farming, smart port development, and eco-friendly ship recycling initiatives that illustrate the synergy between economic development and environmental conservation.
(Inputs from PIB)