Kerala EU Blue Conclave

Kerala will host the two-day ‘Blue Tides-Two Shores One Vision’ conclave on September 18–19, bringing together Indian and European stakeholders to promote a sustainable blue economy.

Blue Economy

Definition & Concept

• Blue Economy: Sustainable use of ocean, sea, and coastal resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and job creation, while protecting ocean ecosystems.
• World Bank: “Sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem.”
• European Commission: Covers “all economic activities relating to oceans, seas, and coasts” including established and emerging sectors.

Key Principles:

• Balance economic development with environmental sustainability.
• Address challenges: climate change, pollution, overfishing, marine biodiversity loss.
• Long-term goal: marine resilience and inclusive growth.

Objectives of Blue Economy

• Foster economic growth without degrading ocean health.
• Enhance employment, livelihoods, and food security through sustainable fisheries, tourism, and aquaculture.
• Promote innovation in marine biotechnology, ocean-based renewable energy, and coastal infrastructure.
• Minimise marine pollution and conserve biodiversity.
• Support climate-adaptive coastal infrastructure.

Blue Economy 2.0 (India)

• Focus: Climate-resilient development, restoration of coastal ecosystems, and sustainable expansion of aquaculture/mariculture.
• Policy Alignment:
  • Interim Budget 2024 highlights Blue Economy 2.0.
  • Linked to Vision 2025 and Deep Ocean Mission (2021).
• Key Components:
  • Coastal Ecosystem Restoration: Mangroves, coral reefs, shoreline protection, beach nourishment.
  • Sustainable Aquaculture &Mariculture: High-value marine species, seaweed farming, eco-friendly practices with funding & subsidies.
  • Integrated Multi-Sectoral Approach: Coordination across shipping, ports, tourism, energy, biotech sectors using tech-driven planning.

Need for Blue Economy

• Vast Marine Resources: Oceans cover 75% of Earth, 97% of water, 99% of living space.
• Global Economic Significance: Oceans contribute 3–5% of global GDP (~USD 1.5 trillion; projected USD 3 trillion by 2030).
• Human Dependency: 40% of global population lives in coastal areas; 80% of trade via maritime routes.
• Climate Mitigation: Oceans absorb 30% of CO? emissions; sustainable management enhances carbon sink potential.
• Renewable Energy: Offshore wind, tidal, and wave energy for energy security and carbon reduction.
• Pollution Control: Plastic and chemical pollution mitigation; 33 billion pounds of plastic enter oceans annually.

Blue Economy in India

• GDP Contribution: ~4%.
• Key Sectors: Fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, tourism, offshore energy.
• Geography: 7,500 km coastline; 2.02 million sq km EEZ.
• Employment: Fisheries sector supports ~3.5 million directly, 30 million indirectly.
• Initiatives:
  • Draft Blue Economy Policy
  • Sagarmala Project: Modernise ports, enhance coastal industries & communities.
  • Deep Ocean Mission: Scientific exploration & resource utilisation.
  • O-SMART: Services, Technology, Resources, Observations, Science.
  • India-Norway Task Force (2020): Sustainable blue economy cooperation.
  • National Policy on Marine Fisheries (2017): Sustainable fisheries, MPAs, livelihood enhancement.

Importance

• Economic: Job creation, trade growth, marine biotech, shipping, fisheries, tourism.
• High ROI: $1 invested ? $5 return in key ocean activities.
• Environmental: Mitigates climate change, conserves marine biodiversity.
• Social: Supports SDG 14 “Life Below Water”.
• Strategic: Maritime security, coastal resilience, energy security.

Challenges

• Overfishing: 34% global fish stocks overexploited (FAO).
• Marine Pollution: ~8 million tonnes of plastic annually.
• Climate Change: Ocean warming, coral bleaching, species migration, acidification.
• Weak Governance: Insufficient enforcement of marine regulations

Way Forward / Strategic Measures

• International Cooperation: Strengthen regional partnerships (e.g., IORA).
• Sustainable Aquaculture: Ecosystem-based management.
• Infrastructure Investment: Ports, coastal facilities, renewable energy installations.
• Blue Finance Mechanisms: Blue bonds, climate finance, public-private partnerships.
• Marine Spatial Planning (MSP): Coordinated ocean use for fishing, tourism, shipping.
• Technology & Innovation: Ocean monitoring, marine biotechnology, climate-resilient coastal infrastructure.