India & Norway agreed to collaborate in the area of Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) in the Oceanic space for the next 5 years. Lakshadweep & Puducherry have been identified as Pilot sites for the Project.
- National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Chennai will be preparing the MSP framework for Puducherry & Lakshadweep in the initial phase of the project.
- The framework of these 2 environmentally critical areas (Pondicherry & Lakshadweep) will be replicated to other coastal regions of India.
- The 2 places have been chosen due to their potential to Flourish in multiple sectors such as Industries, Fisheries & Tourism.
- MSP is part of India’s (draft) Blue Economic Policy being developed by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
Background
- The MSP project is part of the Indo-Norway Integrated Ocean Initiative under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the 2 countries in 2019.
Objective
- For optimum utilisation of Sustainable Ocean Resources for economic & social development in coastal areas and as a Societal-beneficial initiative for India’s coastal regions.
Implementing Agencies
- India – Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) through National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR)
- Norway – Norwegian Environment Agency through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norway
Funding
- At the Initial stage, Government of India is planning to invest around INR 8-10 crores per annum.
- The World Bank & United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have expressed Interest in supporting the MSP Project.
1st MSP Project Steering Committee
The India-Norway Integrated Ocean Management & Research Initiative, 1st Project Steering Committee on MSP was convened virtually on February 26, 2021.
- During the meeting, both sides prepared a plan to ensure that human activities at sea take place in an efficient, safe, and sustainable manner in areas like energy, transportation, fisheries, aquaculture, tourism & other sectors.
- It was attended by representatives from Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC); Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Shipping; Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries; Ministry of Fishery, Animal Husbandry & Dairying; Ministry of Tourism & state governments of Tamil Nadu & Lakshadweep.
NCCR’s Earlier Experiences
NCCR had earlier developed coastal management plans for Chennai, Goa, and Gulf of Kachchh which were successful.
New India by 2030
- The Government of India’s vision of New India by 2030 highlights the Blue Economy as one of the 10 core dimensions of growth.
- MSP is a tool for sustainable and integrated ocean management.
Recent Related News:
i.On April 29, 2020 The World Bank approved USD 400 million multi-year financial support to help India enhance its coastal & marine resources, protect marine resources & coastal populations from pollution, erosion, sea-level rise, and improve livelihood opportunities for coastal communities over the next decade.
About Norway:
Prime Minister– Erna Solberg
Capital– Oslo
Currency– Krone
About National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR):
It is an attached office of MoES
Director – Dr M V Ramana Murthy
Location – Chennai, Tamil Nadu
