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Key Points

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh showcased India's commitment to sustainable ocean management at the Monaco Marine Conference. The event highlighted collaborative efforts between India and Norway in marine spatial planning and coastal resource optimization. India's launch of the SAHAV digital portal represents a significant technological advancement in maritime governance. The conference underscored the critical importance of international cooperation in addressing global maritime challenges and preserving ocean ecosystems.

Key Points: Jitendra Singh Reveals India's Blue Economy Maritime Vision

  • India launches SAHAV portal for marine spatial decision-making
  • Pilot projects demonstrate coastal management potential
  • Norway and India strengthen maritime cooperation
  • Marine Spatial Planning emerges as key sustainable strategy
3 min read

Union Minister Jitendra Singh reiterates India's commitment to a resilient blue economy

Union Minister highlights India-Norway marine collaboration, sustainable ocean governance, and innovative spatial planning strategies at Monaco conference

"Our science-driven, data-informed approach underscores India's vision for ocean governance that benefits both people and the planet - Dr. Jitendra Singh"

New Delhi, June 8

Union Minister of Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh, addressing the Monaco Marine Conference on Sunday, reiterated India's commitment to a resilient Blue Economy and pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken about it twice in his two consecutive Independence Day addresses.

In a symbolic show of global cooperation for ocean sustainability commemorating the "World Ocean Day" today, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh and Norway's Minister of International Development, Asmund Grover Aukrust, jointly hosted a high-level event on Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) aboard the historic Norwegian tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl at the Port of Hercule in Monaco, according to the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

The event was attended by dignitaries, including Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, making it a significant diplomatic engagement spotlighting blue economy collaboration.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Jitendra Singh highlighted India's strides in adopting Marine Spatial Planning as a key tool for sustainable ocean governance. "We believe MSP offers a science-based framework for optimising ocean resources, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring coastal livelihoods," he said, reiterating India's commitment to a resilient blue economy backed by technology and inclusive decision-making.

The India-Norway MSP collaboration, under the Indo-Norwegian Integrated Ocean and Research Initiative, has already yielded visible outcomes. Notably, pilot projects in Puducherry and Lakshadweep have demonstrated the potential of MSP to tackle coastal erosion, manage biodiversity, and engage multiple stakeholders across sectors like fisheries, tourism, and conservation.

One of India's most notable achievements, Dr Jitendra Singh said, is the launch of the SAHAV portal - a GIS-based decision support system now recognised as a Digital Public Good, to mark the international ocean day. "This tool empowers policymakers, researchers, and communities with real-time spatial data, enabling smarter planning and stronger marine resilience," he noted.

The Minister Jitendra Singh added that India aims to scale Marine Spatial Planning across its coastline, reinforcing the nation's global leadership in sustainable ocean management. "Our science-driven, data-informed approach underscores India's vision for ocean governance that benefits both people and the planet," he said.

The presence of top-level Norwegian leadership underscored the importance both nations place on sustainable maritime cooperation. Bilateral meetings and joint initiatives like this are expected to pave the way for greater global coordination on marine issues, especially as climate change and economic pressures intensify the need for balanced ocean use.

"As India and Norway continue to chart a shared course toward a sustainable maritime future, today's event aboard Statsraad Lehmkuhl served as a fitting reminder: the health of our oceans depends not just on innovation, but on international collaboration" concluded Dr Jitendra Singh.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Great to see India taking leadership in marine sustainability! Our long coastline is both an economic asset and ecological responsibility. The SAHAV portal sounds promising - hope it helps fisherfolk and coastal communities directly. 🇮🇳🌊
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Priya M.
While international collaboration is good, I hope we're also investing in domestic research capabilities. Norway has advanced marine tech - we should focus on skill development so we're not always dependent on foreign partnerships for such critical areas.
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Arjun S.
The Puducherry and Lakshadweep pilot projects show what's possible! Coastal erosion is a serious issue affecting many states. Hope this MSP approach gets implemented nationwide soon. Our fishermen deserve better planning to protect their livelihoods.
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Sunita R.
Nice diplomatic move, but implementation is key. We've seen many grand announcements before with little ground impact. Hope this isn't just another 'chai pe charcha' but actually helps our coastal ecosystems and communities. 🤞
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Vikram J.
As someone from Chennai, I've seen how unplanned coastal development can cause disasters. This MSP approach with real-time data could prevent future tragedies. Hope they involve local communities in the planning process - top-down won't work for something this complex.
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Neha P.
The blue economy is India's future! Between fishing, tourism, shipping and potential marine energy, we need to protect our oceans while harnessing their potential. Good to see focus on both ecology and economy. More awareness campaigns needed for citizens too!

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