Context: 

India reaffirmed its dedication to a sustainable Blue Economy at the Monaco Marine Conference on World Ocean Day. 

More on the News

• India was represented by Minister of Earth and Science who highlighted India’s strides in adopting Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) as a key tool for sustainable ocean governance. 
• Minister further asserted that India’s science-driven, data-informed approach underscores the country’s vision for ocean governance that benefits both people and the planet.
• India and Norway both co-hosted a high-level Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) event in Monaco, marking strengthened global cooperation for sustainable ocean governance.
• The event reinforced the strong bilateral maritime cooperation between India and Norway.
• India launched the SAHAV portal - a GIS-based decision support system which is now recognised as a Digital Public Good, to mark the World Ocean Day.

Key Features of the portal:

• Offers real-time spatial data
• Supports policy-making, research, and community-level planning
• Recognised as a Digital Public Good

Marine Spatial Planning (MSP)

Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is a science-based framework essential for:

• Optimising ocean resources
• Protecting marine biodiversity
• Safeguarding coastal livelihoods

• It was envisaged under the Indo-Norwegian Integrated Ocean and Research Initiative.

• Under it pilot projects are being executed in Puducherry and Lakshadweep addressing diverse issues like coastal erosion, biodiversity, fisheries, tourism and conservation.

World Ocean Day

• It is an international observance held every year on June 8.
• The idea was first proposed in 1992 by Canada’s International Centre for Ocean Development and the Ocean Institute of Canada during the Earth Summit – UN Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.