India calls for global ocean pact, outlines deep-sea and plastic action at UNOC3, ET Infra
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Investments in Blue Economy and coastal restoration
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At the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, India called for urgent global cooperation on ocean health, with Union Minister of Earth Sciences (Independent Charge), Dr Jitendra Singh, urging nations to support a global ocean pact . India outlined its policy measures on deep-sea exploration, marine pollution , and sustainable fisheries , as part of its ongoing efforts to support ocean governance.Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted developments under the Deep Ocean Mission, including progress on India's first manned submersible, 'Samudrayaan', expected to be deployed by 2026. The submersible aims to reach depths of up to 6,000 metres. He also noted India's expansion of Marine Protected Areas , which now cover 6.6% of the country's Exclusive Economic Zone.India reiterated its support for the ratification of the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) and called for the finalisation of a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty. A draft marine litter policy has been prepared, and clean-up efforts under the ' Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar ' campaign have resulted in the removal of over 50,000 tonnes of plastic waste across 1,000 km of coastline since 2022.Dr Singh also launched the 'SAHAV' portal, a digital platform for ocean data access, developed to improve ocean-related decision-making.India's presentation included details on Blue Economy initiatives. Over 600 port-led infrastructure projects valued at $80 billion have been developed under the Sagarmala Programme. The fisheries sector has received investments of $2.5 billion under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, leading to a 10 per cent increase in fish production and the formation of more than 1,000 fish farmer producer organisations.India reported the restoration of 10,000 hectares of mangroves and the adoption of shoreline management plans using nature-based approaches. The country has incorporated ocean-based climate measures into its Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.India also participated in high-level dialogues at UNOC3, including the India-Norway side session on Marine Spatial Planning, and co-led the 'Blue Talks' alongside France and Costa Rica.Calling for the adoption of a 'Nice Ocean Action Plan', Dr Jitendra Singh said, 'The ocean is our shared heritage and responsibility,' and reaffirmed India's readiness to work with governments, the private sector, civil society, and indigenous communities.
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