Earth's oceans, covering over 70% of the planet's surface, are vital to global economic, environmental, and social well-being. Generating over €1.27 trillion annually and supporting millions of jobs, food sources, and energy supplies, the blue economy is rapidly emerging as a cornerstone of sustainable development.
This blog explores the blue economy’s global trajectory until 2024, India’s current status and future potential, and how geospatial technology is key to unlocking sustainable oceanic opportunities.
Overview of the Global Blue Economy
"Blue economy refers to the sustainable use of marine resources for exploration, economic growth, improved livelihoods, and transport while preserving the health of marine and coastal ecosystems."
Globally, the blue economy has been a focus for sustainable growth since the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development introduced SDG 14 (Life Below Water) in 2015. The global community is increasingly embracing the blue economy, with initiatives like the EU's Sustainable Blue Economy Strategy, which was launched in 2021 aligning to the European Green Deal. This strategy encourages innovative solutions such as floating wind farms and sustainable aquaculture.
In 2019 alone, the blue economy contributed significantly to the EU's GDP and provided employment opportunities for millions. However, despite its potential, the blue economy faces significant funding challenges. The world requires substantial annual investment to protect marine ecosystems and sustainably utilise ocean resources. Unfortunately, there's a substantial funding gap, hindering progress towards a sustainable blue future.
India’s Blue Economy
India, with its 7,500 km coastline, 14,500 km of navigable waterways, and access to the Indian Ocean, has a massive blue economy potential. It already contributes about 4% to India’s GDP, with key sectors like fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, tourism, and offshore oil and gas exploration playing vital roles.
To further capitalise on this potential, India has implemented several key initiatives:
Sagarmala Program, 2015: This program aims to modernise ports, enhance coastal shipping, and improve overall logistics efficiency.
Deep Ocean Mission (DOM), 2021: This mission focuses on exploring deep-sea resources, conducting marine biodiversity research, and supporting renewable energy initiatives.
National Fisheries Policy: This policy promotes sustainable aquaculture practices and effective marine resource management.
Unlocking Blue Opportunities in India
Fisheries: India is a global leader in fish production, ranking second worldwide. However, sustainable practices remain a key challenge.
Renewable Energy: The country's vast coastline, particularly of the states of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, offers significant potential for offshore wind and tidal energy generation.
Shipping and Ports: The Sagarmala program is modernising India's ports, facilitating trade, and reducing logistics costs.
Marine Biodiversity: India's diverse marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds, present numerous opportunities for conservation-driven initiatives.
Challenges India Faces
Environmental Degradation: Coastal pollution and habitat loss pose significant threats to marine biodiversity.
Funding Gaps: Limited public and private investment in Ocean-friendly blue technologies hinders growth and innovation.
Technological Adoption: The lack of advanced technologies, such as geospatial tools, in many sectors reduces efficiency and limits innovation.
Geospatial Technology: A Game-changing Catalyst for Sustainable Blue Economy
Geospatial technology and Earth observation are indispensable tools for managing the blue economy effectively. By providing real-time data, predictive analytics, and robust monitoring systems, these technologies empower sustainable oceanic activities.
Some of the key applications include:
Fisheries and Aquaculture:
○ Satellite imagery identifies sustainable fishing zones, mitigating overfishing and bycatch.
○ Advanced mapping helps find the best fishing zones and areas suitable for sustainable fish farming.
Renewable Energy:
○ GIS-based site analysis optimises offshore wind and tidal energy projects, minimising environmental impact.
○ Bathymetric mapping ensures safe and sustainable seabed utilisation.
Coastal Management:
○ LiDAR and Drone technology map and monitor coastal erosion and sea-level rise, aiding in disaster preparedness.
○ Remote sensing tracks pollution and ecosystem health such as algal bloom, facilitating timely interventions.
Marine Biodiversity Conservation:
○ Geospatial analysis identifies critical habitats for protection, such as coral reefs and mangroves.
○ Ocean observation systems monitor species distribution and migration patterns.
Shipping and Ports:
○ Real-time tracking systems optimise shipping routes, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
○ GIS-based models support efficient port infrastructure planning and logistics.
India’s Potential Future in the Blue Economy
India, with its vast coastline and rich marine resources, has the potential to emerge as a global leader in the blue economy, particularly in South Asia. The Union Budget 2024-25, with its 'Blue Economy 2.0' framework, has provided a significant boost to this sector. By capitalising on its potential and implementing innovative strategies, India can unlock the full potential of its oceans and contribute to a sustainable future. Key strategies to accelerate this growth include adopting geospatial technologies for efficient resource management, attracting significant public and private investments, expanding marine conservation efforts, modernising infrastructure, and forging strong international partnerships.
Conclusion: Riding the Blue Wave: A Blue Future for India
The global blue economy is no longer just an idea; it's a powerful force driving sustainable growth. With its vast coastline and ambitious initiatives, India's blue economy is poised for significant growth, driven by strong policy support, technological innovation, and investments in sustainability. By expanding the use of geospatial tools, fostering global partnerships, promoting sustainable practices, and attracting investments, India can fully unlock its blue economy potential and emerge as a global leader in sustainable marine development, ensuring a brighter future for coastal communities and ecosystems.
About the Author
Nivedhitha Ajithkumar (PhD) is a doctoral researcher at the University of Eastern Finland, Finland. She earned her MSc from a collaborative program between the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), ISRO in Dehradun, India, and ITC, University of Twente in the Netherlands. Nivedhitha also possesses a strong engineering background, holding a Bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communication.
Sources for reference:
Comments