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October 28, 2024 07:10
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Blue Economy refers to the marine resources for economic development, transport services, and exploration. Explore more about what is Blue Economy and its significance.
Blue Economy: More than 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by oceans, yet we frequently neglect the immense potential they offer. The “Blue Economy” idea aims to shift this perspective by acknowledging the importance of our oceans and utilizing their resources sustainably and responsibly. In simple terms, the Blue Economy focuses on leveraging the resources of our oceans to foster economic development while maintaining the health and welfare of marine ecosystems.
As the world becomes more reliant on marine resources, the blue economy aims to use these resources responsibly while addressing climate change and pollution. Here we have provided a comprehensive guide for UPSC aspirants to understand the Blue economy, its importance, and its challenges.
The Blue Economy is a concept promoting sustainable oceanic and marine-based economic activities. It views oceans, seas, and coastal areas as resources with immense economic potential. The focus is on sustainable practices that drive growth and protect marine ecosystems. This includes sectors like fishing, shipping, tourism, and marine biotechnology, aiming to balance economic benefits with environmental protection.
India has vast marine resources with a coastline stretching over 7,500 km. The Blue Economy plays a crucial role in India’s economic growth, providing jobs and contributing to fishing, tourism, and energy sectors. India’s focus on maritime security and sustainable fishing is key to preserving biodiversity while fostering economic growth in coastal areas.
| Aspect | Details |
| Definition | Sustainable use of marine resources for economic growth, livelihood improvement, and ecosystem health. |
| India’s Sectors | Shipping, tourism, fisheries, offshore oil, and gas exploration. |
| SDG Alignment | Linked with SDG 14: Conserving oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development. |
| India’s Coastline | 7,500 km with Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) extending over 2.2 million square km. |
| Ports and Infrastructure | India has 12 major ports, 200+ minor ports, 30 shipyards, and various maritime service hubs. |
| Ocean Coverage | Oceans cover 75% of Earth’s surface, contain 97% of Earth’s water, and represent 99% of the planet’s living area. |
| Global Ocean Economy | Valued at USD 1.5 trillion annually, projected to reach USD 3 trillion by 2030. |
| Ocean Assets (Natural Capital) | Estimated at USD 24 trillion. |
The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) is in the process of finalizing India’s National Policy on Blue Economy, aiming for the sustainable development of coastal areas through optimal utilization of maritime resources.
A draft policy framework has been prepared, covering various sectors such as living and non-living resources, tourism, ocean energy, fisheries, and infrastructure. The framework emphasizes key areas like coastal spatial planning, marine governance, trade, technology, skill development, logistics, and offshore energy.
It also proposes the establishment of the National Blue Economy Advisory Council (BEAC), comprising secretaries from relevant ministries and representatives from coastal states and industries. The draft was shared for public feedback, leading to valuable revisions.
Additionally, a 75-day coastal clean-up campaign, “Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar,” was launched on July 5, 2022, to clean at least 75 beaches, culminating on International Coastal Clean-Up Day, September 17, 2022.Factors Influencing the Blue Economy.
The Blue Economy is vital as it contributes significantly to coastal communities’ economic development and job creation. It promotes responsible resource management and addresses environmental issues such as pollution and overfishing. Several factors impact the success of the Blue Economy:
The Blue Economy is crucial for India, supporting fisheries, tourism, and maritime transport. It contributes to food security, boosts trade, and helps manage coastal ecosystems. The Blue Economy also supports India’s strategic ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region, providing avenues for defense and maritime security partnerships. Sustainable practices, can uplift coastal communities and drive socio-economic progress. Here are some of the Importance of Blue Economy to India:
| Initiative | Description |
| Sagarmala Project |
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| Deep Ocean Mission |
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| O-SMART |
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| Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project |
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| India-Norway Task Force on Blue Economy |
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| National Fisheries Policy – 2020 |
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| Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana |
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| NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) |
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| Mining of Polymetallic Nodules |
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| Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar Campaign |
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These initiatives enhance economic growth while protecting marine ecosystems and fostering job creation in coastal regions. However, there are some challenges associated with the Blue Economy. Some of the challenges faced are:
Blue Economy 2.0 is a new initiative introduced by the Indian government in the Interim Budget 2024 to promote sustainable development and resilience in India’s coastal and marine sectors. This expanded approach emphasizes climate-friendly practices in aquaculture, mariculture, and coastal ecosystem restoration. Central to the Blue Economy 2.0 is fostering activities that protect marine biodiversity, develop renewable ocean energy, and provide economic benefits for coastal communities.
The initiative’s components include:
The Blue Economy UPSC is a vital topic in UPSC due to its relevance to India’s economy, international relations, and environmental policies. The UPSC exam may cover aspects like India’s Blue Economy policy, maritime security, international collaborations, and environmental initiatives, making it essential for aspirants to understand the significance and implications of this concept in national development and sustainable growth. Question asked about Blue Economy in UPSC:
| Attempt UPSC Mains Question:
Q. “Blue economy presents a new sphere of economic activities with great potential”. In light of this statement discuss the significance and list the steps taken by India to promote the blue economy. (250 Words) | GS Paper 1 | Geography |
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