Pune (Voice News Service): In commemoration of World Environment Day, a pioneering Blue Economy Conclave was successfully hosted at the Maharshi Karve Stree Shikshan Samstha’s Dr. B. N. College of Architecture. The event, held in collaboration with the Maritime Research Center, Pune; SDGs Center for India, MKSSS’ Institute of Sustainability and Development Studies, and Plannogram, India, brought together national and international experts to deliberate on critical topics such as sustainable coastal management, innovations in the blue economy, geopolitical affairs, and climate resilience.
Distinguished speakers, policymakers, and experts gathered at the conclave to share their insights and shed light on the significant role of the blue economy in national development. The inaugural session featured Dr. V. K. Saraswat, Member of NITI Ayog and former Director General of the DRDO, who emphasized the importance of the blue economy. Mr. Arjun Chowgule, representing Chowgule and Company, Goa, presented pioneering green initiatives in the shipbuilding industry.
Dr Anurag Kashyap said that to fully unlock the potential of the blue economy, collaboration and partnership among various stakeholders are crucial. Governments, private sector enterprises, research institutions, and coastal communities must work together, sharing knowledge, expertise, and resources, to build a thriving blue economy that benefits all.
Keynote speaker Prof. Dr. Ramesh Ramchandran, Founder Director of the National Center on Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), highlighted various strategies for ensuring sustainable coastal management of India’s coastal areas. Panel discussions throughout the event featured notable personalities, including IPS Mrinalini Shrivastava, Director of National Disaster Management Authority; Prof. Dr. Sergio Faias, President of Portugal’s National Fishing Docks Corporation; Amb. Anup Mudgal, Veteran Diplomat and FICCI’s Task Force Member on Blue Economy; Prof. Dr. Satheesh Shenoi, Chair Scientist at the Ministry of Earth Sciences; Mr. Praful Talera, senior industrial expert; and researchers such as Dr. Shrabana Barua, Prof. Piyush Girgaonkar, Ms. Divya Rai, and Prof. Anugrah Nagaich, who shared their valuable insights on various aspects of the blue economy.
Vote of thanks was given by Prof.Asmita Joshi, Executive Director, MKSSS’s Institute of Sustainability and Development studies, she conveyed that the knowledge shared and connections made during this event will continue to inspire and drive us toward a sustainable future for our oceans and water bodies. She added that the report generated from the deliberations and policies evolved will be submitted as contribution to C20 deliberations on the theme Habitat and Life under the overarching them LiFE
