India Hosts 2nd Blue Talks in Preparation for 3rd UN Ocean Conference
The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) of India, in partnership with the Embassies of France and Costa Rica, hosted the “Second Blue Talks” on May 20, 2025, in New Delhi. This event is a significant step towards the upcoming 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) scheduled for June 9-13, 2025, in Nice, France. The gathering brought together scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the sustainable use and conservation of ocean resources, building on the momentum from the inaugural Blue Talks held in February 2024.
Collaboration and Leadership
The Second Blue Talks was chaired by Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary of MoES, alongside co-chairs H.E. Mr. Néstor Baltodano Vargas, Ambassador of Costa Rica to India, and Mr. Damien Syed, Deputy Head of Mission at the French Embassy. Dr. Ravichandran highlighted the importance of comprehensive ocean resource mapping and the development of innovative technologies to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14), which focuses on life below water. Ambassador Vargas emphasized the event’s role in strengthening collaboration between nations to drive actionable progress towards SDG 14.
The discussions at the event were aimed at galvanizing commitments from various sectors to enhance ocean conservation efforts. The presence of diverse stakeholders, including representatives from government, academia, and civil society, underscored the collaborative spirit necessary for addressing the challenges facing ocean health and sustainability.
Launch of the White Paper
During the event, MoES unveiled a white paper titled “Transforming India’s Blue Economy: Investment, Innovation and Sustainable Growth.” This document serves as a strategic framework for enhancing the visibility and implementation of blue economy initiatives across India. It aims to align government actions and foster synergies across sectors to unlock the potential of India’s ocean resources for sustainable economic development.
The white paper emphasizes the critical role of India’s extensive marine resources, including its coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone, in driving national progress. It outlines collaborative efforts involving 25 ministries and various coastal state initiatives to promote sustainable growth in ocean-related sectors. The report also builds on commitments made during India’s G20 Presidency and the Chennai High-Level Principles for a Sustainable and Resilient Blue Economy.
Identifying Challenges and Opportunities
While acknowledging the progress made in various sectors, the white paper identifies several challenges that need to be addressed. These include limited data sharing, low private investment, and technology gaps, particularly in emerging fields such as offshore wind and deep-sea exploration. The document suggests pragmatic interventions and showcases scalable models from across India, such as women-led seaweed farming and smart port development, to demonstrate the potential for achieving economic growth alongside environmental sustainability.
The core objective of the Second Blue Talks was to facilitate stakeholder consultations around four key themes: conserving marine ecosystems, enhancing scientific cooperation, reducing marine pollution, and leveraging the interconnectedness of ocean, climate, and biodiversity. These discussions aimed to foster collaborative problem-solving and generate innovative solutions essential for long-term ocean sustainability.
Looking Ahead
Mr. Damien Syed, Deputy Head of Mission at the French Embassy, remarked on the significance of the event in light of India’s ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement and the upcoming UNOC3. He noted that gathering insights from India’s leading ocean experts is crucial at this juncture. The Second Blue Talks successfully encouraged detailed discussions and collaborative efforts, paving the way for future initiatives aimed at ensuring the health and sustainability of the world’s oceans.
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