Workshop on Capacity Building of Coastal States for Ocean Accounts Development Held in Kochi
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) of India, in partnership with the Directorate of Economics and Statistics (DES) of Kerala, hosted a significant workshop on “Capacity Building of Coastal States on Development of Ocean Accounts” in Kochi on August 29, 2025. This event gathered officials from various governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Earth Sciences and several coastal states and union territories. The workshop aimed to enhance the understanding and implementation of ocean accounts, aligning them with the System of Environmental Economic Accounting (SEEA) framework.
Workshop Objectives and Welcome Address
The workshop’s primary goal was to improve the compilation of Ocean Accounts, which are essential for understanding the economic value of marine resources. Shri Subash Chandra Malik, Additional Director General of MoSPI, welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of this initiative. He highlighted that the workshop serves as a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration among various stakeholders involved in ocean resource management.
The event featured a keynote address by Shri N.K. Santoshi, Director General of Central Statistics at MoSPI. He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to integrating Ocean Ecosystem Accounts into India’s economic indicators. By doing so, these accounts will provide a clearer picture of the dynamics of marine resources, including their extent, condition, and the services they provide. This integration is expected to complement traditional economic measures like GDP, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the nation’s wealth.
Inaugural Address and Global Initiatives
Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary of MoSPI, delivered the inaugural address, stressing the urgent need to incorporate ocean ecosystem data into national accounting systems. He pointed out that this integration aligns with the upcoming UN System of National Accounts (SNA-2025), which emphasizes accountability for natural assets such as oceans and forests. Dr. Garg noted that enhancing transparency in GDP estimates and promoting equitable distribution of ecosystem benefits are crucial for sustainable development and disaster risk reduction.
He also highlighted several global initiatives that support these objectives. The Chennai High-Level Principles for Sustainable Blue Economy, adopted during India’s G-20 presidency in 2023, serve as an international framework for promoting ocean conservation and responsible economic growth. Additionally, Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) focuses on protecting marine resources through sustainable management and pollution reduction, which is vital for the well-being of millions and the health of the planet.
Technical Sessions and Expert Contributions
The workshop included two technical sessions where experts shared insights on ocean accounting. Ms. Anita Baghel, Deputy Director General at MoSPI, provided an overview of the SEEA and Ocean Accounting frameworks, detailing MoSPI’s initiatives in environmental accounting. Dr. Aswathy N., a Principal Scientist at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, discussed the challenges and opportunities in using fisheries data for ocean accounting.
Other notable presentations included Dr. Venkat Shesu Reddem from the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, who suggested standardizing ocean condition accounts, and Dr. P.V. Nagamani from the National Remote Sensing Centre, who emphasized the role of satellite remote sensing in ocean accounting. Dr. U.S. Panda from the National Centre for Coastal Research shared insights on preliminary ocean accounts for Tamil Nadu, estimating that ocean natural accounts contribute approximately 1% to the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).
Conclusion and Future Directions
The workshop concluded with the development of a roadmap aimed at enhancing institutional coordination and building state-level capacity for credible ocean accounts. Dr. Garg commended Kerala’s Directorate of Economics and Statistics for its skilled workforce and encouraged cross-state learning. He reiterated the importance of evidence-based decision-making across all sectors to support India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Sri. G.S. Rajath, Director of DES Kerala, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants and emphasizing that the success of ocean accounting relies on translating discussions into actionable steps at the sub-national level. The workshop reaffirmed MoSPI’s commitment to collaborating with states, line ministries, and scientific institutions to establish a national framework for Ocean Accounts, advancing India’s vision for sustainable ocean governance.
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