How Are India and Norway Strengthening Their Ocean Governance and Fisheries Ties?
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Synopsis
India and Norway are taking significant steps to enhance their collaboration on sustainable ocean governance and fisheries. During the UN Ocean Conference in France, key discussions centered around mutual priorities and strategies to combat overfishing and marine pollution, showcasing their commitment to a sustainable future.
Key Takeaways
- India and Norway are committed to sustainable ocean governance.
- Bilateral discussions focus on combating overfishing and marine pollution.
- International cooperation is key for the UN Decade of Ocean Science (2021-2030).
- Both nations are exploring opportunities within a sustainable blue economy.
- India is making strides in marine governance and environmental initiatives.
New Delhi, June 11 (NationPress) India and Norway on Wednesday reiterated their dedication to enhancing partnerships on sustainable ocean governance and fisheries during the ongoing UN Ocean Conference in France.
The Indian delegation, led by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, engaged in a 'bilateral' meeting with Marianne Sivertsen Ness, Norway’s Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy.
Both Ministers shared insights on improving bilateral collaboration in ocean governance, highlighting the enduring relationship between India and Norway in the fisheries domain.
Topics of discussion included mutual priorities like the sustainable utilization of marine resources, enhanced data-sharing practices, and collaborative initiatives to address challenges such as overfishing and marine pollution.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences stated, "India and Norway reaffirmed their commitment to enhance cooperation on sustainable ocean governance and fisheries during a bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), currently taking place in Nice, France."
The Ministers recognized the importance of global cooperation in achieving the objectives of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030). They emphasized knowledge sharing, capacity building, and technology dissemination to reach shared goals.
Additionally, they explored ways to expand existing India-Norway partnerships, especially in sectors aligned with developing a sustainable and inclusive blue economy.
The UNOC3, occurring from June 9 to 13, has convened global leaders, scientists, policymakers, and industry experts to deliberate on collective actions for ocean health, sustainable development, and climate resilience.
Earlier at the conference, Singh advocated for a global ocean pact and presented significant advancements in deep-sea exploration, marine plastic cleanup, and sustainable fisheries.
Singh underscored advancements in the Deep Ocean Mission with the upcoming manned submersible, a national single-use plastic ban, and over $80 billion in ‘Blue Economy’ projects.
India also supported the prompt ratification of the BBNJ Agreement, called for a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty, and launched the ‘SAHAV’ digital ocean data portal, showcasing its growing leadership in global marine governance.
Point of View
The collaboration between India and Norway signifies a proactive approach to addressing global marine challenges. This partnership not only reinforces India's commitment to sustainable practices but also positions it as a leader in international marine governance. It is crucial for nations to engage in such dialogues to create effective solutions for the challenges facing our oceans.
NationPress
14/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of the India-Norway partnership?
The India-Norway partnership primarily focuses on sustainable ocean governance and fisheries, emphasizing mutual priorities such as the sustainable use of marine resources and combatting overfishing.
Where is the UN Ocean Conference taking place?
The UN Ocean Conference is currently taking place in Nice, France, from June 9 to 13.
What are the key issues discussed during the bilateral meeting?
Key issues discussed included sustainable utilization of marine resources, data-sharing mechanisms, and joint efforts to address overfishing and marine pollution.
What is the significance of the BBNJ Agreement?
The BBNJ Agreement aims to establish a legally binding framework for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
How does India plan to lead in marine governance?
India plans to lead in marine governance through initiatives like the SAHAV digital ocean data portal and by advocating for global treaties on plastic pollution.
