BHUBANESWAR: The state authorities on Thursday signed an MoU with the Centre to implement a marine spatial plan, a strategic initiative aimed toward balancing coastal financial progress with marine ecosystem.
The settlement was signed between the Science and Technology division and the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) beneath the Ministry of Earth Sciences, at Lok Seva Bhawan within the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
Describing MSP as a transformative initiative, the chief minister stated it is not going to solely strengthen the state’s blue financial system but in addition guarantee long-term conservation of marine biodiversity. “This plan will promote sustainable livelihoods in coastal regions while safeguarding ecological balance and setting a new benchmark in integrated coastal and marine planning,” he stated.
The initiative is a part of the broader India-Norway collaboration on sustainable ocean planning, which started in 2019. While the primary part coated Puducherry and Lakshadweep, Odisha has emerged as the primary state to implement the programme in its second part.
Majhi stated that Odisha’s marine ecosystems assist fisheries, tourism, ports and rising sectors like ocean vitality. “However, increasing developmental pressures and climate challenges have made scientific and coordinated management essential. MSP will ensure optimal use of marine resources without compromising environmental sustainability,” he added.
Science and Technology minister Krushna Chandra Patra, Chief secretary Anu Garg, Ministry of Earth Sciences secretary M Ravichandran, deputy Ambassador of the Royal Norwegian Embassy Arvin Gadgil and extra chief secretary Chitra Arumugam had been current.