Pathfinder Foundation discusses ‘sustainable exploitation’ of the Indian Ocean

The Centre for Indo-Lanka Initiatives of the Pathfinder Foundation recently conducted a round- table discussion on “Bilateral Cooperation for promoting Blue Economy” in collaboration with the Vivekananda International Foundation, in New Delhi.

The focus of discussion centered on the theme “Sustainable Exploitation of Marine Resources.” Three main areas were addressed during the two-day meeting - sustainable exploitation of living resources such as fish and other life forms, exploitation of non-living resources such as hydrocarbons and sea bed minerals, and Maritime security issues associated with Blue Economy.

In a media release, the Pathfinder Foundation said discussions relating to these broad areas were based on Sustainable Development Goal 14 of the United Nations to “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.”

The Pathfinder delegation was led by its Chairman, Bernard Goonetilleke, and comprised Admiral ( Dr.) Jayanath Colombage, Director of the Centre for Indo- Lanka Initiat ive s ; T i l a k Dharmaratne, Vice Chancellor of the Ocean University; Dr. Muttukrishna Saravananthan, Principal Researcher of the Point Pedro Institute of Development and Ms. Ameera Arooz, Project Manager of the Pathfinder Foundation.

Representing the Indian side was General NC Vij, Director VIF, Vice Admiral (Retd.) Anil Chopra; Dr. Shailesh Nayak, distinguished scientist; Dr. Vijay Sakhaja, Director National Maritime Foundation; Lieutenant General Ravi Sawhney, Dean, Center for Defence Studies- VIF; Commodore Gopal Suri, Senior Fellow, VIF and a host of other distinguished research fellows.

A wide range of academic papers was presented by both sides, followed by discussions to derive the best possible outcome from the round table. In addition to the facets of ‘Blue Economy”, the strategic dimension of the Indian Ocean Region was also discussed. Possible collaboration between the two countries for jointly studying the marine environment, digitalizing the blue economy and sharing technical expertise was also discussed.

Pathfinder said the discussions focused on the oceans, seas and coastal areas being the largest eco-system in the world vital for livelihood and food security of billions of people as well as economic prosperity for many countries. With the expected increase in the world population from seven to nine billion within the next 40 years, nations will look at seas as a source for feeding their increasing populations and extraction of mineral wealth lying at the bottom of the sea-bed.

It was also noted that apart from fisheries, a major part of world shipping, whether container, bulk cargo or crude oil transportation is done by sea and they have also become major targets for exploration and production of crude oil and gas, essential for global industries.

The meeting agreed to prepare an outcome document incorporating the salient points brought up during the discussion and recommendations for cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, which would be helpful for policy makers and other stakeholders, who have an interest in this subject.