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World Maritime Day Webinar on Indian Ocean Framework | 26 September 2024

Introduction

On the occasion of World Maritime Day, which falls on September 26, 2024, the Maritime Research Center (MRC) hosted an enlightening webinar focusing on the themes surrounding the Indian Ocean Framework. The event brought together notable speakers from the maritime industry, government officials, and experts in marine research, sustainability, and technology.

Introduction

The webinar commenced with Nisha, the head of the communications and outreach team at MRC, welcoming all attendees. The theme for this year's World Maritime Day was highlighted as "Navigating the Sustainable Future," emphasizing the collective responsibility of stakeholders across sectors to protect the maritime environment while ensuring the industry thrives.

Speakers and Key Points

Distinguished speakers included:

  1. Dr. Malini V. Shankar - Vice Chancellor of the Indian Maritime University

    • Although unable to attend in person, she contributed a video message highlighting the importance of underwater domain awareness (UDA) and maritime security. Dr. Shankar noted the globalization of the maritime sector and the need for international cooperation in managing marine resources.

  2. Dr. Commander Arab Das - Founder and Director of MRC

    • Dr. Das provided insights on the UDA framework, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive, structured, and inclusive approach involving multiple stakeholders. He prepared a presentation covering the tropical characteristics and challenges that arise in the Indian Ocean region, stressing the importance of technology in enhancing marine management.

  3. Dr. Tim Curtis - Director of the UNESCO New Delhi Regional Office

    • Dr. Curtis’s video message stressed the significance of ocean science and the collaborative efforts required to manage our oceans sustainably. He discussed initiatives under the Ocean Science Decade and the crucial linkages between climate change, biodiversity loss, and marine conservation.

  4. Mr. P.K. Shrivastava - Scientist at the Ministry of Earth Sciences

    • Mr. Shrivastava shared perspectives from a governmental lens regarding the blue economy, sustainable fisheries, and the importance of capacity building in marine technology.

  5. Ms. Deina Kachari - Chief Operations Officer at Clima Crew

    • Ms. Kachari presented her organization's work in climate resilience and community engagement in coastal ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of integrating local knowledge and technology to tackle the challenges posed by climate change.

In concluding remarks, Ambassador Kumar Mudgal, a former Indian diplomat, called for a holistic approach to environmental management, emphasizing the necessity of working together to secure a sustainable future for our oceans.

Conclusion

The webinar reinforced the idea that, while the challenges facing our oceans are significant, collaborative efforts across sectors can yield innovative solutions. The emphasis on UDA and the blue economy reflects a profound awareness of the interconnectedness of technology, sustainability, and community engagement in maritime affairs.

Keywords

  • World Maritime Day
  • Indian Ocean Framework
  • Underwater Domain Awareness
  • Sustainability
  • Blue Economy
  • Climate Change
  • Marine Resources
  • International Cooperation

FAQ

Q1: What is the theme for this year's World Maritime Day? A1: The theme is "Navigating the Sustainable Future," highlighting the commitment to protect the maritime environment.

Q2: Who were the main speakers at the webinar? A2: The webinar featured Dr. Malini V. Shankar, Dr. Commander Arab Das, Dr. Tim Curtis, Mr. P.K. Shrivastava, and Ms. Deina Kachari.

Q3: What is the focus of the Underwater Domain Awareness framework? A3: The UDA framework aims for a comprehensive, structured, and inclusive approach to managing marine resources, integrating technology and collaboration among multiple stakeholders.

Q4: What initiatives were highlighted in the webinar? A4: Initiatives included the importance of capacity building in marine technology, the roles of various governmental and international organizations in marine conservation, and community engagement in climate resilience efforts.

Q5: How is climate change affecting maritime affairs? A5: Climate change poses significant risks to marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal communities, necessitating collaborative and sustainable responses to manage and protect our oceans effectively.

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