National Policy on Blue Economy

Table of Contents

National Policy on Blue Economy- Relevance for UPSC Exam

GS Paper 2: Governance, Administration and Challenges- Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

National Policy on Blue Economy in News

Recently, Minister of State (I/C) for Earth Sciences informed that Ministry of Earth Sciences is finalizing the National Policy on Blue Economy for the country.

National Policy on Blue Economy

About: Draft National Policy on Blue Economy framework envisages the optimal utilization of all sectors of the maritime domain, (living, non-living resources, tourism, ocean energy, etc.) for sustainable development of coastal areas.
Ministry: Blue Economy Policy is being formulated by Ministry of Earth Sciences with comments and feedback from general public and all relevant stakeholders.
Participation in Policy Formulation: Many valuable comments/ suggestions received from ministries/ departments, parliament members, NGOs, industry representatives and general public have been considered and the policy document has been revised accordingly.
Included Areas under Policy: Blue Economic Policy document contains key recommendations on-
- National Accounting Framework for Blue Economy and Ocean Governance,
- Coastal Marine Spatial Planning and Tourism Priority,
- Marine Fisheries,
- Aquaculture and Fish Processing
- Manufacturing, Emerging Industries, Trade, Technology, Services and Skill Development,
- Logistics, Infrastructure and Shipping,
- Coastal and Deep-Sea Mining and
- Offshore Energy and Security,
- Strategic Dimensions and
- International Engagement.
National Blue Economy Advisory Council (BEAC): National Economy Policy proposes National Blue Economy Advisory Council (BEAC).
- BEAC will have the Secretaries of relevant Ministries/ Deptts. as members.
- It would also include Chief Secretaries/Principal Secretaries of Coastal States and representatives from industry.

National Policy on Blue Economy- Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar

About: Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar is a 75-day Coastal Clean-Up campaign launched by the government to clean up coastal beaches and raise awareness.
- Coastal clean-up campaign for cleaning of at least 75 beaches along the coastal districts started on 05th July 2022 and will culminate on 17thSeptember 2022 the ‘International Coastal Clean Up Day’.
Organizing Ministry: Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar is being organized by MoES jointly with Indian Coast Guard, MoEF& CC, MoYAS, NDMA, Paryavaran Sanrakshan Gatividhi and Government Departments, volunteer organizations, public and students.
Key Activities: Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar would include support for awareness campaigns, competitions and workshops/seminars on the issues through Earth Day, Ocean Day etc. in schools, colleges and Universities.

Coastal Clean-Up campaign- Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar