The First and the Second IORA Ministerial Conferences on Blue Economy have set out a foundation to elaborate strategic areas for cooperation on ocean-based growth in the Indian Ocean. To continue with that momentum, this is the time to further nurture various areas of Blue Economy such as aquaculture, marine tourism, private sector’s involvement in infrastructure, port network, financial inclusion, the sustainable exploration and exploitation of various living and non-living resources from the seas and tackling the menace of marine pollution and plastic debris.
Objectives:
The main objectives of the BEC-III would be to promote smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and employment opportunities in the Blue Economy activities along the Indian Ocean belt.
Discussions would be aimed at mapping the works that already have been done and also further works that need to be undertaken to secure inclusive and balanced promotion, protection and conservation of the marine resources in the Indian Ocean.
Desired Outcome:
On 05 September 2019, the Ministerial Conference will adopt the Dhaka Declaration and other outcome documents aimed to illustrate the commitment of IORA Member States to further strengthen and deepen cooperation on Blue Economy priority areas in the years ahead. The Conference will be preceded by a Working Session to be held 04 September 2019, to discuss the means and ways to strengthen Blue Economy implementation.
The Working Session will include several discussion sessions on different aspects of the Blue Economy namely:
- Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture- “Enhancing Regional Cooperation for Mariculture and Capacity Building of the fishers”;
- Harvesting Sustainably Our Blue Opportunities & Ocean Governance;
- Exploiting untapped potential resources- “Exploration and Exploitation of Resources from Sea/Seabed and Creating value from the resources through R&D”;
- Potentials for development of Blue Economy in the Indian Ocean Rim;
- Connecting to the gateway of blue economy- “Enhancing Maritime Logistics facilities, Coastal Shipping & Port Network and Connectivity”; and
- Turning to the ocean for value.
