Mr. Jayaram Raipura, Chief Executive Officer, Karnataka Maritime Board attended the Ocean Summit conference hosted at the World Ocean Science Congress 2024, held at IIT Madras Research Park on February 28, 2024. The conference was chaired by Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Science, Government of India. The conference observed healthy participation from both national and international delegates from France, Angola, Mozambique, Bangladesh, Congo and Philippines.
(Left to Right) Dr. G. A. Ramadass, Director, National Institute of Ocean Technology; Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary – Ministry of Earth Science, Government of India; Mr. Jayaram Raipura, Chief Executive Officer, Karnataka Maritime Board;
and Mr. Sameep Jain, Chief Executive Officer, Black Brix & Project Management Unit, Karnataka Maritime Board
Dr. M. Ravichandran highlighted the significance of this century as the “century of oceans” and stressed the importance of a collective approach to maintaining the five key points including food, energy, health of oceans, health of people and climate change. He also announced the upcoming Blue Economy policy, encompassing sectors such as fisheries, tourism, and transport.
The summit deliberated on the challenges and opportunities in the ocean domain. Mr. Jayaram Raipura brought attention to the necessity for a shared institution, highlighting the importance of collaboration for effective ocean governance. Additionally, he provided insights into the proposed project for an International cruise terminal near Mangalore, discussing its potential to boost tourism not only in Karnataka but also in neighboring states.
Further, Mr. Jayaram Raipura invited the Ministry of Earth Science, Government of India to consider setting up the Center of Blue Economic Studies under the aegis of the Ministry of Earth Science for the Western Coast in the coastline of Karnataka. The Secretary-MoES, GoI acknowledged and appreciated these proposals, recognizing their significance in shaping the future of maritime initiatives. He requested that the coastline of Karnataka is prone to erosion and new technologies for protection may be implemented on a pilot basis in the coast.
The Ocean Summit served as a dynamic platform for collaborative discussions, solidifying Karnataka’s commitment to advancing ocean-centric initiatives and reflecting the state’s dedication to sustainable maritime practices and global cooperation
