Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14), part of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, is dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources. India, with its extensive coastline of approximately 7,517 kilometers, plays a crucial role in global ocean conservation efforts. In this article, we explore India's position, achievements, challenges, and initiatives toward achieving SDG 14.
Stats for India
India's coastal areas sustain and provide livelihoods for over 250 million people, and it ranks as the second-largest in aquaculture production globally. However, this extensive dependence on marine resources also highlights the challenges to India's coastal ecosystems, such as pollution, overfishing, and habitat degradation.
Shore zone water quality, measured by BOD, varies across Indian coastal states, with Maharashtra having the highest BOD levels at 1.99 mg/l and Odisha the lowest at 0.39 mg/l.
Total Nitrogen levels differ along the Indian coastline, with the highest in Odisha at 65 µmol/l and the lowest in Goa at 20.12 µmol/l, affecting nutrient dynamics and marine ecosystems.
India's mangrove cover increased by 54 square kilometers (1.1 percent) from 2017 to 2019, with Gujarat and Maharashtra showing significant growth and Tamil Nadu experiencing an 8.2 percent decrease.
Monitoring shore zone pH levels (pH 6.5-8.5) is crucial to assess ocean acidification and protect marine ecosystems in India.
India's aquaculture potential includes 0.53 million hectares of brackish water, with West Bengal leading at 64 percent development, while Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and West Bengal have substantial untapped potential, while Karnataka has the lowest potential at 8,000 hectares.
India's Plans, Programs, and Schemes
1. Containing Marine Pollution: India has signed the International Convention on Prevention of Marine Pollution (MARPOL) and established the Coastal Ocean Monitoring and Prediction System to monitor marine pollution levels. Initiatives like the Online Oil Spill Advisory System aid in responding to oil spills.
2. Conservation of Marine and Coastal Ecosystems: India has designated 25 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the peninsular region and 106 in its islands, covering approximately 10,000 square kilometers. These areas contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation and livelihoods. The nation also prioritizes 106 coastal and marine sites as Important Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Areas (ICMBAs) to safeguard critical ecosystems.
3. Mangroves for the Future (MFF): Although a regional initiative spanning the Indian Ocean region, MFF plays a crucial role in India's marine conservation efforts. The program focuses on conserving and rehabilitating mangrove ecosystems, which serve as vital breeding grounds for marine life and buffer against coastal erosion.
4. Blue Revolution: Launched in 2015, the Blue Revolution aims to harness the potential of fisheries and aquaculture for economic growth and livelihood generation. The scheme promotes sustainable practices, modernizing infrastructure, and enhancing fish production while conserving aquatic ecosystems.
5. Swachh Sagar Abhiyan: This campaign, launched in 2017, focuses on cleaning coastal areas and water bodies to address marine pollution. It aims to reduce plastic waste and improve the overall health of coastal ecosystems.
6. Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM): ICZM is a comprehensive approach aimed at sustainably managing coastal areas. It plays a crucial role in ocean protection by promoting the conservation of coastal ecosystems, controlling pollution, ensuring sustainable fishing practices, enhancing climate change resilience, and facilitating the development of world-class beaches. ICZM serves as a critical interface between coastal communities, experts, and governments, disseminating best practices and guidelines for the ecological security of marine environments.
BEAMS As part of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project, the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) has introduced the Beach Environment & Aesthetic Management Service (BEAMS) Programme. Within this initiative, a range of activities, including pollution control, beach awareness campaigns, aesthetic improvements, safety measures, surveillance services, and environmental education programs, have been implemented at specific beach locations. The overarching goal of BEAMS is to elevate these beaches to meet international standards required for Blue Flag Beach Certification, emphasizing not only their cleanliness and safety but also their ecological and aesthetic significance.
Challenges and Future Prospects
India faces challenges such as coordination among its numerous marine institutions, data collection and analysis, financing sustainable practices, and empowering small-scale fisherfolk. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration among government bodies, the private sector, civil society organizations, and local communities.
Conclusion
India's dedication to SDG 14 exemplifies its understanding of the vital role oceans play in sustainable development. Through various policies, programs, and schemes, India is actively working to conserve marine ecosystems, combat pollution, and promote sustainable fishing practices. Challenges persist, but with continued commitment and cooperation, India is well-positioned to safeguard its coastal and marine resources, ensuring a sustainable future for its people and contributing to global ocean conservation efforts.
The data presented is based on the reports provided and may have undergone changes since the time of their publication.
Source: The Global Goals | SDG India Index(2019-20) | SDG India Index(2020-21) | PIB
Note for UPSC Aspirants: For UPSC aspirants interested in exploring further, here are some keywords to guide your research: Sustainable Development Goals, ICZM, Sagarmala, Deep Ocean Mission, Renewable Energy, Blue Flag Certification, MARPOL.
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