Bhubaneswar, 16 April (H.S.): In a significant step towards sustainable coastal development, the Government of Odisha on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement a Marine Spatial Plan (MSP), aimed at promoting economic growth while ensuring protection of marine ecosystems.

The MoU was signed at Lok Seva Bhavan between the State’s Department of Science and Technology and the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi was present during the signing ceremony.

The agreement was signed by Pooja Mishra, Additional Secretary of the Science and Technology Department, and Dr. R.S. Kankara, Director of NCCR.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the MSP initiative would play a crucial role in boosting the state’s blue economy while ensuring the conservation of marine biodiversity. He noted that the programme would help strengthen coastal livelihoods, promote sustainable use of marine resources, and set a benchmark for integrated coastal and marine planning.

The Marine Spatial Plan is part of a broader collaborative initiative between the Governments of India and Norway focused on sustainable ocean planning. The programme was first implemented in Puducherry and Lakshadweep, with Odisha becoming the first state to adopt it in the second phase.

Highlighting the importance of the initiative, the Chief Minister said Odisha’s coastal regions are rich in biodiversity and natural resources, which are vital for livelihoods, economic growth, and ecological balance. However, increasing developmental pressures and environmental challenges have made scientific management of marine ecosystems essential. He added that MSP would support sectors such as fisheries, tourism, ports, and ocean energy, while safeguarding environmental sustainability.

He also referred to the launch of the Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research and Innovation Corridor (OMBRIC) last year, stating that it would complement the MSP initiative by promoting the use of biotechnology for marine conservation and economic development.

Emphasising long-term goals, the Chief Minister said that achieving a prosperous Odisha by 2036 and contributing to a developed India by 2047 would require balanced coastal development alongside environmental protection. He also acknowledged the support of the Government of Norway and the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in advancing such initiatives.

Science and Technology Minister Krushna Chandra Patra highlighted the role of NCCR as a leading institution in marine research and assured full departmental support for the successful implementation of MSP.

Chief Secretary Anu Garg described MSP as a key initiative for maximizing marine resource utilisation while maintaining ecological balance. Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, stressed the importance of addressing climate challenges alongside economic growth under India’s Vision 2047.

Arvin Gadgil, Deputy Ambassador of the Royal Norwegian Embassy, said Norway would extend full support to Odisha, focusing on technology-driven marine resource management for sustainable development.

The event was attended by senior officials from the state government, the Ministry of Earth Sciences, representatives of the Norwegian government, and other stakeholders.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda