Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant collaboration to leverage Kerala’s vast potential to emerge as a global blue economy hub, the Kerala Government is hosting a two-day conclave in partnership with the European Union here on September 18 and 19, focusing on a wide range of themes and areas of tie-up.
The conclave “Blue Tides-Two Shores One Vision”, organised by the State Fisheries Department at Kovalam, will have extensive deliberations and interactions on synergising the strategic advantages of Kerala’s blue economy with the EU’s scientific and policy expertise to build a sustainable and resilient global model.
“A country first initiative, this partnership seeks to create a global model for sustainable development, ensuring thriving communities and a resilient ecosystem for generations to come,” Fisheries Minister, Shri Saji Cherian said.
“Blue economy is the strength and the promise of our nature. The upcoming conclave seeks to unite global expertise and local innovation to advance fisheries and aquaculture, modernise coastal infrastructure, nurture skills and local innovation and unlock investment opportunities”, he added.
Hervé Delphin, European Union Ambassador to India and Bhutan, and ambassadors to India from 20 European countries will be participating in the event, including the envoys from France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Austria, Cyprus and Malta.
Abdul Nasar B IAS, Special Secretary, Government of Kerala and Chelsasini V IAS, Director of Fisheries, will lead the conclave. Policy leaders, industry experts, investors, academics and innovators will share their ideas and perspectives in various sessions.
The key objectives of the meet include fostering sustainable development through ocean-based economic growth, enabling EU-Kerala partnership in marine logistics, aquaculture, coastal tourism, renewable marine energy, and green technologies, promoting skill development, academic collaboration, labour mobility, policy innovation, joint R & D and startup innovation.
The event will have plenary sessions with experts, thematic discussions with global fisheries challenges and networking opportunities. Besides featuring Kerala’s unique traditions in blue economy and their socio-cultural impact. The meet will also showcase Kerala as a vibrant hub for European investment.