In News:

Recently, India successfully hosted the Second Blue Talks in New Delhi, organised by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) in collaboration with the Embassies of France and Costa Rica. This high-level consultation platform aims to contribute to the upcoming 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) scheduled from June 9–13, 2025 in Nice, France.

About Blue Talks

• Purpose: A multilateral platform for dialogue among governments, scientists, civil society, and stakeholders to promote the sustainable use of ocean resources and accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 – Life Below Water.
• Key Objectives:
  • Promote marine sustainability, research, and education.
  • Facilitate global scientific cooperation on ocean-related challenges.
  • Share best practices and strategic knowledge tools.
  • Strengthen consensus and policy alignment in the lead-up to UNOC3.
• Thematic Focus Areas of 2nd Blue Talks:
  • Conservation and Restoration of Marine and Coastal Ecosystems.
  • Scientific Cooperation, Marine Technology, and Ocean Literacy.
  • Reduction of Marine Pollution from land and sea-based sources.
  • Interlinkages among Oceans, Climate, and Biodiversity.

Highlights of the Event:

• White Paper Released: Transforming India’s Blue Economy: Investment, Innovation, and Sustainable Growth.
• Aim: To align government action, mobilize investments, and promote sustainable ocean development.
• Notable Themes:
  • Mapping of marine resources.
  • Promotion of offshore wind and deep-sea exploration.
  • Technology and data-sharing gaps.
  • Women-led seaweed farming, smart ports, and green ship recycling as success models.

About the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3)

Feature                                          Details

Host Countries                         France and Costa Rica

Venue & Dates                         Nice, France; June 9–13, 2025

Organiser                                    United Nations

Theme                                           “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and

                                                 sustainably use the ocean.”

Goal                                                  Strengthen global efforts under SDG 14

Key Outcome                             Nice Ocean Action Plan – a non-binding but politically influential declaration.

Focus Areas                                Marine conservation, pollution reduction, global partnerships, and

                                                 BBNJ ratification.

UN Ocean Conference Series

• 1st UNOC (2017): New York, USA – Raised awareness and voluntary commitments.
• 2nd UNOC (2022): Lisbon, Portugal – Focused on innovation and science-driven approaches.
• 3rd UNOC (2025): Nice, France – Aims to intensify action and collaboration.

India’s Blue Economy Vision

• India's Blue Economy is a critical pillar of the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
• MoES is the nodal agency for national ocean governance.
• The white paper integrates efforts from 25 ministries and all coastal states/UTs.
• Builds on India’s G20 Presidency and Chennai High-Level Principles for a Sustainable and Resilient Blue Economy.