European Union partners Kerala for mega conclave on Blue Economy
For the first time ever, a variety of themes and areas related to the Blue Economy would get a podium for deliberations in Kerala, with the state partnering the European Union (EU) for the same.
A Kerala Government-led conclave, that would extend for two days, will have the European Union’s participation. To be held in Kovalam, the picturesque beach destination in Thiruvananthapuram, is seen as a significant event that would leverage the EU’s collaboration in aiding Kerala’s vast potential to emerge as a global blue economy hub.
The Kerala State Fisheries department will host the conclave titled Blue Tides-Two Shores One Vision, on September 18 and 19, and would focus on a wide range of themes and areas of tie-up.
The conclave 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, said a Kerala Government spokeperson.
EU-Kerala partnership to create global model for sustainable development
Adding to this, the state Minister for Fisheries, Saji Cherian said, 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.
According to him, “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.”
From the side of the EU, European Union Ambassador to India and Bhutan Hervé Delphin will participate in the conclave. Besides, ambassadors to India from 20 European countries, including the envoys from France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Austria, Cyprus and Malta, will also be part of the mega event.
Blue Tides – Two Shores One Vision
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 start-up innovation.
Plenary sessions with experts, thematic discussions with global fisheries challenges and networking opportunities also will get underway as part of the Blue Tides-Two Shores One Vision conclave.
The event will feature 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, said a government official.
