(a) the details of existing policy relating to sustainable development of oceans in the country;
(b) whether the Government has initiated any steps to formulate policies in line with the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030): and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER FOR MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND
MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES
(DR. HARSH VARDHAN)
(a) The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea ratified by India in June, 1995, the Territorial Waters and Maritime Zones Act, 1976 and Ocean Policy Statement, 1981 are the primary instruments for sustainable development of oceans. Further, various domestic legislations are in place for the management and protection of the coastal and marine environment.
(b) & (c) Yes, Sir. India is a member of Executive Planning Group (EPG) of Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) for devising the action plan for UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainability (2021-2030). The Regional Planning workshop of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) for the Northern and Central Indian Ocean countries as well as Regional Organization for Protection of Marine Environment (ROPME) Sea area, was hosted by Ministry of Earth Sciences at Chennai, from 8-10 January, 2020.