Blue Economy Conclave: Tie-up with EU to Benefit Kerala’s Coastline Management, says French Diplomat

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:

Collaboration with European Union (EU) nations will help Kerala buttress its efforts in addressing rising coastal erosion and extreme weather events resulting from the consequences of climate change, a top official of the French embassy said here today.

Damien Syed, Minister Counsellor, Embassy of France, articulated his views while addressing a panel session on ‘Coastal Development and Climate Resilient Infrastructure’ held on the sidelines of the Kerala–EU Blue Economy Conclave at Leela Kovalam, A Raviz Hotel.

The first of such an initiative in India, the conclave, Blue Tides, marks a significant milestone in EU-India collaboration in sustainable and inclusive ocean-based development and economic growth.

The two-day conclave, organized by Department of Fisheries, Govt. of Kerala, in collaboration with Govt. of India and the European Union, was attended by high-profile participants, including EU envoys, sharing their insights and perspectives on deepening and broadening collaborations in the sector.

Elaborating on India-French ties, Syed said infrastructure resilience and actions against climate change are the key pillars of Indo-French cooperation.

Noting that the EU recognizes specific challenges like floods and landslides Kerala faces as consequences of climate change, he suggested cooperation between Kerala and France to address these issues which would also empower the local community.

“Kerala has declared coastal erosion as a critical area of intervention. There is urgent need for resilient infrastructure and investments. So, collaboration opportunities with the EU in shoreline management and green harbours will be beneficial for the state,” Syed noted.

Dr. Ramana Murthy, Mission Director, Deep Ocean Mission, and Director, NCCR, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India, said in the last three years, there is tremendous increase in the depression coming up from Kerala.

“Whenever we design a coastal infrastructure, you need to consider how much investment that should go for climate resilient area,” he suggested.

V. K. Ramachandran, Vice Chairperson, Kerala State Planning Board, who moderated the session, said the state seeks a viable coastal policy for adaptation to climate change, enhancing individual and social income, and transforming the lives of fish workers in a modern progressive way.

Also, the state seeks increased investment in marine fisheries and disaster preparedness and management for strengthening climate-resilient infrastructure, he pointed out.

Dr. Sekhar L Kuriakose, Member Secretary, Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, said the state has a comprehensive climate action plan and a disaster management plan.

“We have actively invested in local governance in terms of localizing Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and we have also prepared local disaster management and action plans for climate change. We have legalized the master plan which can lead the local governments,” he added.

Dr. Kuriakose said Kerala has tied up with a few EU institutions for initiatives in areas like risk assessment and disaster management while AI use in disaster management is being explored for future applications.

Emphasizing on setting up of green port infrastructure and climate risk management, AvinashKalse, APM Terminals, Maersk Group, cited Maersk’s methanol-powered vessel “Maersk 19” as a step towards sustainable shipping.