Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) under the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences to implement Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), making it the first state in the country to adopt the initiative in its second phase.
Marine Spatial Planning is a scientific tool for integrated ocean governance, aimed at balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. It facilitates the planned use of marine resources across sectors such as fisheries, ports, tourism, aquaculture, and ocean energy, while ensuring ecosystem protection.
The initiative is part of the Indo-Norway Integrated Ocean Initiative launched in 2019, under which MSP was initially implemented in Union Territories like Puducherry and Lakshadweep.
Officials said the project will involve detailed scientific studies of Odisha’s 550-km coastline, including benthic mapping (underwater vegetation), and analysis of ocean parameters such as salinity, temperature, and marine biodiversity. These findings will help identify zones suitable for activities like fisheries, tourism, seaweed cultivation, and industrial use.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the state’s coastal ecosystems are rich in biodiversity and play a vital role in livelihoods and economic growth. He подчеркнул the need for scientific management amid rising developmental pressures, stating that MSP will help align sectoral demands with environmental conservation.
The initiative is also expected to complement the recently launched Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research and Innovation Corridor, which focuses on leveraging marine biotechnology for ecological protection, research, and economic development.
Officials believe the MSP framework will support evidence-based policymaking, boost the blue economy, and enhance climate resilience across Odisha’s coastal regions.
-OdishaAge
