Harnessing the blue economy

Challenges in changing climate; Opportunities to draw from; Choices to enhance incomes and diversity livelihoods.

Specific Q’s:

1. How is climate change affecting the lives and livelihoods of fishing communities in India?
2. What are the key challenges faced by fisher folks in adapting to climate change?
3. Have you seen any patterns or logical shifts in livelihoods over the past few years?
4. What are the potential opportunities for fisher folks to diversify their livelihoods beyond traditional fishing activities?
5. What policy measures and support mechanisms can be implemented to enhance the incomes and resilience of fishing communities?

mproved access to capital; New-age Blue Finance models; Accessing coastal Nature Climate Solutions.

1. How can we improve the financing landscape for sustainable marine initiatives?
2. What innovative blue finance models exist that can attract private investments and support the growth of blue businesses?
3. How can financial institutions and government schemes collaborate to create new financing mechanisms?
4. What are the potential risks and challenges associated with financing blue economy projects and how can these be mitigated to attract more investors?
5. In what ways can public-private partnerships facilitate increased access to capital for blue economy ventures.
6. How can technology and digital finance be leveraged to enhance financial inclusion and support blue economy enterprises especially in remote coastal areas.
7. What lessons can be learned from successful blue projects and how can these be replicated to scale up sustainable investments in the sector?
8. How can international and global financial institutions contribute to improve access to capital and financing mechanism.

Elements of scientific fisheries management; Technologies for climate resilient fisheries; Areas of research needs.

1. 1. How can advanced technologies such as satellite monitoring and data analytics be utilized to enhance the resilience of fisheries and improve resource management.
   2. What are some successful examples of climate-resilient fisheries management strategies from different regions?
   3. How can climate modeling and forecasting be integrated in fisheries management decisions to proactively respond to changing environmental conditions.
   4. What role can artificial intelligence and machine learning play in optimizing fisheries operations, reducing bycatch and ensuring sustainable catch levels in context of climate variability.
   5. How is technology helping improve fisheries supply chains, especially on traceability and consumer sales. What would it take to scale these interventions?
   6. How can development and promotion of climate-smart aquaculture practices contribute to reducing pressure on wild fish stocks and enhance food security.
   7. Does India’s blue economy presently offer a space for domestic and global consumers – in terms of addressing their priorities and fulfilling their demands adequately?

Potential of Aquaculture; Access to low-carbon supply-chain infrastructure; Building sustainable ports.

1. 1. What are the key challenges in building sustainable ports, and how can sustainable design and construction practices be integrated into port development projects?
   2. What role can renewable energy sources play in powering low carbon supply chain infrastructure and ports.
   3. What innovative technologies and practices can be applied to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts associated with supply chain infrastructure and port operations.
   4. How can data analytics and real-time monitoring be utilized to optimize supply chain efficiently, reduce waste and improve overall sustainability in logistics operations.
   5. In what ways can sustainable port planning and development consider the protection and conservation of marine ecosystems and biodiversity?
   6. How can stakeholder engagement and community investment be integrated into the planning and decision-making process of sustainable infrastructure projects to ensure social acceptance and positive impact on local communities.

Role of collectives and cooperatives; applying a gender lens to skilling in fisheries; Empowering communities for fisheries for the future.

1. What roles can the collectives and cooperatives play in building climate resilient fisheries, promoting responsible fishing practices, equitable resource management, access to finance and technology solutions, enhancing regulatory compliance (or reducing unregulated fishing), etc.?
2. How can education and vocational training programs in the fisheries sector be tailored to address the specific needs and challenges faced by women?
3. What institutional arrangements and policy frameworks can best empower fishing communities to actively participate in decision-making processes?
4. What are some of the successful examples of community-led fisheries management initiatives? Can they be replicated at scale, tailored to other regional needs and promoted through policies?
5. What are the barriers in establishing collectives and cooperatives in the fisheries sector and how can supportive policies and financial mechanisms be put in place?
6. What strategies and best practices can be implemented to promote intergenerational knowledge transfer and ensure the continuity of traditional fishing practices while embracing innovation and technology for a sustainable future?
7. Is it worth exploring the potential of establishing a global fisheries institute in India – to foster R&D, to lead the way in future technological innovation and providing necessary technical support to other countries, in the areas related to fisheries?

Summary and key takeaways from the discussion