{"id":99404,"date":"2026-04-21T11:36:43","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T06:06:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/?p=99404"},"modified":"2026-04-21T11:36:43","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T06:06:43","slug":"marine-spatial-planning-odisha","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/marine-spatial-planning-odisha\/","title":{"rendered":"Marine Spatial Planning: Odisha Leads Marine Spatial Planning India Initiative"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><b>Marine Spatial Planning Latest News<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Odisha government has partnered with the National Centre for Coastal Research under the Ministry of Earth Sciences to launch a <\/span><b>Marine Spatial Plan (MSP)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for integrated coastal and marine management.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sustainable ocean planning in India began in <\/span><b>2019<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> through a <\/span><b>partnership with Norway<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The initial phase focused on the Union Territories of Puducherry and Lakshadweep. Building on this, Odisha has now become the <\/span><b>first state<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to implement Marine Spatial Planning in the second phase.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR): Role and Functions<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), established in 1998 in Chennai under the <\/span><b>Ministry of Earth Sciences<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, is a key institution for scientific research and monitoring of coastal and marine environments.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Originally known as Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management Project Directorate (ICMAM-PD), it supports sustainable coastal management, hazard mitigation, and ecosystem protection.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Key Functions<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Shoreline Management<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Tracks coastal erosion and changes using satellite and field data, generating maps for all Indian states and Union Territories.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pollution and Water Quality Monitoring<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Assesses coastal water health across multiple hotspots, studying pollutants such as microplastics and heavy metals.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Hazard Mitigation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Develops tools like coastal flood warning systems and shoreline assessment systems to manage risks from tsunamis and storm surges.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ecosystem Research<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Conducts studies on coastal habitats to support sustainable resource management.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Capacity Building<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Promotes awareness and training through internships, lab visits, and educational initiatives in ocean and environmental sciences.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Marine Spatial Planning (MSP): A Framework for Sustainable Ocean Management<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is a <\/span><b>strategic tool<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for integrated and sustainable management of ocean resources, aimed at promoting the blue economy and enhancing climate resilience.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It enables the planned use of marine spaces for activities such as energy generation, ports and industries, fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, and environmental conservation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Under MSP, experts <\/span><b>map coastal and marine areas<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to allocate specific zones for different human activities, balancing ecological protection with economic and social objectives.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In India, MSP is part of the <\/span><b>Indo-Norway Integrated Ocean Initiative<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> launched in 2019, aligning with the government\u2019s focus on the blue economy as a key growth driver.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Marine Spatial Planning in Odisha: Context and Significance<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Odisha has a <\/span><b>coastline of over 550 km<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, characterised by lagoons, mangroves, and estuaries.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These ecosystems support biodiversity, livelihoods, and economic activities, making coastal management crucial for the state.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Scientific Mapping and Data-Driven Planning<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Under the MoU with the National Centre for Coastal Research, detailed studies will be conducted on:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Water characteristics<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: salinity, temperature, and other parameters\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Benthic mapping<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: mapping vegetation beneath the sea\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Identification of zones suitable for:\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tourism\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fisheries and aquaculture\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seagrass and seaweed cultivation\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other economic activities\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This data will help the government formulate evidence-based policies.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Boost to Coastal Economy and Livelihoods<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is expected to support multiple sectors, including fisheries, ports, tourism, and ocean-based industries.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It will also benefit various stakeholders dependent on coastal resources.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With increasing developmental pressures and environmental concerns, there is a growing need for balanced ecosystem management.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MSP will help:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meet sectoral demands\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Protect marine ecosystems\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensure long-term environmental sustainability<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Supporting Initiative: Odisha Marine Biotechnology Corridor<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In August 2025, Odisha launched the Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research and Innovation Corridor (OMBRIC) to harness biotechnology for marine conservation and economic development.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OMBRIC aims to:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Promote marine biotechnology research\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Support startups and enterprises in the marine sector\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enhance ecological protection\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Develop scientific tourism\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strengthen livelihood opportunities for coastal communities<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The initiative is designed to reinforce Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) by integrating scientific innovation with sustainable coastal management, ensuring a balanced approach to growth and environmental protection.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Source:<\/b> <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/explained\/marine-spatial-planning-odisha-10643575\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">IE<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nccr.gov.in\/?q=about-us\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">NCCR<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Marine Spatial Planning begins in Odisha with MSP for coastal management. Marine Spatial Planning India boosts blue economy, sustainability, and climate resilience.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":99434,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[60,6999,22,59],"class_list":{"0":"post-99404","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-upsc-mains-current-affairs","8":"tag-mains-articles","9":"tag-marine-spatial-planning","10":"tag-upsc-current-affairs","11":"tag-upsc-mains-current-affairs","12":"no-featured-image-padding"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99404","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=99404"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99404\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":99448,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99404\/revisions\/99448"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/99434"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=99404"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=99404"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=99404"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}