Mandate
The Department of Ocean Peace and Blue Justice is dedicated to advancing equitable, science-based, and cooperative governance of the oceans. Its work ensures that the Blue Economy becomes a driver of peace, justice, and sustainability, with particular emphasis on the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean region. The department works at the intersection of science, policy, and community engagement, aligning with global frameworks including the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), the Paris Agreement (UNFCCC) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and the BBNJ Agreement on conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
Core Objectives
Promoting Ocean Peace and Security
- Strengthen maritime cooperation and dialogue to reduce tensions in contested waters of the Indian Ocean.
- Support the development of legal and diplomatic frameworks to prevent conflict over fisheries, shipping lanes, and maritime boundaries.
- Facilitate platforms for Track 1.5 and Track 2 dialogues between coastal states.
Advancing the Blue Economy
- Promote sustainable and equitable economic opportunities through fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, renewable energy, and marine biotechnology.
- Assess risks and opportunities in the blue economy for vulnerable communities, ensuring that economic growth does not compromise social justice or environmental sustainability.
- Provide evidence-based policy recommendations for regional and national governments on inclusive blue growth.
Ensuring Blue Justice
- Advocate for the rights and welfare of small-scale fishers, indigenous peoples, and coastal communities.
- Develop frameworks to reduce inequalities in access to marine resources.
- Strengthen governance mechanisms that protect coastal livelihoods from exploitation, overfishing, and ocean grabbing.
Building Ocean Resilience in the Bay of Bengal & Indian Ocean
- Focus on ecological challenges such as marine pollution, biodiversity loss, and ocean acidification.
- Promote collaborative marine conservation strategies across the Bay of Bengal and broader Indian Ocean region.
- Support regional resilience initiatives linking climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and ocean sustainability.
Key Areas of Focus in the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean
1. Maritime Cooperation and Security
- Facilitate dialogue between Bay of Bengal littoral states (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand) to prevent maritime disputes.
- Strengthen cooperation with Indian Ocean Rim countries through IORA and BIMSTEC platforms.
2. Blue Economy Opportunities
- Research on sustainable fisheries management in the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem (BOBLME).
- Explore offshore renewable energy projects (wind, tidal, wave) for clean energy transitions.
- Promote eco-tourism and community-based marine conservation initiatives.
3. Equity and Justice
- Address the vulnerability of small-scale fishers displaced by industrial fishing and climate change.
- Ensure fair benefit-sharing from marine resources such as deep-sea mining or offshore gas.
- Build policies to protect women and marginalized groups in coastal communities.
4. Regional Policy and Advocacy
- Develop an “Indian Ocean Peace and Blue Justice Forum” under this department to convene policymakers, researchers, and community representatives.
- Contribute to UN Ocean Decade goals, SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
- Promote cooperation with ASEAN, IORA, BIMSTEC, and Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS).
Strategic Activities
Produce annual reports on the state of ocean peace and justice in the Indian Ocean.
Host roundtables on maritime cooperation and inclusive blue economy strategies.
Train young professionals and community leaders in ocean diplomacy and governance.
Implement demonstration projects on sustainable fisheries and climate-smart coastal livelihoods.
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