Odisha launches Marine Spatial Plan with Norway collaboration to boost blue economy, protect marine ecosystems, and enable sustainable coastal development
OdishaPlus Bureau
The Government of Odisha has taken a significant step toward sustainable coastal development by launching a Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) aimed at promoting economic growth while ensuring marine environmental protection.
An MoU was signed at Lok Seva Bhavan between the State’s Department of Science & Technology and the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), operating under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The agreement is part of the India–Norway Collaboration Project on Sustainable Ocean Planning Phase-II.
The MoU was formalised by Pooja Mishra, Additional Secretary of the Science & Technology Department, Odisha, and R.S. Kankara, Director of NCCR. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi was present during the signing of agreement.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister highlighted that the MSP will strengthen Odisha’s blue economy while safeguarding marine ecosystems. “This initiative will promote local coastal economies and ensure the protection of marine biodiversity. It will set a new benchmark for integrated coastal and marine planning,” he said.
The MSP initiative is part of the broader Sustainable Ocean Planning programme, which began in 2019 as a collaboration between India and Norway. During its first phase, the programme was implemented in Puducherry and Lakshadweep.
Majhi emphasized that Odisha’s coastal regions are rich in biodiversity and natural resources that are crucial for livelihoods, economic growth, and ecological balance. However, increasing developmental pressures and environmental challenges necessitate scientific management of marine ecosystems. The MSP, he noted, will help balance the needs of sectors such as fisheries, tourism, ports, and ocean energy with environmental conservation.
He also referenced the launch of the Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research and Innovation Corridor (OMBRIC) in August 2025, which aims to leverage biotechnology for marine conservation and economic development, further strengthening the MSP framework.
Highlighting long-term goals, the Chief Minister said that sustainable coastal development will be key to achieving Odisha’s vision for 2036 and India’s broader development targets for 2047. He also acknowledged the support of Narendra Modi and thanked Norway for its continued collaboration.
Science & Technology Minister Krushna Chandra Patra noted that NCCR is a premier institution in marine research and has developed key economic models for marine conservation and resource utilization. He assured full departmental support for the success of MSP.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg described MSP as a transformative initiative that will enable optimal utilization of marine resources while ensuring environmental protection.
M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, emphasized that achieving India’s Vision 2047 requires balanced growth across sectors alongside climate action, adding that MSP will play a crucial role in fostering a sustainable blue economy.
Arvin Gadgil, Deputy Ambassador of the Royal Norwegian Embassy, highlighted Odisha’s rich maritime heritage and long coastline, reaffirming Norway’s commitment to supporting technology-driven, sustainable ocean management.
The event also featured a welcome address and presentation on MSP by Chithra Arumugam, Additional Chief Secretary, Science & Technology Department. It was attended by senior officials from the State Government, the Ministry of Earth Sciences, representatives from Norway, and other experts from stakeholder sectors.
