Odisha Implements India’s First Marine Spatial Plan

Odisha becomes the first state in India to implement a Marine Spatial Plan in the second phase of India’s sustainable ocean planning initiative. The development is currently relevant for integrated ocean management and sustainable coastal development.

Marine Spatial Plan:

Dimension	Key Details
Definition	Marine Spatial Plan is a governance tool for sustainable and integrated ocean management.
Aim	Marine Spatial Plan provides for blue economy growth, climate resilience, and balance between ecological, economic, and social objectives.
Scope	Marine Spatial Plan allocates marine areas for fisheries, aquaculture, ports, ocean energy, tourism, and biodiversity protection.
Nodal Ministry	The Union Ministry of Earth Sciences is the nodal ministry for the initiative.
Institutional Framework	The memorandum of understanding has been signed with the National Centre for Coastal Research under the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences.
International Linkage	The initiative is part of the Indo-Norway Integrated Ocean Initiative.
Blue Economy	The blue economy is the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth and jobs while preserving marine health.
Institutional Roles	NCCR provides technical studies, benthic mapping, and marine parameters; Odisha Science & Technology Department provides state implementation; Norway provides technical support.
Odisha Context	Odisha is the first state in India to implement a Marine Spatial Plan in the second phase of the initiative.
Coastline	Odisha has a coastline of 480–550 km featuring lagoons, mangroves, and estuaries.
Benthic Mapping	Benthic mapping refers to mapping vegetation below the water.
Marine Parameters	NCCR studies water type, salinity, temperature, and other aspects to prepare parameters.
Economic Linkages	The initiative supports livelihoods, hydropower, ports, and pilgrimage routes.
Related Initiative	Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research and Innovation Corridor has been launched in 2025 to promote marine biotechnology startups and ecological protection.
Vision Linkage	The initiative supports India’s Vision 2047 and Odisha’s Vision 2036 for sustainable coastal development.