The National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), in collaboration with the Directorate of Economics and Statistics (DES), Kerala, will organize a one-day workshop on “Capacity Building of Coastal States on Development of Ocean Accounts” in Kochi, Kerala, on August 29, 2025.
The initiative aims to encourage coastal states to develop their own Ocean Accounts, forming the basis for a national-level framework in line with the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA). This will help India meet international obligations while strengthening sustainable ocean resource management.
Earlier this year, on January 22, 2025, MoSPI released the report “Ocean Ecosystem Accounts in India: A Framework” prepared by an Expert Group. The document outlines methods for integrating ecological and economic data on ocean ecosystems, covering aspects such as extent, condition, services, and asset accounts—enabling evidence-based decision-making that balances development with conservation.
The workshop will bring together stakeholders from MoSPI, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), State Fisheries and Tourism Departments of coastal states and Union Territories, Expert Group members, and other ocean-related organizations. Senior dignitaries, including the Secretary (MoSPI), the Director General (Central Statistics), and officials from the Government of Kerala, will also be present.
The program will include two technical sessions:
- Session I: Introduction to SEEA, overview of the Ocean Ecosystem Accounts in India report, global best practices in ocean accounting, and discussions on data availability and challenges for Kerala’s coast.
- Session II: Presentation on the case study “Ocean Accounting Segment of the Blue Economy Pathways: Tamil Nadu”, discussions on climate change and its impact on marine resources, innovations in oceanography, and an open Q&A session.
This workshop is expected to play a significant role in advancing India’s Blue Economy agenda and strengthening data-driven policies for sustainable coastal and marine development. PIB
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