16 April 2025, NIICE Commentary 10256
Kanimozhi K
Established in 1997, the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is an important intergovernmental organization promoting cooperation among 23 Member States bordering the key Indian Ocean. The IOR is of high economic, strategic, and environmental significance. Half of the world’s trade already traverses through this region. In addition, the Rim possesses a variety of natural resources, both marine and terrestrial, which are vital for the well-being of its inhabitants, trade and environmental stability.
Under the current chairmanship of Sri Lanka (2023-2025), with India set to take over the chair from 2025-2027, IORA enthusiastically promotes the Blue Economy through different initiatives and collaborative mechanisms. IORA's Blue Economy is realized through specialized bodies such as the Working Group on Blue Economy (WGBE), which leads regional coordination and policy-making.
'Blue Economy' for Sustainable Development in the IORA
IORA, since 1997, has been a central intergovernmental forum in promoting the well-being of its maritime space and the prosperity of its member nations. IORA has strategically adopted the Blue Economy as a pillar for attaining inclusive and sustainable development in the region.
In September 2015, two significant announcements relating to ocean economy were made. The IORA hosted the first IORA Ministerial Blue Economy Conference titled “Enhancing Blue Economy Cooperation for Sustainable Development in the IORA Region” in Mauritius and identified four priority areas (a) Fisheries & Aquaculture; (b) Renewable Ocean Energy; (c) Seaports & Shipping; and (d) Seabed Exploration & Minerals for development. Later that month, the UN announced the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed to ‘end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all and address Climate Change’ through integrated and indivisible 17 Goals with 169 associated targets. Goal 14, titled “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development” lists 14 targets to be achieved over the next 5, 10 and 15 years up to 2030. These can be placed into two distinct baskets i.e. health of the oceans and fisheries.
Reflecting this global alignment, the concept of Blue Economy, transcends traditional maritime operations, promoting integrated and sustainable resource management to preserve the long-term health of marine ecosystems.
Sustainable Economic Growth and Diversification
The Blue Economy's potential to drive strong economic growth and diversification in the IORA region is vast and diverse, as it promotes the development and growth of new and high-value industries. For example, sustainable aquaculture practices contribute to food security and employment. The development of offshore renewable energy—such as wind, wave, and tidal power—represents a major opportunity to enhance energy independence, mitigate climate change, and create green jobs. Additionally, the emerging field of marine biotechnology offers substantial potential for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and biomaterial breakthroughs, providing new research, development, and economic frontiers. Carefully planned and environmentally conscious coastal and marine tourism can also generate significant revenue and employment, especially for local communities.
Environmental Sustainability and Preservation of Marine Ecosystem
Central to IORA's vision of a prosperous Blue Economy is its strong commitment to environmental sustainability and the preservation of marine ecosystems. To address the threats of marine pollution, unsustainable fishing, habitat destruction, and the growing impacts of climate change, IORA focuses on the responsible management of resources and the preservation of marine biodiversity. Programs to fight illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, curbing the entry of marine plastic debris, and protecting vital marine ecosystems are at the core of this pledge. For instance, the IORA Blue Carbon Hub, led by Australia, exemplifies initiatives aimed at enhancing regional collaboration in ocean sustainability.
Social Equity and Inclusive Development
The Blue Economy initiative within the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) has emerged as a pivotal force, driving sustainable socio-economic growth among its member nations. Introduced in 2014, it strives to foster balanced development while safeguarding marine resources. Recognizing that coastal communities tend to be the most immediately reliant on ocean resources for their livelihoods and cultural identity, IORA advocates for activities that empower such populations through capacity-building programs designed specifically for them, enhanced access to sustainable livelihood opportunities, and effective participation in decision-making forums on ocean governance and resource management. Encouraging gender balance and active participation of women in all Blue Economy sectors is also a high priority.
Challenges
Although the Blue Economy holds immense potential to promote sustainable development in the IORA, making this vision a reality is fraught with a complex interlinked set of challenges. These must be addressed to realize the full transformative potential of the Blue Economy for the advantage of IORA's member states and the Indian Ocean's long-term health.
Unequal Economic Growth Among Nations
Perhaps the most important economic challenge is the diverse levels of development and capacity within IORA's 23 Member States. Most developing countries in the region have insufficient infrastructure, technological capabilities, and financial institutions to engage efficiently and benefit optimally from innovative Blue Economy value. Furthermore, attracting private sector investment in sustainable Blue Economy ventures can be challenging due to perceived risks and the need for clear regulatory frameworks and investment incentives.
Marine Pollution and Climate Change
The Indian Ocean is experiencing growing pressures from marine pollution in the form of plastic litter, nutrient runoff, and oil spills, which weaken marine ecosystems and compromise the viability of Blue Economy sectors such as tourism and fisheries. Overfishing and destructive fishing methods, overexploit fish populations, disturb marine food chains, and compromise the livelihoods of coastal people. The Blue Economy faces challenges like harmful algal blooms (HABs), invasive species, global warming, ocean acidification, marine pollution and many more. Future climate changes will likely affect the geographical and temporal ranges of HAB species. Therefore, the rising impacts of climate change, further increases environmental vulnerabilities.
Social Challenges
It has even greater challenges related to social aspects, which can serve as insurmountable hurdles towards ensuring that IORA gains a sustainable, inclusive, and equitable Blue Economy. Coastal communities, which are heavily reliant on marine resources, may be at risk of displacement, loss of traditional livelihoods, and restricted access to the benefits of Blue Economy growth. Ensuring the empowerment and participation of these communities, including indigenous peoples and small-scale fishers, in decision-making and ensuring access to education, training, and alternative livelihood opportunities are essential for promoting social equity. Closing gender gaps in the maritime and Blue Economy sectors is also essential.
Institutional Challenges
The absence of harmonized legal and regulatory frameworks in member states may impede the efficient management of transboundary marine resources and pose barriers to regional cooperation. Inadequate institutional capacity for marine spatial planning and enforcement can result in unsustainable use of resources and environmental degradation. To achieve effective coordination, the private sector, civil society groups, and research institutions are vital for ocean governance integration.
Conclusion
Therefore, achieving a Blue Economy for sustainable development within IORA is a complex undertaking that requires a multi-faceted approach to address the interconnected economic, environmental, social, and governance challenges. It is demanding endeavour that calls for strong political will, regional cooperation, targeted investments, regulatory institutions, and active participation in focused initiatives. IORA is uniquely placed to realize the full potential of the Blue Economy and realize a prosperous and sustainable future for all the Indian Ocean region—for generations to come.
Kanimozhi K is a Research Intern at NIICE, and she is currently pursuing her M.A. in International Relations at Loyola College, Chennai, India.
