Bhubaneswar: The International Conference on Blue Economy was organised in the city on Thursday which brought together 800 global participants to explore marine ecosystem opportunities for sustainable development.
The event, organised by BCKIC, BRIC-ILS and IIT Ropar, was held at KIIT Bhubaneswar and featured exhibitions from 50 startups specialising in marine biotechnology, aquaculture and tourism sectors.
Deputy chief minister Pravati Parida attended the event and emphasised Odisha‘s strategic position in India’s maritime future, highlighting the state’s 450-km-long coastline as a key asset for economic growth.
“Marine ecosystems serve as an economic engine, generating billions through fisheries, tourism and biotechnology,” said Rajesh Gokhle, secretary, department of science and technology.
The conference highlighted Odisha’s maritime heritage, while focusing on future opportunities in the blue economy sector. Discussions centred on sustainable resource utilisation and technological innovations in marine industries.