The Government of India, through its Cabinet, recently adopted the Umbrella Scheme named “Ocean Services, Technology, Observations, Resources Modelling and Science (O-SMART).” With 16 sub-projects, the scheme aims to provide a framework for oceanic research and development initiatives from 2017 to 2020, led by the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The cornerstone of this project is the harnessing of marine resources and technologies to catalyse growth across various sectors, thereby bolstering India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Background of O-SMART
The Ocean Policy Statement, implemented in November 1982, served as a precursor to O-SMART. It put forth various multi-disciplinary projects aimed at facilitating sustainable ocean resource usage, promoting cutting-edge research, and conducting ocean scientific surveys. India’s ocean-related activities span colossal ocean spaces from the Arctic to the Antarctic region, which have been comprehensively monitored via in-situ and satellite-based observations.
International Relations and Memberships
India is a signatory of the Antarctic Treaty System and a member of the Commission of Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). Such international participation enables India to harness valuable Antarctic resources effectively. Likewise, India is an active participant of the International Seabed Authority [ISBA], facilitating the exploration of Poly-Metallic Nodules in the Central Indian Ocean.
Coastal Monitoring and Resource Harnessing Technologies
Under the ministry’s stewardship, the coastal waters’ health is regularly assessed, including changes in shoreline and marine ecosystems. An array of innovative technologies have been introduced, such as low-temperature thermal desalination for islands, remote-operated submersibles, and shallow bed mining systems.
Future Prospects and Objectives of O-SMART
The scheme’s impending deliverables include ocean observation and modelling strengthening, marine coastal observatories for pollution monitoring, two coastal research vessels for research purposes, and the establishment of six desalination plants in Lakshadweep.
Implications and Impact of O-SMART
The O-SMART initiative is anticipated to benefit numerous coastal and ocean sectors, like fisheries, offshore industry, defence, shipping, and ports. The information delivered to fishermen about fish potential and local weather conditions will enhance their efficiency, reduce search time, and result in fuel cost savings.
Sustainable Development Goals and Blue Economy
The execution of the O-SMART scheme is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal – 14, which emphasizes the conservation of oceans and marine resources. Furthermore, it also offers scientific and technological support for various aspects of the blue economy – promoting economic growth, social inclusion, better livelihoods while ensuring oceanic environmental sustainability.
O-SMART and Disaster Management
The cutting-edge early warning systems, focused on dealing with ocean disasters such as tsunamis and storm surges, are covered under O-SMART. It is recognized by UNESCO for providing round-the-clock services to India and other Indian Ocean countries.
Advanced Technology for Resource Extraction
O-SMART aims to develop technologies that can exploit both living and non-living resources from seas surrounding India effectively. Deep-sea mining of Poly-Metallic Nodules (PMN) is a critical area of research and development, given its strategic importance for India’s resource security.
Key International Bodies ā CCAMLR and ISBA
CCAMLR, established in 1982, aims at conserving Antarctic marine life. With its Secretariat based in Tasmania, it currently includes 25 members and 11 acceding states, with India being a member too. The ISBA, established under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, regulates all mineral-related activities in the international seabed area beyond the limits of national jurisdiction.
The Blue Economy Concept and Poly-Metallic Nodules (PMN)
The Blue Economy concept seeks to amalgamate economic progress with social inclusion and environmental sustenance. The PMNs constitute metals like copper, nickel, cobalt, manganese, iron, zinc, aluminium, silver, gold, and platinum, providing both strategic and commercial value to nations like India that lack terrestrial sources for these metals.
