Fisher-people are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change due to their vulnerable location, positioned as they are between the impacts from the landward and seaward sides. This precarious situation poses profound challenges, from shrinking coastal spaces and lost working days to dwindling resources, threatening their very lives and livelihoods. Addressing this requires holistic solutions that blend sustainable resource management, community involvement, technology, and tailored policy frameworks. Recognising the urgency, India is prioritising climate adaptation and resilience building for its coastal communities. This side-event on the lines of the International Conclave on Mainstreaming Climate Change into International Fisheries Governance was to understand India’s key initiatives so far and the plans for the way forward to increase the climate resilience of the fisheries sector.
During this session, key initiatives undertaken by the government of India and other agencies were presented to the audience, including global experts, for knowledge exchange as well as to explore their application beyond the frontiers.
Specific objectives of the side event included
There were three sessions in the side event focusing on different aspects of the sector as follows:
1. Status of Indian Fisheries with respect to climate change and adaptation strategies
a. Current status in terms of impact of climate change
b. Steps taken to address the identified issues.
c. Gaps and limitations in our knowledge and techniques
d. Actions needed in the short-term and long-term
2. Knowledge sharing and capacity development for climate proofing marine fisheries in BOB region
a. Current mechanisms for knowledge sharing
b. Potential ways for improvement
c. Ways to develop capacity at different levels
3. Plenary session on climate-resilient fisheries management
a. Addressing challenges in risk-based management strategies in data-poor scenarios.
b. Developing a decision framework for climate-resilient management.
c. Enhancing collaboration and cooperation to tackle climate change.
d. Financing climate change adaptation and mitigation possibilities for achieving carbon-neutral fisheries