THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI:
Goa University on Friday entered into an international collaboration with Germany based Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research for study in various aspects of blue economy covering fisheries, marine microbiology, sensor development and other key areas crucial to Goa's coastal and economic interests.
The varsity and Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the presence of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Environment Minister Alexio Sequeira.
Addressing the gathering, Sawant said that the collaboration aligns with India’s broader commitment to sustainable ocean research and economic growth.
"This MoU is designed to enhance knowledge, promote technological advancements, and foster innovative solutions in critical areas such as sensor development and numerical simulation," he said.
Sawant highlighted that Goa, as a coastal state, has a deep-rooted connection with the oceans, with maritime heritage, fisheries, tourism, and marine enterprises playing a vital role in its economy. He stressed the need to shift from traditional resource use to sustainable and technologically advanced practices.
"The blue economy focuses on sustainably using ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ecosystem health. It includes fisheries and aquaculture, marine biotechnology, coastal tourism, and marine renewable energy," he added.
Environment Minister, Aleixo Sequeira said that the research would address critical themes such as the health of coastal and estuarine waters, coastal optics, sediment transport, marine microplastics, and the integration of artificial intelligence in marine studies. "
“Advanced optical technologies will help us study water quality, assess sediment movement, and monitor pollutants, while numerical simulations will assist in predicting coastal erosion and optimising marine resource management," he explained.
Pointing to the fact that Goa’s fisheries sector is impacted due to various reasons, the Minister stated that sustainable fishing practices and improved aquaculture techniques would benefit local communities. "By combining scientific research with cutting-edge technology, we can promote sustainable fisheries while ensuring the long-term health of marine ecosystems," he said.
Vice Chancellor of Goa University, Harilal Menon, described the collaboration as an opportunity to harness global expertise and cutting-edge technologies. "Together, we aim to contribute to sustainable ocean practices, enhance marine biodiversity conservation, and support the livelihoods of communities dependent on marine resources," he said. He further stated that the MoU would enable Goa University’s researchers and students to access international scientific research facilities and participate in global research projects.
Oliver Zielinski, Director of the Leibniz Institute, linked this partnership to the broader Indo-German cooperation in sustainable development, referencing the agreements signed between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in 2022. "This collaboration is a step forward in advancing marine science and technology, strengthening research exchanges, and generating lasting impacts for local and global communities," he said.
The Government of Goa has assured its full support for this initiative, providing necessary resources and policy frameworks to encourage research and innovation in ocean sciences.
