PANAJI: Goa University signed an MoU with the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, Germany, an international collaboration in the blue water economy. The partnership will focus on fisheries, sensor development, numerical simulation, marine microbiology, and other key areas crucial to Goa's coastal and economic interests.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in advancing the blue economy through research, technology, and global partnerships. "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. He further noted that this collaboration aligns with India's broader commitment to sustainable ocean research and economic growth.
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.
Sensor technology will play a critical role in this initiative, with real-time data collection aiding in monitoring marine biodiversity, detecting ecosystem changes, and analyzing ocean conditions such as temperature, currents, and water quality. Additionally, numerical modelling will help forecast weather patterns, optimize resource management, and prepare for environmental hazards.
Goa’s Environment Minister, Aleixo Sequeira, emphasized 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 optimizing marine resource management," he explained.
Sequeira also stressed the impact on Goa’s fisheries sector, stating 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.
