India Takes Chairmanship of Bay of Bengal Organisation

By
Dimple Arora
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India has recently assumed the Chairmanship of the Bay of Bengal Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) from Bangladesh. This transition took place during the 13th Governing Council Meeting held in Malé, Maldives. The event was part of a high-level conference focused on mainstreaming ecosystem approaches to fisheries management in small-scale fisheries.

About BOBP-IGO

The Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) was established in 2003 as a Regional Fisheries Advisory Body (RFAB). It provides policy recommendations on fisheries to countries around the Bay of Bengal.

  • The organisation’s primary goal is to enhance livelihood opportunities for small-scale fisherfolk in the region.
  • Member countries include India, Bangladesh, Maldives, and Sri Lanka.
  • Cooperating non-contracting parties include Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand.

Focus Areas for Regional Cooperation

India has outlined several key areas for enhanced cooperation, including:

  • Marine resource management to ensure the sustainability of fisheries.
  • Training and capacity-building programmes to empower fisher communities.
  • Research and policy advocacy to strengthen data-driven decision-making.
  • Addressing Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing to protect regional marine biodiversity.

Role of International Organisations

India is seeking collaboration with global entities such as:

  • The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to align regional policies with global best practices.
  • The Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) to support sustainable fisheries and strengthen the blue economy.

Future Vision and Goals

India’s leadership in BOBP-IGO aligns with its national vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, which aims to:

  • Strengthen India’s regional leadership in fisheries governance.
  • Encourage sustainable economic development across member nations.
  • Contribute to poverty alleviation and improved livelihoods for coastal communities.

With its tenure as chair, India aims to drive forward policies that foster economic resilience, environmental sustainability, and regional cooperation in the Bay of Bengal.