Hummingbird News Desk
NEW DELHI, 17 DEC: Union Science and Technology minister, Dr Jitendra Singh and Vietnam Natural resources and Environment minister, Tran Hong Ha today signed the first-ever MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) to promote scientific and technical cooperation in marine science and ecology.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that exploration of Ocean Assets will herald a new era of International Cooperation in World Marine Economy. He said the bilateral agreement will lead to information and resource sharing related to shoreline change, sediment transport rate, and coastal protection measures.

The Minister said that identification of pilot location by Vietnam side and Indian experts will provide technical support in developing a coastal protection solution.
Dr.Singh said that India has emerged as one of the frontline nations in marine scientific research under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and now actively engaged in exploring the resourceful ocean bed for meeting the country’s future energy and metal demands. He said, the “Deep Ocean Mission” initiated by the Modi government heralds yet another horizon to various resources to enrich the “Blue Economy”.
Dr Singh also said that India and Vietnam shall initiate cooperation to further the development of basic scientific and applied research with goals of advancing research in ocean science, gaining a more fundamental understanding of the oceans, and benefiting society at large. He said, both the countries are also agreed to conduct, cooperative research in the fields of marine science and ecology and those to be undertaken in the future by the two both the counties in areas of common interest.
Vietnamese Minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) Mr. Tran Hong Ha sought India’s help in long term Ocean Planning and Ocean Management resources. The Minister also underlined online interaction of Scientists and Experts from both the countries to strengthen cooperation in Ocean Asset Exploration.

According to Ministry of Earth Science, there are seven key areas of cooperation under the Indo-Vietnam MoU agreed upon by both countries. These identified areas of collaboration aimed at sustainable development of marine resources by India and Vietnam. The key areas are coastal erosion and vulnerability, coastal management, monitoring and mapping marine ecology and critical habitats, ocean observation system, marine pollution and microplastics, marine weather forecast, and capacity building.
As part of the MoU, the two countries will facilitate the exchange of scientists, researchers, technical expertise, projects, and information in marine science and technology. They will assist each other in enhancing knowledge, fundamental research, and understanding for the larger benefit of ocean health and resources, the Ministry said.
A joint committee will also be established to suggest new areas of cooperation, prepare programs and proposals, provide financial assistance for planning and implementing the MoU mandates, decide on administrative and technical procedures, and monitor work progress, the Ministry added.
Tags: #India #Vietnam #MoU #MarineScience #Ecology