Co-Chairs, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates

It is a privilege to address you on the eve of the World Oceans Day on an issue that confronts not only India but the world at large. The future of humanity is closely intertwined with the future of our oceans. The oceans go beyond our national identities. They recognize no artificial barriers that separate us as nations, rather act as a bridge that connects. As we strive to restore ocean health through sustained environmental management, there is a need today more than ever before to move with a sense of urgency as the clock is ticking by. If we ignore our today, there may be no tomorrow. This is not a doomsday prediction but a call for joint action by the international community.

The challenge for the SIDS and LDCs is far more pronounced given their vulnerability - their low economic base, capacity constraints, susceptibility to natural disasters and little or no economies of scale in production. The onus is on the international community to ensure that economic benefits accrue to them through optimal albeit environmentally sustainable use of ocean resources. After all, oceans are the lifeline for the SIDS and littoral LDCs. This makes a case for our support for the Blue Economy approach that seeks to maintain a balance between growth with sustainable use of ocean resources. In fact, Blue Economy is the mantra for overall development of SIDS and LDCs in the face of the unique challenges they face.

Excellency,

India's co-operation with SIDS and LDCs has manifested itself over the years across a wide spectrum. Our contribution of USD 75 million as grant assistance during the last three years towards development partnership projects in SIDS and LDCs may not tell the full story. India has pledged about USD 500 million grant and over USD 1 billion in soft loans for release during the next three years.  Our ongoing capacity building and economic assistance under flagship Indian Technical and Economic Co-operation (ITEC) programme has been a remarkable success. India has provided many of these countries access to satellite based information on potential fishing zones for promoting efficient fishing. As part of UNESCO initiative to promote ocean bio-diversity, access to Ocean Bio-geographic Information System (OBIS) has also been provided, generating over 120,000 records of species from the Indian Ocean region. For the benefit of SIDs and LDCs, we have also organized regional and global workshop on assessment of the coastal marine environment in the Indian Ocean region. 

Excellency,

Small artisanal fishers and related workers comprise over 90% of people employed globally in fish capture and related activities, though they capture less than 35% of global catch. Lack of scientific knowledge and technical know-how, inadequate capacity building, lack of institutional financial support and capture of market by industrial fishers often results in impoverishment of small scale artisanal fishers, especially in SIDS and LDCs. Involvement of local communities and all stakeholders is of utmost importance. Focus should be on the development, designation and management of area-based measures, taking into account traditional and indigenous knowledge. Application of blue economy initiatives in a transparent, just and equitable manner should also be encouraged.

Excellency,

India is strongly committed to increasing economic benefits and providing market access to small scale artisanal fishers. Our port led development initiative, Project Sagarmala, with an allocated investment of USD 65 billion, aims at economic spin-offs for the benefit of fishermen. It covers more than 150 projects including for coastal community development. Financial support is provided to small and medium fishermen by disbursing loans up to USD 160,000 each to purchase modern boats under our flagship Micro Units Development & Refinance Scheme (MUDRA). Efforts have also been made to establish fishermen cooperatives to promote community based small-scale processing industry and impart training in more sustainable fishing practices. Mariculture and aquaculture is encouraged to keep fishery catch below the minimum sustainable yield of 4.3 million tonnes per annum. Satellite based information on potential fishing zones is also provided to coastal fishermen community for efficient fishing.

In the spirit of the 'Call for Action', India calls upon the international community to join hands in making concerted efforts and launching joint initiatives for the economic benefit of small scale artisanal fishermen, particularly in SIDS and LDCs. In this context, India supports providing financial support through Global Environment Facility (GEF) in its next phase (2018-2022) for technical assistance and capacity building of small scale fishermen. International cooperation in capacity building by providing data accessibility and data sharing, mentoring and training opportunities, and marine habitat mapping will go a long way in informed management of eco-systems, biodiversity and fisheries. To ensure better market access to small scale artisanal fishermen in SIDS and LDCs, we should address the sanitary and phyto-sanitary trade barriers under the aegis of WTO. Moreover, reviewing and rationalizing fishery subsidy regime for fishermen is of paramount importance. We also support cooperation among countries in conservation of Marine Protected Area (MPA) to ensure uninterrupted flow of revenue to SIDS and LDCs. 

Excellency,

SIDS and LDCs are particularly vulnerable to the ill-effects of climate change. Though endowed with vast natural resources, marginal communities like small fishermen are particularly exposed to geo-economic consequences of climate change. It is our responsibility to help them mitigate these challenges. The vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas', which means 'Together we shall prosper', aptly sums up India's commitment to and engagement with the SIDS and LDCs. 

May I conclude citing an age old Sanskrit proverb. 

Thank you