Event

On 8th June 2023, the International Centre for Ocean Governance (ICOG) in conjunction with the Department of Oceanography, University of Dhaka, celebrated ―World Ocean Day-2023.‖ This remarkable event was made possible through the collaborative support of GIZ (The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit), the National Oceanographic and Maritime Institute (NOAMI), and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The day's celebration was bifurcated into two noteworthy sessions. The dawn saw a spirited rally inaugurated by the esteemed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dhaka, Professor Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman. This gathering witnessed the participation of GIZ and IUCN representatives, academic faculties, and students hailing from multifarious departments.

Subsequent to this, an intellectually stimulating seminar convened in the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban. Gracing the occasion as the chief guest was Honorable Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Dr. Hasan Mahmud, M.P. A slew of distinguished personalities including Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury (Nowfel), Honorable Deputy Minister of Education, Professor Dr. Md. Zillur Rahman, Dean, Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Dr. Stefan Alfred Groenewold, Principal Advisor, SoNG Project, GIZ, and Mr. Raquibul Amin, Country Director, IUCN, adorned the event. The reins of this seminar were entrusted to Honorable Pro-VC (Academic) Professor Dr. A S M Maksud Kamal.

A highlight of the seminar was the two keynote addresses delivered by oceanographic luminaries Dr. K M Azam Chowdhury and Dr. Tonia Astrid CAPUANO. Dr. K M Azam Chowdhury's presentation explored the intricate dynamics of the Ocean Forecasting System (OFS) in relation to the growing Blue Economy in Bangladesh. Drawing on the latest scientific research and predictive modeling techniques, Dr. Chowdhury unveiled the potential of OFS in enhancing marine resource management, preventing over-exploitation, and ensuring a balance between economic growth and ecosystem health.

He underscored the specific challenges currently facing Bangladesh, ranging from overfishing to the impact of climate change on sea levels and marine biodiversity. With compelling data, he illuminated the alleviating potential harbored by OFS components, emphasizing on their capabilities in real-time data collection, analysis, and dissemination.

The highlight was the introduction of a comprehensive roadmap, meticulously designed for governmental bodies. It detailed the phases of implementing a robust OFS, from inception and infrastructure setup to public awareness and engagement. He concluded with a profound analysis of the OFS's prospective impact on Bangladesh's National GDP, signifying the economic importance of integrating science and governance.

On the other hand, Dr. Tonia Astrid CAPUANO offered a panoramic view of the global Blue Economy. She meticulously delineated its foundations, tracing its origins, current trends, and anticipated trajectories. Her discourse connected the dots between Blue Economy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), laying particular emphasis on SDG 14, which pertains to conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources. Leveraging case studies from various continents, Dr. CAPUANO highlighted the innovative practices adopted by nations leading in marine sustainability and how these can be emulated by countries like Bangladesh. She shared insights into global collaborative initiatives, underscoring the need for countries to unite in their endeavors to harness marine resources sustainably.

Turning her lens to Bangladesh, she analyzed the present status of its Blue Economy sectors, referencing scientific data on marine ecosystems, fisheries, and shipping. Her keynote covered with the introduction of an action plan - a visionary blueprint that encapsulated measurable Tasks, KPI-based Indicators, and a Time frame. This plan, she postulated, would serve as a roadmap for nations, helping them navigate the challenges and opportunities of the Blue Economy.