New Delhi, Oct 29 (PTI) India has significantly strengthened the scientific foundations of coastal planning through shoreline-change assessment, hazard-line mapping, coastal vulnerability assessment, and ecosystem information, Narendra Bhooshan, secretary of the Union environment ministry, said on Thursday.
He said the next task is to ensure that this evidence moves from reports and maps into actual planning, infrastructure, and investment decisions at the state, district, and local levels.
Bhooshan made these comments during the inaugural session of a national workshop on 'Enhancing Coastal Resilience through Adaptive Strategies' here, organised by the Union environment ministry.
The two-day workshop has been organised under the Green Climate Fund (GCF) project -- Enhancing Climate Resilience of India's Coastal Communities.
The project focuses on restoring critical coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, coastal watersheds, seagrass, salt marshes and corals, while strengthening livelihoods of communities living in highly vulnerable areas.
During his address, Bhooshan highlighted the need for coastal resilience in view of the impacts of climate change, and protecting livelihoods to achieve the goal of 'Viksit Bharat by 2047'.
He underlined the need to address climate risks in coastal regions and highlighted the importance of mangroves, seagrasses, salt marshes, and coral reefs for biodiversity, livelihoods, and coastal protection.
