National Coastal Mission 2.0
Context
The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change released the implementation guidelines for the National Coastal Mission 2.0 (NCM 2.0).
NCM 2.0 is a Central Sector Scheme designed to establish a comprehensive approach towards the conservation and sustainable management of India’s coastal and marine ecosystems. It also seeks to address the increasing environmental pressures created by climate change and ecosystem degradation.
Key Details
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
- Implementation Period: 2025-26 to 2030-31
- Geographical Coverage: Nine coastal states and four Union Territories.
Coastal States:
Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal.
Union Territories:
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Puducherry and Lakshadweep.
Major Areas of Focus
The mission gives emphasis to:
- Strengthening coastal resilience
- Restoration of degraded coastal ecosystems
- Controlling marine and coastal pollution
- Conservation of biodiversity
- Promotion of sustainable tourism
- Improved coastal and marine spatial planning
- Research, institutional strengthening and capacity building
Objectives of NCM 2.0
- Promote climate adaptation and mitigation measures to reduce the impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems and communities.
- Ensure the protection and sustainable management of vulnerable coastal and marine ecosystems, including mangrove habitats.
- Prepare Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plans (ICZMP) and Coastal Marine Spatial Plans (CMSP) to support environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient growth of the Blue Economy.
- Encourage diverse and climate-resilient livelihood opportunities for communities dependent on coastal resources.
- Take measures to prevent and control pollution in coastal and territorial marine waters.
- Build institutional capabilities and increase stakeholder awareness regarding climate change and its associated challenges.