On World Ocean Day 2024, SORR INDIA, a frontrunner in the sustainable blue economy, hosted a series of impactful events as part of their “Go Green for Planet Blue” initiative.
The event, held at Swaraj Dweep (Havelock), aimed to integrate coastal communities into sustainable practices and was supported by notable partnerships with NITI Aayog and CSIRO under the India-Australia “Rise Accelerator” program.
Led by Commandant Pradeep Kumar Kushwaha (Retd.), CEO & Country Head of SORR INDIA, the organisation promoted ocean conservation and climate action. One of the highlights was the promotion of diving among young girls, encapsulating the theme “Take Action – Catalysing Action for Our Ocean and Climate”.
Prominent Activities and Campaigns
Celebrated swimmer and lifesaver Saachi Gramopadhye, along with dive master trainee Anusha Kayastha, took a hands-on approach to marine conservation by removing marine litter under the supervision of PADI instructor Saw Powdethey at the Scubalove Dive Centre. This effort underscored the critical need for clean oceans.
To raise awareness about sustainable menstruation, SORR INDIA distributed 100 packets of biodegradable sanitary napkins to women divers and participants. The launch of the “Every Day is an Ocean Day” campaign further solidified their commitment, pledging to provide a year’s supply of biodegradable sanitary napkins to 365 girls, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 14 (Life Below Water).
Commandant Pradeep Kumar Kushwaha emphasised the integration of modern science-based tools to enhance the campaign’s efficacy.
“Modern science-based tools such as data analytics, machine learning, drones, etc., will be deployed to enhance the efficacy of the campaign besides training at least 100 fishermen by next World Ocean Day 2025 in each coastal state to become qualified Ocean Warriors to work in the Blue Economy Sustainability drive and steer the New Oil campaign further,”
he stated.
Ambitious Projects and Global Collaboration
SORR INDIA’s ambitious projects aim to deploy sustainable oil recovery and remediation systems across India’s water bodies.
This initiative, in collaboration with the Indian Coast Guard, ports, and shipping industries, seeks to not only clean water bodies but also create better livelihoods for coastal communities, supporting India’s Net Zero goals. Robert Manning, General Manager of SORR Australia, praised the team’s success and emphasised global collaboration in line with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Commandant Pradeep Kumar Kushwaha noted the significance of the RISE accelerator program, wherein SORR Australia will act as the technology partner, supporting SORR INDIA with green tech to manufacture customised pollution response solutions.
This partnership aims to establish a circular economy with zero landfills at the end of life, enhancing India’s leadership in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) under the Government of India’s flagship program SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
The Global Context and India’s Role
Globally, approximately 19-23 million tonnes of plastic waste are dumped into aquatic ecosystems annually, equivalent to about 2,000 garbage trucks of plastic every day. India, alongside other Asian countries, contributes significantly to ocean plastic pollution due to inadequate waste management infrastructure. SORR INDIA’s initiatives are a vital step towards mitigating this issue by promoting sustainable practices and reducing plastic waste.
With these bold steps, SORR INDIA is poised to transform the “Planet Blue,” making it a cleaner, more sustainable place. Their comprehensive approach, integrating modern technology, community engagement, and international collaboration, sets a benchmark for ocean conservation efforts globally.
As the world grapples with the challenges of marine pollution and climate change, initiatives like these offer a beacon of hope and a roadmap for sustainable development.
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