NIO, NPC sign MoU on oil spill management, climate change

Panaji, Dec 26 : The Goa-based National Institute of Oceanography has signed a memorandum of understanding with New Delhi-based National Productivity Council (NPC) to jointly work in the areas of climate change, environment-related data analytics, combating oil spills, and exploration of renewable energy, a statement said on Saturday.

"The aim of this MoU is primarily to develop a long-term joint working partnership in the areas of environment management, climate resilience in coastal zones and communities, oceanographic data analytics, environmental impact studies and modelling to predict environmental impact, besides identifying remedial and mitigation measures and contributing to policy research," the statement said.

The NIO, which functions under the aegis of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, and the NPC, an arm of the central governments Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, will also focus on assessment of macro and microplastics in the countrys rivers, seas and other marine bodies.The two organisations will also jointly carry out "oceanographic modeling and data analytics pertaining to environmental factors and pollutants and related impact assessments in Coastal Regulatory Zone, marine environment and forecasting".

Preparation of emergency plans and conducting risk analysis related to oil spills as well as "periodic monitoring of environmental conditions and assessment studies prescribed for projects in CRZ, ports, harbours, etc" is also a part of the MoU.