The Program Launch Workshop for the BIMSTEC-India Marine Research Network (BIMReN) was held on February 23, 2024, in Kolkata, India alongside the 13th Indian Fisheries & Aquaculture Forum.

 

The event marked a significant step towards regional cooperation for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

Dr. C.N Ravishankar, Director, ICAR-CIFE welcomed the gathering and explained the importance of regional cooperation in the field of marine science and also recalled the genesis of BIMReN.

 

Amb CSR Ram, Joint Secretary (BIMSTEC & SAARC), MEA, GoI briefed the various initiatives of MEA in promoting cooperation among the BIMSTEC countries and BIMReN will be a major tool in promoting regional cooperation in the field of blue economy and marine sciences.

 

Dr. P. Krishnan, Director of BOBP-IGO, Chennai, provided an overview of the components of BIMReN- Split site PhD fellowship and Twinning Research project.

 

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of External Affairs-India (MEA) and BOBP-IGO was signed by during the occasion.

 

Dr. J.K. Jena, DDG (Fy), ICAR highlighted India's prowess in the field and explained how BIMReN offers possibilities for networking and colloborating with researchers within and outside India, in the field of Marine Science.

 

Senior researchers, academicians and heads of institutions participated in the launch workshop.

The delegates welcomed and complemented BOBPIGO and MEA for the initiative.