Platform – Virtual (ZOOM)

Webinar ID: 865 5406 7237 
Passcode: 981347

To join the webinar: CLICK HERE

Introduction

Healthy oceans play a crucial role in regulating the climate and are essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the objectives of the Paris Agreement. Coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, tidal marshes, coral reefs, and seagrasses are particularly effective at sequestering and storing more carbon per unit area than terrestrial forests. Forty per cent of the world’s population live on or near the coast and the population there is growing disproportionately fast. Coastal regions produce over 60 per cent of the global gross national product and more than half of all megacities (> ten million inhabitants) are located by the sea. Many coastal populations depend on the resources and services provided by marine and coastal ecosystems. These ecosystems also provide natural defences, protecting coastal cities, communities, and businesses from the increasing impacts of climate change.The IPCC Special Report on Oceans and Cryosphere (SROCC) highlights that Small Island Developing States (SIDS), coastal megacities, and communities are on the frontlines of these growing climate threats. As risks escalate in the coming decades, ocean and marine ecosystems offer opportunities for governments, communities, and stakeholders to take action.

Many countries have included commitments in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to enhance adaptation efforts in ocean ecosystems and safeguard marine environments to support sustainable development. However, knowledge gaps in addressing climate change impacts in coastal areas remain a challenge, hindering effective adaptation measures. What are the solutions in oceans and coastal zones that are vital components of strategies to strengthen livelihoods, ensure food security, and protect communities, helping to bridge these gaps and enhance resilience.

Objective:

The objective of the event is to discuss how restoring ecological balance by including ecological considerations into coastal planning and governance can both enhance the resilience of coastal ecosystem and increase the diversity of coastal livelihoods. Discussions will also delve on adopting the principles and practices of Integrated Coastal Management while aiming at sustainable development goals and Discussing case studies/success stories of Coastal Cities to mitigate climate change.

 

Eminent Speaker

 

Dr. Arvind Kumar
 Mr. Safi Ahsan Rizvi, IPS
Dr. Arvind Kumar is a strategist and key-influencer in development sector with more than 30+ years of experience as an author, columnist, Water and Human Rights Pro-activist, and specializes in concepts like ecosystem-based adaptation, water-energy-food nexus, with specific emphasis on Transversal approach of inter-linkages between water, environment and SDGs. He has published over 500 plus research articles and several books. He is a proud recipient of Achievers Award for his contribution to the Environment from International Human Rights Organization in collaboration with United Nations Information Centre, India.
 Mr. Safi Ahsan Rizvi, an Economics graduate and IIM Ahmedabad MBA, is a 1989-batch IPS officer (UP Cadre). After key policing roles and joining the Government of India’s security establishment in 2006, he received several prestigious medals for his service. Since July 2023, he leads the Mitigation vertical, CoDRR, and geospatial initiatives at NDMA, also focusing on disaster risk financing and technology. He assumed additional charge of NIDM on April 30, 2025.
Ms. Sinikinesh Beyene Jimma Dr. Essam Yassin Mohammed

Ms. Sinikinesh Beyene Jimma is Acting Head of UNEP’s Marine and Freshwater Branch and Chief of its Marine and Coastal Ecosystems Unit. With over two decades of global experience, she leads UNEP’s work on conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of aquatic ecosystems. She serves on several executive boards, including the Global Fund for Coral Reefs. Sinikinesh is finalizing her PhD in Business Management and holds an MBA, an MSc in Geo-Information Science, and a BA in Geography.

Dr. Essam Yassin Mohammed, Director General of WorldFish, leads global research and innovation in aquatic food systems. With expertise in fisheries science and environmental economics, he integrates economic and conservation strategies to promote sustainable development. Renowned for influential publications and international advocacy, Dr. Mohammed drives WorldFish’s impact on food security, nutrition, and livelihoods through science, technology, and strategic partnerships. His visionary leadership focuses on long-term resilience for communities and aquatic ecosystems worldwide.
Mr. Sanath Ranawana Dr. Ing. Steffen Knodt
Mr. Sanath Ranawana has over 25 years of work experience with international development organizations (ADB, World Bank, and UNEP) in agriculture, natural resources, environment, and rural development (ANRD) sectors. He holds masters’ degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Texas at Austin and an undergraduate degree from the State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Dr-Ing. Steffen Knodt is the Chairman of the Board from the German UN Ocean Decade Committee (ODK) and the Head of Business Development at the German Aerospace Center, Institute of Maritime Energy Systems. He is also Member of the Africa-Europe Strategy Group on Ocean Governance by the Africa Europe Foundation. Dr Knodt completed his doctorate in engineering at the RWTH Aachen University and serves in the Board of the German Association for Marine Technology (GMT).
 Ms. Ine Moulaert Dr. Rishi Sharma
Ms. Ine Moulaert is Valorisation Manager at the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ), Belgium, with over 20 years’ experience in blue economy projects and science-policy-industry transfer. Formerly an environmental manager at Jan De Nul, she contributed to numerous coastal and offshore initiatives. At VLIZ, she leads national and international projects on marine protection, Nature-based Solutions, and coastal management, collaborating with diverse stakeholders to promote the sustainable, long-term use of marine environments. Dr. Rishi Sharma is a Senior Fisheries Officer at FAO Asia Pacific and Executive Secretary of APFIC, overseeing 15 regional projects and providing strategic guidance on fisheries and aquaculture. With over 25 years’ experience, He has held key roles at FAO, NOAA, IOTC, and CRITFC, specializing in stock assessment, sustainable fisheries, and ecosystem-based management. He authors 50+ peer-reviewed publications and contributed to 100+ reports, focusing on population dynamics, IUU fishing, and sustainable marine resource management.
Dr. Sanjiba Kumar Baliarsingh Ms. Shweta Tyagi
Dr. Sanjiba Kumar Baliarsingh is a scientist at the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services. He has completed his Ph.D. in marine sciences. He has oceanographic research experience spanning more than a decade. His thrust area of research includes plankton ecology, water quality assessment, & ocean color remote sensing. He is involved in developing water quality services, especially on algal bloom, jellyfish, and ecosystem trophic states for Indian waters. He is a part of several international research collaborations of the Govt. of India with the NOAA (USA), CEFAS(UK), & NF-POGO(UK). Ms. Shweta Tyagi is Chief Functionary, India Water Foundation. She is results-focused development sector professional with a 23 years of demonstrated history and a proven ability to manage project teams to deliver multiple projects and programmes across diverse sectors of sustainable Development, Water and Sanitation, Social Development, Livelihood Generation, climate change etc.  Excellent knowledge of project management and strategic planning of partnership creation and coordination, as well as advising decision-makers and strengthening capacities. Experience of Natural Resource management among rural communities for implementing.

For more information please contact-

Ms. Shweta Tyagi

Chief Functionary

India Water Foundation

Email:  shweta.tyagi@indiawaterfoundation.org

Mobile:  +91 9899819074