Capacity Development Program on Deep Sea

Exam-Focused Notes on International Deep-Sea Biodiversity Capacity Development Program

Key Information:

• Event: Capacity Development Program on Deep-Sea Biodiversity Assessment
• Organizers: Ministry of Earth Sciences, India; International Seabed Authority (ISA)
• Location: Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE), Kochi, India
• Duration: September 7-11, 2026
• Participants: Approximately 30 emerging researchers and scientists from ISA member countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Bangladesh, Mauritius, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, Tanzania, Thailand, Oman, and India.

Objectives:

• To enhance scientific knowledge and expertise in the environmental management of deep-sea ecosystems.
• To promote standardized scientific approaches and international collaboration among member countries.

Program Highlights:

• Inaugural Session:
  • Led by ISA Secretary-General, Leticia Reis de Carvalho, emphasizing the importance of scientific excellence and resilience in facing complex challenges.
  • Presentation by Dr. R.S. Mahesh Kumar, Director of CMLRE, and a special lecture by Dr. G. Dharani from the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) on deep-sea biodiversity studies.

Activities:

• Specialized lectures and field visits.
• Practical laboratory training on:
  • Identification of macro-organisms.
  • Traditional classification methods.
  • DNA barcoding and scanning electron microscopy.
  • Biodiversity data analysis.
• Workshops on sample collection and open access data publication related to biological resources.

International Collaboration:

• Supported by institutions from Brazil, South Korea, Portugal, Sweden, Mauritius, Indonesia, Germany, and Singapore, along with Indian institutions and CMLRE experts.

Significance:

• This program strengthens India's leadership in deep-sea biodiversity research.
• Aims to standardize methodologies for coastal biodiversity assessment and foster sustainable exploration and environmental management in the Indian Ocean.

International Context:

• The ISA is an autonomous organization under the United Nations, regulating mineral-related activities in the deep seabed beyond national jurisdictions.
• The initiative aligns with global efforts to enhance marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of ocean resources.

Conclusion:

• This capacity development program marks a significant step towards enhancing scientific research capabilities in deep-sea biodiversity, promoting international cooperation, and contributing to sustainable ocean management practices.