Odisha’s Berhampur University To Conduct Collaborative Research On Marine Ecology Of Bay Of Bengal

The Berhampur University has signed an agreement with the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) for joint research on marine ecology in the Bay of Bengal region.

The Berhampur University in Odisha has signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with an international think tank for joint research in the field of marine ecology. The agreement and the research prospects which it lays down are aimed at furthering livelihood opportunities for the fishing communities residing in the Bay of Bengal region. 

Lying in the eastern part of the country and sharing a 480-km long coastal line with the Bay of Bengal and thousands of people in the state depend upon the sea to sustain their livelihoods, Berhampur University Vice-Chancellor Geetanjali Dash was reported as saying by PTI. The Odisha varsity has inked a pact with the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO), a body that serves as a think tank on transboundary and contemporary national issues of the member countries concerning fisheries management. 

At present, the list of countries which are members of the organisation (Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) include Bangladesh, India, Maldives and Sri Lanka, while other countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand are cooperating non-contracting parties. Berhampur University registrar Sachidananda Nayak and P Krishnan, director, BOBP-IGO, signed the agreement in presence of Geetanjali Dash, vice chancellor of the university.

As per the Memorandum of Understanding, both the parties, the Berhampur University and BOBP-IGO have agreed to carry out various academic activities in the next five years. The underlined student activities include student and scientist exchange, collaborative research and exploring external funding opportunities. 

Apart from students, the MoU would also benefit researchers and teachers of marine science and environment science, and other departments of the university, the Vice-Chancellor was reported as saying. The collaborative research on the marine ecology and livelihood enhancement of the fisherfolk will also help policymakers while formulating programmes for the state, the VC further said.

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