Context:
Recently, the Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change informed the Lok Sabha about the National Coastal Scheme.
Relevance:
GS II: Government Policies and Interventions
National Coastal Mission Scheme:
- Initiated in 2014, the National Coastal Mission (NCM) is part of India’s broader strategy under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) aimed at addressing the impacts of climate change on coastal and marine ecosystems, infrastructure, and communities.
Key Components:
- Conservation Initiatives: Includes the Management Action Plan focused on the conservation of mangroves and coral reefs.
- Research and Development: Dedicated to enhancing the marine and coastal ecosystems.
- Sustainable Development: Targets the sustainable management of beaches under the Beach Environment & Aesthetic Management Service.
- Capacity Building and Outreach: Engages Coastal States and Union Territories (UTs) in programs aimed at conserving marine and coastal ecosystems, including initiatives like beach cleaning drives.
Implementation: The scheme is implemented by State Governments of Coastal States and UT Administrations, ensuring localized and effective management and execution of the program’s objectives.
National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC):
- Launched on June 30, 2008, the NAPCC outlines India’s strategy to address climate change and achieve sustainable development by integrating climate change measures into national planning processes.
- Core Elements: The plan comprises eight National Missions which are central to its strategy:
- National Solar Mission
- National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency
- National Mission on Sustainable Habitat
- National Water Mission
- National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem
- National Mission for a Green India
- National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture
- National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change
