UNESCO Ambassador Vishal Sharma Visits INCOIS, Supports Dedicated Ocean Observation Satellite
Table of Contents
Source: The Hindu
Relevance:
UPSC GS Paper 1 – Geography Oceanography, Tsunami and coastal hazards
Important Key Concepts for Prelims and Mains:
For Prelims:
- INCOIS, UNESCO-IOC, SynOps Lab, Tsunami Early Warning System, Regional Tsunami Service Provider, Ocean Observation Satellite, Oceanography, Disaster Risk Reduction
For Mains:
- Blue Economy, Coastal Disaster Preparedness, Climate Resilience, Marine Governance, International Scientific Cooperation, Space-based Earth Observation
Why in News?
Ambassador Vishal V. Sharma, India’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO in Paris, visited the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) in Hyderabad. During his visit, he endorsed the proposal for a dedicated space-based satellite for ocean observation in the region and highlighted the need to expand training opportunities for young ocean researchers.
About the Visit
Mr. Sharma interacted with INCOIS scientists after reviewing the institute’s SynOps Lab (Synergistic Ocean Observation and Prediction System), which supports:
- Tsunami early warning, and
- Ocean forecasting for India, the Indian Ocean nations, and Pacific Island countries.
He was briefed on INCOIS’s functions and initiatives by Director T. M. Balakrishnan Nair and senior scientists Pattabhi Ramarao and Sudhir Joseph.
Functions and Role of INCOIS
INCOIS operates as:
- India’s nodal agency for tsunami early warning and disaster risk reduction preparedness.
- A Regional Tsunami Service Provider for Indian Ocean countries.
- An International Training Centre under UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC).
Through its scientific and operational systems, INCOIS provides critical information services that protect lives, coastal communities, and marine activities.
UNESCO–IOC and India’s Engagement
Established in 1960, UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission is the only UN body dedicated exclusively to ocean science. Its mandate includes promoting:
- Scientific cooperation in oceanography
- Sharing global ocean data
- Transforming ocean science into actionable services for safety, livelihoods, and marine conservation
Mr. Sharma has also played an important role in strengthening this collaboration, including coordinating the recent visit of Vidar Helgesen, IOC Head at UNESCO and former Foreign Minister of Norway, to INCOIS.
Significance of the Satellite Proposal
Mr. Sharma’s support for a dedicated ocean observation satellite reflects the growing need for:
- Enhanced regional ocean monitoring,
- Better forecasting systems, and
- Advanced tools for coastal risk management.
Such a satellite could significantly strengthen INCOIS’s capabilities in delivering real-time data and regional ocean services.
Conclusion
The visit by Ambassador Vishal Sharma highlights India’s expanding role in global ocean science under UNESCO’s IOC framework. By advocating for a region-specific ocean observation satellite and capacity-building programs, the collaboration between UNESCO and INCOIS continues to advance scientific research, early warning systems, and marine resilience across the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding ESSO-INCOIS:
- ESSO-INCOIS was established as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Earth Sciences in 1999.
- The primary mandate of ESSO-INCOIS is to provide ocean information and advisory services based on sustained ocean observations and research.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct:
- ESSO-INCOIS (Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services) was founded in 1999 as an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and is part of the Earth System Science Organisation (ESSO).
- Statement 2 is correct:
- ESSO-INCOIS is mandated to deliver ocean information and advisory services—including tsunami warnings, ocean forecasts, and marine advisory products—through sustained ocean observations and continuous research improvements.
