Where was the 13^th Governing Council Meeting of the Bay of Bengal Inter-Governmental Organization (BOBP-IGO) held?

The correct answer is Male, Maldives.

Key Points

• The 13th Governing Council Meeting of the Bay of Bengal Inter-Governmental Organization (BOBP-IGO) was held in Male, Maldives in 2023.
• The meeting focused on sustainable fisheries management and regional cooperation among member countries of the Bay of Bengal region.
• BOBP-IGO is an intergovernmental organization that aims to promote responsible fisheries and marine ecosystem conservation in the Bay of Bengal region.
• Member countries of the BOBP-IGO include Bangladesh, India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka.
• The Governing Council Meetings are held annually to discuss and address key issues pertaining to fisheries and marine resource management.

Additional Information

• Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organization (BOBP-IGO)
  • Established in 2003, BOBP-IGO works to enhance the socio-economic condition of small-scale fisheries in the Bay of Bengal region.
  • The organization promotes sustainable fishing practices and capacity-building initiatives for member countries.
  • Its primary focus is on conserving marine biodiversity while addressing the livelihood challenges faced by coastal communities.
• Sustainable Fisheries Management
  • Sustainable fisheries aim to balance the ecological, economic, and social aspects of marine resource utilization.
  • It focuses on maintaining fish stocks at biologically safe levels and reducing overfishing.
  • Efforts include implementing regulations, promoting aquaculture, and engaging local communities in conservation practices.
• Regional Cooperation in Fisheries
  • Regional cooperation is crucial for managing shared marine resources and addressing transboundary challenges like illegal fishing.
  • Organizations like BOBP-IGO facilitate dialogue and collaboration among member states.
  • Joint initiatives often include data sharing, capacity building, and harmonized policies for fisheries governance.
• Marine Biodiversity Conservation
  • Marine biodiversity conservation is essential for maintaining the health of ocean ecosystems.
  • It involves protecting endangered species, restoring habitats like coral reefs and mangroves, and reducing pollution.
  • Global frameworks like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) guide conservation efforts.