Consensus on 9 principles of 'blue economy'

The two-day G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) and Environment and Climate ministers meeting that concluded on Friday adopted a series of "Chennai High-Level Principles" for a sustainable and resilient blue economy, or ocean-based economy, even as the group failed to arrive at a consensus on key issues pertaining to climate mitigation.

- Jayashree Nandi

Officials in the environment ministry said the adoption of nine principles will not only help conserve ocean biodiversity but also address the consequences of climate change on ocean-based economies in the G20.

In a series of tweets after the meeting, environment minister Bhupender Yadav said the principles will "serve as a guiding framework globally to drive the transition to a sustainable and resilient blue economy".