Decade Collaborative Centre for the Indian Ocean Region (DCC-IOR)

The Indian Ocean Region is home to over one fifth of humanity, ranging from the east coast of Africa, to coast of western Australia and from the southern continental coast of Asia to Antarctic waters. Marine spatial planning is only used by a small number of nations and the region is relatively poorly charted outside of the EEZs. 

Fisheries is a major industry, supplying essential protein to the region and to markets further afield, but many species are over-exploited and controls in areas beyond national jurisdiction are weak. Tsunami is a significant geohazards in the region, with a well-developed regional tsunami warning system, and climate change is the greatest additional challenge. 

DCC-IOR will have a regional focus for the entire Indian Ocean Region. It will deliver the resources, skills and expertise to work with a diverse international community to help them deliver Decade Actions, create new ones, and catalyse the change that is needed to address the challenges in this very significant part of the global ocean. 

DCC-IOR will contribute to all ten thematic Ocean Challenges in the Indian Ocean Region, with a particular focus on the following Challenges that have been identified as priorities for the region: 3 – Sustainably feed the global population, 6 – Increase community resilience to ocean hazards, 7 – Expand the global ocean observing system and 9 – Skills, knowledge and technology for all. 

Lead Contacts: Dr. T. Srinivasa Kumar (director@incois.gov.in) and Dr. PVN Rao (Dr. Rao) (vnr.pamaraju-p@incois.gov.in)