Managing global commons in the Indian Ocean

The Indian Ocean, one of the world's most strategic and ecologically diverse regions, faces mounting challenges related to resource management, environmental sustainability, and geopolitical tensions. As the lifeline of global trade, home to critical shipping lanes, and a region of immense ecological and cultural significance, the Indian Ocean requires a new, collaborative approach to managing its shared resources-its "global commons." To ensure the long-term sustainability of this vital region, we must move beyond traditional, fragmented management models and adopt a more holistic and cooperative strategy that balances ecological preservation, economic growth, and geopolitical stability.

The Indian Ocean is pivotal for global trade, facilitating the movement of over 70 per cent of global shipping traffic, including vital oil shipments from the Middle East to Asia. The region is also home to some of the world's most bio diverse marine ecosystems, which are critical to the livelihoods of millions who depend on fishing and tourism. Additionally, the ocean serves as a key area for international security, as it borders some of the world's most rapidly growing economies and houses some of the planet's most significant geopolitical flashpoints.

However, the Indian Ocean also faces significant pressures. Overfishing, plastic pollution, and the degradation of coral reefs threaten marine life and biodiversity. Climate change, with its rising sea levels and extreme weather events, compounds these issues, making it even more urgent for countries in the region to collaborate and protect this critical body of water.

Historically, the governance of the Indian Ocean has been fragmented, with various coastal states and external powers asserting territorial claims over different parts of the ocean. These conflicting interests have led to overlapping maritime claims, maritime disputes, and challenges in creating unified policies for the sustainable management of the region's resources. This lack of effective governance has resulted in the over-exploitation of marine resources, environmental degradation, and regional insecurity.

To manage the global commons of the Indian Ocean effectively, we need to prioritize collaborative governance that involves all stakeholders. This includes coastal states, international organisations, and private sectors like shipping companies and fisheries. The establishment of stronger regional frameworks for cooperation, such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), has shown that regional cooperation is a necessity. However, greater political will and commitment are required to turn dialogue into concrete action.

One key aspect of effective governance is addressing the issue of overfishing. The waters of the Indian Ocean are home to vast fisheries that are critical to food security and economies across the region. Yet, illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing remains rampant, exacerbating the depletion of fish stocks. Regional cooperation on fisheries management, including sharing data, enforcing regulations, and conducting joint patrols to combat illegal fishing, is essential. By creating stronger, binding agreements on sustainable fishing practices and ensuring their enforcement, the region can safeguard its marine resources for future generations.

Economic development and environmental protection in the Indian Ocean must go hand in hand. The region is a hub for international shipping, energy and mineral extraction, and tourism, all of which provide substantial economic benefits. However, these activities often come at the expense of the environment. The development of ports, oil exploration, and the pollution from shipping all put immense pressure on the marine ecosystem.

To ensure the health of the Indian Ocean, we must implement policies that promote green economic growth. The shipping industry has made strides in reducing its carbon footprint, but more must be done to incentivise environmentally friendly practices, such as using cleaner fuels and minimising ballast water discharges, which contribute to the spread of invasive species. Tourism, too, can be a major economic driver, but it needs to be managed sustainably, particularly in areas like coral reefs and coastal ecosystems that are vulnerable to overuse.

Likewise, climate change poses a critical challenge to the Indian Ocean, threatening both its ecosystems and the communities that depend on it. Rising sea levels, more frequent cyclones, and changing weather patterns have the potential to displace millions of people and devastate coastal economies. In this regard, regional cooperation is crucial to developing adaptive strategies that mitigate the effects of climate change, such as building resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable agriculture, and enhancing disaster preparedness.

The Indian Ocean is a zone of significant geopolitical competition, with major powers vying for influence in the region. This competition can sometimes lead to tensions, especially when it comes to issues like naval presence, territorial disputes, and resource extraction. However, it is precisely because of these geopolitical complexities that cooperation on maritime security is so critical.

Regional and global powers must prioritise collaborative security frameworks that address shared concerns such as piracy, terrorism, and illegal trafficking. Strengthening institutions and enhancing the role of multilateral mechanisms can help foster dialogue and build trust. By working together on security issues, countries in the Indian Ocean can promote peace and stability, ensuring that the region remains open and secure for international trade.

Furthermore, ensuring the safe and sustainable passage of goods through the Straits of Malacca, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and other critical chokepoints requires international coordination. The increased militarisation of the region, if not properly managed, could lead to conflicts that disrupt global trade and harm economic development. Diplomatic engagement and multilateral cooperation are key to preventing the escalation of tensions and maintaining a free, open, and secure Indian Ocean.

Looking ahead, the effective management of the Indian Ocean's global commons will require a commitment to long-term cooperation, ecological sustainability, and equitable economic growth. This requires a unified, region-wide approach.

Countries around the Indian Ocean should come together to create stronger institutional frameworks that can address both the environmental and economic challenges faced by the region. This means investing in sustainable fisheries, tackling pollution, promoting green shipping, and enhancing climate change adaptation strategies. It also means fostering an inclusive economic growth model that ensures the benefits of a healthy ocean are shared across all countries, from the smallest island nations to the largest regional powers.

In conclusion, managing the global commons of the Indian Ocean effectively and efficiently is a global necessity. The ocean's health, security, and stability are fundamental to the prosperity of millions of people and the sustainability of the global economy. By prioritizing collaboration over competition, sustainability over short-term profit, and peace over conflict, we can ensure that the Indian Ocean remains a shared, prosperous, and resilient global resource for generations to come.

Manmohan Parkash is a former Senior Advisor, Office of the President, and Deputy Director General, South Asia, Asian Development Bank. manmohanparkash@gmail.com