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Strengthening Coastal Safety: CIFRI Scientists Participated in International Training Program in Italy

12^th-19^th, April, 2026
Lecce,Italy

A three-member scientific delegation from the institute-Dr. Subir Kumar Nag (Principal Scientist), Dr. Dibakar Bhakta (Senior Scientist),

and Dr. Suman Kumari (Senior Scientist)-participated in the High-Level Specialized Training Course on “Improving Safety for Coastal Communities in the IORA Countries” held in Italy from 12 to 19 April 2026. The program was conducted at the Tricase Center (Center for Fisheries and Aquaculture), Lecce (Italy), of the International Center for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM), Valencia (Bari, Italy). The objective of the high-level specialized training course was to strengthen the technical and institutional capacities of the representatives from 14 IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association) member states to improve the sustainable management of coastal communities and ensure safety in the region in the face of climate change and some detrimental anthropogenic pressures on coastal areas. This is a program of IORA within the framework of the IORA-Italy Dialogue partnership and partially sponsored by the government of Italy. The nominations from the institute, selected through an internal process based on work experiences, were forwarded to the organizers through the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. Representatives from the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, and various other countries also attended the program. The program facilitated deliberations on critical issues such as coastal safety, disaster preparedness, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods. Key sessions focused on early warning systems, risk assessment, nature-based solutions, community-based adaptation strategies, and science-policy integration.

As part of the field visits, the delegation team had the opportunity to visit leading international institutions and ecologically significant sites. The team visited the Fondazione CMCC-Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici in Lecce, gaining insights into advanced climate modeling and its applications in coastal risk assessment. At the CIHEAM Bari headquarters, discussions focused on regional cooperation, sustainable agriculture, and fisheries development in Mediterranean and IORA regions.

The delegation also visited the Centro Recupero Tartarughe Marine Torre Guaceto, a meaningful and inspiring facility dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation of sea turtles along the Adriatic coast as well as the management of protected coastal wetlands. Additionally, the team explored the Parco Naturale Regionale Dune Costiere da Torre Canne a Torre San Leonardo, a remarkable coastal reserve that beautifully showcases the natural diversity of southern Italy and highlights best practices in habitat conservation and sustainable coastal management.
These field exposures gave valuable insights into ecosystem-based management, conservation practices, and community engagement models that support coastal resilience.

The CIFRI scientists actively participated in technical discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions, gaining exposure to global best practices. The experience is expected to significantly contribute to ongoing and future research initiatives, particularly in areas linking inland fisheries with coastal ecosystem dynamics and climate change. The participation not only enhanced professional capacity but also strengthened international collaboration, opening avenues for future partnerships in research, training, and knowledge exchange. CIFRI remains committed to leveraging such global engagements to support national priorities and enhance the sustainability and resilience of fisheries-dependent communities across India.