Reimagining the Blue Economy from Ocean Wealth to Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Growth
Vembanad Dialogues 2026 is a Global Symposium on Keralam’s Blue Economy, bringing together researchers, policymakers, government representatives, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, development agencies, students, professionals and community stakeholders to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping a sustainable blue future.
Hosted by Naipunnya School of Management, Cherthala, the two-day symposium is anchored in the emerging vision of positioning Alappuzha as India’s Blue Economy Capital. It connects research evidence with policy priorities, entrepreneurial opportunities, community needs and practical development pathways.
Interdisciplinary research, case studies, policy analyses, reviews, posters and scholarly contributions are welcome.
The symposium brings together academic, policy, industry, community and international perspectives through plenary dialogues, thematic sessions and practical workshops.
High-level conversations on Kerala's Blue Economy vision, ecosystem resilience, ocean literacy, food systems and sustainable development.
Focused discussions spanning marine industries, climate action, education and skills, coastal agriculture, blue cuisine, finance and policy.
Two sector-focused workshops on New Gen Farming and Ayurveda Tourism.
Connecting research, enterprise, policy, skills, investment and community perspectives for actionable Blue Economy pathways.
Technical sessions, scholarly presentations, interdisciplinary perspectives and emerging research on Kerala's blue future.
Building strategic perspectives for positioning Alappuzha and Kerala within a sustainable, inclusive and resilient Blue Economy.
Prof. (Dr.) Biju Kumar
Vice Chancellor, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS)
Dr. P. Shinoj
Principal Scientist, FRAEED, ICAR-CMFRI, Kochi
Dr. Jacob George C
Senior Associate Director, Adi Shankara Group of Institutions & Visiting Professor, NIT Calicut
Prof. (Dr.) Thomas Hahn
Associate Professor, National Resilience Centre, Stockholm University
Mr. Rupesh Kumar K.
CEO, Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society (Responsible Tourism)
Mr. Vinod V.
President, All Kerala Houseboat Owners Association
Mr. Venugopal G.
President, All Kerala Houseboat Owners Federation — Emerging Houseboat Tourism in the Context of Blue Economy
Mr. S. P. Sujith Swaminikarthil
Variety Farmer
Sr. Dr. Anet Cinobey
MD
Mr. Sid Mehta
Founder and CEO, Greenworks Inc., Canada
Mr. Jackson Peter
Founder & Managing Director, Cool Divers Pvt. Ltd.; Founder & Managing Director, Bond Ocean Safari; Founder & Managing Trustee, Planet Ocean Foundation
Prof. (Dr.) Paulachan KJ Kaithottungal
Principal and Executive Director, Naipunnya Institute of Management and Information Technology, Autonomous (NIMIT), Koratty, Thrissur
Dr. Aswathy N.
Principal Scientist, FRAEED, ICAR-CMFRI, Kochi
Rev. Fr. Xavier Kudiyamserry
Spokes Person, Diocese of Alleppey
Mr. Mathew Joseph
Co-Founder and COO, Fresh To Home
Prof. Roy D. Palmer
CEO, Seafood Consumers Association Ltd (ACNC), Australia
Dr. Radhika Rajasree S.R.
Dean, Professor, Faculty of Ocean Science and Technology, KUFOS
Dr. Abhilash Sasidharan
Assistant Professor, Fish Processing Technology, KUFOS
Dr. Mohamed Hatha
Emeritus Professor, Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, CUSAT; Fulbright Scholar; American Society of Microbiology (ASM) Country Ambassador, South India; Director, CUSAT-NCPOR Centre for Polar Sciences
Prof. (Dr.) Girish Gopinath
Professor & Head, Department of Remote Sensing and GIS, KUFOS
Dr. Imelda Joseph
Principal Scientist, Head Mariculture Division, ICAR-CMFRI, Kochi
Dr. Safeena MP
Associate Professor, Department of Aquatic Animal Health Management, Faculty of Fisheries Science, KUFOS
Dr. Afsal E.M.
Associate Professor, School of Management and Entrepreneurship, KUFOS
Original and unpublished research papers, review papers, case studies, policy analyses and research posters are invited from academicians, researchers, policymakers, professionals and students.
4,000–6,000 words · MS Word (.doc/.docx)
APA 7th Edition or relevant subject-specific style
Times New Roman · 12-point · 1.5 line spacing
Plagiarism screening and double-blind peer review.
Originality, rigour, relevance, innovation and contribution.
Registration is mandatory for all delegates, including paper presenters and participants.
Technical sessions, keynote lectures, panel discussions, delegate kit, working lunch and refreshments.
Participation certificate and presentation certificate for paper presenters.
Digital conference proceedings, where applicable.
Accommodation in the hostel may be provided subject to availability and additional payment.
A proposed forward-looking contribution bringing together research, policy, industry, entrepreneurship, communities and innovation to support a more sustainable, resilient, inclusive and opportunity-driven Blue Economy ecosystem in Alappuzha and Kerala.
Naipunnya School of Management, Cherthala
Near Manorama Junction
Cherthala, Alappuzha – 688524
Kerala, India
Dates: 25–26 September 2026
Mode: Hybrid – In-person & Online
Registration:
Register for Vembanad Dialogues 2026