Global Symposium on Keralam's Blue Economy
Opportunities · Innovation · Sustainable Development
Vembanad Dialogues 2026 is a Global Symposium on Keralam's Blue Economy, bringing together scholars, policymakers, industry leaders, government representatives and community stakeholders to explore opportunities for sustainable, inclusive and resilient blue growth.
Anchored in the vision of positioning Alappuzha as India's Blue Economy Capital, the symposium connects research, policy, enterprise, innovation and community perspectives to shape meaningful pathways for Kerala's blue future.
The Blue Economy offers a strategic pathway for sustainable use of ocean, coastal and inland water resources while advancing livelihoods, food security, climate resilience and inclusive economic growth. With its coastline, Vembanad Lake, inland waterways, fisheries, aquaculture, coir heritage and globally renowned backwater tourism, Alappuzha is uniquely positioned to contribute to this emerging blue future.
The symposium is conceived as an International Collaboration Programme, bringing together perspectives from different nations and participation from representatives of various Ministries and Departments of the Government of Kerala.
As its name signifies, Naipunnya aims to foster professionalism, discipline, and the holistic development of its students.
Naipunnya School of Management, Cherthala, takes a unique approach to professional education, providing a platform for every individual to refine and mould their talents.
Established in 2003, Naipunnya School of Management, Cherthala, is a project of the Major Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly. His Beatitude Mar Raphael Thattil, the Major Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly, serves as the Chief Patron, while Mar Joseph Pamplany, the Vicar of the Major Archbishop, is the Co-Patron.
Affiliated with the University of Kerala, Naipunnya has emerged as a byword for academic and professional excellence, and is NAAC 'A' Grade accredited, AICTE approved, ISO-Certified, and recognised under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956.
Over the years, Naipunnya has earned numerous national and international awards and accolades.
A two-day programme bringing together keynote perspectives, plenary sessions, expert talks, panel discussions, focused workshops and thematic research tracks.
Speaker: Prof. (Dr.) Biju Kumar, Honorable Vice-Chancellor (VC), Kerala University of Fisheries & Ocean Studies (KUFOS)
Chair: Prof. (Dr.) Johnson K.M., Academic Director, Bharata Mata College (Autonomous), Thrikkakara
Resource Person: Dr. P Shinoj, Principal Scientist, FRAEED, ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI), Kochi
Chair: Dr. Jacob George C, Sr. Associate Director, Adi Shankara Group of Institutions & Visiting Professor, National Institute of Technology Calicut
Resource Person: Prof. (Dr.) Thomas Hahn, Associate Professor, National Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Sweden
Focus: Tourism, Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom, Houseboat, Homestay
Panelists
Mr. Vinod V., President, All Kerala Houseboat Owners Association
Mr. Venugopal G., President, All Kerala Houseboat Owners Federation
Mr. M.P. Sivadathan, President, Kerala Homestay and Tourism Society (Kerala HATS)
Mr. Sajeesh Nadakhakath, GM, Kumarakom Lake Resort (Paul John Resorts & Hotels)
Moderator: Mr. Rupesh Kumar K., CEO, Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society
Resource Person: Mr. Sid Mehta, Founder and CEO, Greenworks Inc., Canada
Resource Person: Mr. Jackson Peter, Founder & Managing Director, Cool Divers Pvt. Ltd.; Founder & Managing Director, Bond Ocean Safari; Founder & Managing Trustee, Planet Ocean Foundation (A Non-Profit Organization)
Chair: Prof. (Dr.) Paulachan KJ Kaithottungal, Principal and Executive Director of the Naipunnya Institute of Management and Information Technology, Autonomous (NIMIT)
Focus: Sustainability and Livelihood, Agriculture, Coir, Sustainable Farming (traditional)
Panelists
Dr. Aswathy N, Principal Scientist, FRAEEd, ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI), Kochi
Rev. Fr. Xavier Kudiyamserry, Spokes Person, Diocese of Alleppey
Mr. Mathew Joseph, Co-Founder and COO, Fresh To Home
Jos Paul Mathew, Managing Director, Palm Fibre (India) Pvt. Ltd
Moderator: Prof. (Dr.) Sam Thomas, Director, School of Management Studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT)
Mr. S. P. Sujith Swaminikarthil
Variety Farmer & Agricultural Consultant
Dr. Cinoby Chacko (Sr. Anet Sabs)
MD, Mercy Hospital Vaikom
Chef Laiju E.R.
Culinary Maestro
Resource Person: Prof. Roy D. Palmer, CEO, Seafood Consumers Association Ltd (ACNC), Australia
The seven themes below are the primary focus of the symposium. Chairs and co-chairs are part of the programme structure and are intentionally not repeated within the theme descriptions.
Sub-themes: Sustainable Marine Fishing, Advanced Inland Fisheries, Mariculture Innovation, Seaweed Cultivation, Coastal Livelihood Diversification, Women Entrepreneurs in Fisheries, Fisher Welfare and Safety.
Sub-themes: Sustainable Beach & Backwater Tourism, Marine Cruise & Wellness Tourism, Eco and Cultural Tourism, Maritime Heritage and Ancient Trade, Maritime Museums, Coastal History.
Sub-themes: Advanced Seafood Processing, Value-added Marine Products, Marine Biotechnology Applications, Blue Pharmaceuticals, Sea-based Nutraceuticals, Bioactive Marine Compounds.
Sub-themes: Mangrove Restoration, Wetlands Protection, Marine Biodiversity, Blue Carbon Markets, Offshore Wind & Wave Energy, Floating Solar Power, Marine Plastic Recycling.
Sub-themes: Blue Economy English, English as Economic Infrastructure, Maritime Communication, Specialised Maritime Education, Blue Entrepreneurship Training, Marine GIS & Remote Sensing, Oceanographic Sciences, AI Applications in Fisheries, AI for Blue Economy, IT for Conservation and Sustainability, Digital Humanities.
Sub-themes: Integrated Coastal Agriculture, Saline-resistant Farming, Commercial Aquaponics, Coastal Ethnic Culinary Traditions, Sustainable Blue Cuisine.
Sub-themes: Sustainable Blue Investments, Blue Bonds & ESG Financing, Interdisciplinary Policy Research, Regional Policy Dialogue, Blue Innovation Ecosystems, Coastal Resilience Policy.
Outstanding research contributions will be recognised with a Best Paper Award in each thematic track.
Exceptional poster presentations will be recognised for clarity, originality, relevance and contribution.
As part of Vembanad Dialogues 2026, the Organising Committee is introducing a special Ideation Presentation Session designed specifically for undergraduate (UG) students and grassroots tourism operators/practitioners.
The session aims to provide a platform for young minds and practitioners to present innovative, creative and practical ideas related to the Blue Economy. Participants may present an original idea, concept, product, service or initiative addressing any of the symposium's sub-themes.
In-person presentations are preferred. Interested participants may register through the registration link provided on the website.
The decision of the Evaluation Panel shall be final and binding.
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.
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 →