Environmental Challenge as a Common Threat Impacting Maritime Security Operations

This research employs document studies to investigate the significant environmental and climate change threats facing the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The littoral states of the IOR contribute to oceanic contamination through poor sanitation, inadequate waste management, and increased waste production due to population expansion. The resulting ocean pollution severely impacts marine ecosystems, depleting fish species and threatening food sources and livelihoods for coastal populations. Additionally, climate change exacerbates human migration and poses risks to maritime security and naval operations by increasing atmospheric and sea temperatures. The study highlights the need for collaborative efforts among IOR states to address these environmental challenges, emphasizing that the consequences of one state's environmental practices can affect the entire region.