A hope spot is a

A protected marine environment

B type of publicity for a TED prize

C term invented by Jacques Cousteau

D place where drilling for oil is likely to pay off

A hope spot is an area of an ocean that needs special protection because of its wildlife and significant underwater habitats. The two group of islands, considered extremely rich in marine biodiversity, are the first places in India to have been added in the list of 50 global 'hope spots'.