14th National Workshop on JICA-Assisted Forestry Projects Begins in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: The 14th National Workshop of JICA-Assisted Forestry Projects commenced on Tuesday in Bhubaneswar, bringing together policymakers, forestry experts and international partners to deliberate on “Future Ready Forestry: Climate Resilience, Digital Transformation & Sustainable Wood Economies.”

The three-day workshop, scheduled from February 11 to 13, is being jointly organised by the Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project, Phase-II (OFSDP-II) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), marking a significant milestone in India’s ongoing efforts to integrate technology, sustainability and climate resilience into forest governance.

The event was formally inaugurated by Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia, who underscored the crucial role of healthy forest ecosystems in tackling climate change, ensuring ecological security and sustaining livelihoods, particularly in tribal and forest-dependent regions.

In his inaugural address, the Minister lauded the longstanding partnership between Odisha and JICA, expressing gratitude to the Government of Japan and JICA for their continued support in strengthening sustainable forest management. He highlighted the transformative impact of international cooperation in protecting biodiversity while improving socio-economic outcomes for tribal communities, Scheduled Castes and backward classes.

With the OFSDP Phase-II nearing completion in March 2027, Singhkhuntia called for sustained collaboration and expressed hope for the implementation of Phase-III, stating that continued support would be vital for achieving the developmental goals envisioned under “Samruddha Odisha 2036” and the national vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047.”

The inaugural session witnessed the participation of senior policymakers and international experts, including Vineet S. Sarin, Chief of Development Operations, JICA India, and Wakamatsu Eiji, Senior Representative, JICA India, who reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to supporting India’s forestry and climate resilience initiatives.

Also present were K.B. Singh, Inspector General (EAP), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, Dr. K. Murugesan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Odisha, and G. Rajesh, Additional PCCF (Projects) and Project Director, OFSDP.

Over the next three days, the workshop will focus on digital transformation, climate-resilient forestry practices, sustainable wood economies, and innovative forest management strategies, aiming to chart a future-ready roadmap for forestry development across the country.