France Explores Environmental Partnership with Odisha for Forest and Climate Conservation

Bhubaneswar: A high-level delegation from France, led by Ambassador Thierry Mathou, met with Odisha’s Minister for Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Ganesh Ram SingKhuntia, at Lok Seva Bhavan to discuss potential collaborations in forest conservation, wildlife protection, and climate action.

The delegation included Didier Talpain, Consul General of France in Kolkata; Anjita RoyChaudhury, Press Attaché and Diplomatic Liaison; Samuel Bouchard, Charge de Mission; and Nicolas Facino, Director of the Alliance Française du Bengale.

During the meeting, the French representatives expressed their keen interest in supporting Odisha’s initiatives for environmental sustainability and conservation. They explored opportunities for knowledge exchange, technical cooperation, and joint efforts in tackling climate change.

Senior officials from the Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department, including Additional Chief Secretary Satyabrata Sahu, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Suresh Pant, and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Prem Kumar Jha, also participated in the discussions, highlighting Odisha’s ongoing conservation programs and priorities.