GCF Delegation Visits Odisha to Assess Climate Resilience Efforts in Coastal Communities

Bhubaneswar/Ganjam: A delegation from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) visited Odisha’s Ganjam district to review progress under the Enhancing Climate Resilience of India’s Coastal Communities (ECRICC) project and assess how ecosystem restoration and climate-resilient livelihood interventions are helping vulnerable coastal populations adapt to the growing impacts of climate change.

The delegation, comprising Diane Jegam, Regional Manager for East and South Asia at the Green Climate Fund, and Dr. Bapon Fakhruddin, Principal Climate Investment Specialist, visited project sites across the Chilika–Ganjam and Bahuda landscapes to observe implementation on the ground.

During the visit, the delegation held discussions with Prem Kumar Jha, State Project Director, ECRICC Odisha and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), on the progress and execution of climate adaptation initiatives in the state.

Highlighting Odisha’s climate challenges, Jha said the state’s coastline is becoming increasingly vulnerable to cyclones, tidal surges, coastal erosion and flooding, making long-term resilience-building measures critical for communities dependent on coastal ecosystems.

He said the ECRICC project is supporting vulnerable populations across Ganjam, Puri, Kendrapara and Balasore through ecosystem restoration and community-led adaptation measures aimed at strengthening local resilience.

As part of the field review, the delegation visited several interventions implemented under the project, including backyard ornamental fisheries, seagrass restoration, mangrove plantations, seaweed farming and grow-out crab culture initiatives designed to combine environmental conservation with livelihood generation.

The delegation also interacted with “Climate Champions” — grassroots leaders supported under the project to promote climate-resilient practices and encourage local participation in adaptation efforts.

Speaking during the visit, Diane Jegam said ECRICC demonstrates the value of integrated and community-driven approaches to climate resilience by linking ecosystem restoration with sustainable livelihoods and creating scalable adaptation pathways for vulnerable coastal regions.

In Ganjam district, the ECRICC project currently covers four blocks, 40 gram panchayats and 191 villages, benefiting nearly 50,000 households. Around 5,000 direct beneficiaries have been mobilised through 250 Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

Sunny Khokhar, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Brahmapur Forest Division-cum-Nodal Officer for the ECRICC project in Ganjam, said interventions across the Chilika–Ganjam and Bahuda landscapes are helping restore critical coastal ecosystems while generating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.

He added that Climate Champions have emerged as an important bridge between institutions and communities by promoting local ownership and driving climate adaptation efforts at the grassroots level.

Officials from ECRICC, UNDP and state and district project management units also participated in the field visit and review meetings.