IIT Bhubaneswar Leads Initiative to Restore Seagrass and Saltmarsh Ecosystems for Coastal Protection

Bhubaneswar: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar, in collaboration with the Enhancing Climate Resilience of India’s Coastal Communities (ECRICC) Project, successfully organized an Inception Workshop on Seagrass and Saltmarsh Protection, Restoration, and Management. Held in a hybrid mode, the workshop brought together leading experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss ecosystem-based solutions for coastal resilience in Odisha.

The ECRICC project, supported by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and the Government of Odisha, focuses on protecting coastal communities and ecosystems from climate change impacts. A key aspect of the project is the scientific restoration and management of seagrass and saltmarsh ecosystems, which play a vital role in biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, and coastal protection.

IIT Bhubaneswar has been entrusted with the technical consulting assignment for this initiative and will collaborate with James Cook University, Australia, and other research institutions to implement community-driven restoration strategies in Odisha’s coastal regions.

During the inaugural session, Ashish Chaturvedi, Head of Energy, Environment & Resilience at UNDP India, provided an update on the UNDP-GCF initiatives and the ECRICC project’s progress. Rajashree Ray, Economic Advisor & National Project Director of the GCF Coastal Project at MoEF&CC, reaffirmed the Government of India’s commitment to restoring coastal ecosystems. Dr. Sundeep, National Project Coordinator at MoEF&CC, emphasized the importance of ecosystem-based adaptation strategies in mitigating climate-related risks. Prof. T.K. Biswal, Dean Emeritus at IIT Bhubaneswar, reiterated the institute’s dedication to pioneering scientific research in coastal restoration.

The technical session featured presentations from leading researchers and domain experts.

• Dr. S.H. Farooq, Associate Professor & Head, School of Earth, Ocean, and Climate Sciences, IIT Bhubaneswar, outlined the scope of seagrass and saltmarsh restoration, expected outcomes, and key deliverables.
• Dr. Amrit Mishra from James Cook University, Australia, presented a detailed action plan, discussing stakeholder roles, timelines, and capacity-building measures.
• Dr. Spandita Kar, State Project Manager, ECRICC Odisha, summarized the key takeaways, project milestones, and action points for ensuring a long-term impact of the initiative.

The workshop facilitated knowledge-sharing on global best practices, policy recommendations, and innovative restoration methodologies tailored to Odisha’s ecological and socio-economic needs.

The ECRICC project strengthens Odisha’s commitment to sustainable coastal management through a strategic focus on ecosystem-based adaptation, scientific research, and community engagement. Insights from the workshop will shape future policies and action plans, ensuring long-term environmental and socio-economic benefits for coastal communities.