Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today inaugurated an International Workshop on Best Practices in Human-Elephant Coexistence in Bhubaneswar, underscoring the need for global collaboration to ensure peaceful coexistence between humans and elephants.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister announced the establishment of the world’s first “Center for Species Survival: Asian Elephant” at Godibari near Chandaka Wildlife Division, in collaboration with the IUCN Species Survival Commission, Wildlife Trust of India, and Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
“This centre will drive research, policy, and best practices—not just for Odisha, but for all of South and Southeast Asia,” said Shri Majhi. “It will serve as a regional hub for advancing science, shaping policy, and driving community action across South-East Asia for elephant conservation.”
The CM stressed that elephants are deeply interwoven with Odisha’s cultural and spiritual identity. “In Odisha, elephants are more than animals—they are part of our identity, history, and spirituality. As the National Heritage Animal, they hold a special place in our hearts,” he said.
Expressing concern over shrinking elephant habitats due to expanding agriculture and infrastructure, the Chief Minister highlighted the state’s multi-pronged conservation measures—mapping elephant corridors, restoring degraded forests, strengthening anti-poaching squads, and leveraging technology like GPS collars, drones, and AI cameras. He emphasized community-led models such as Gaja Saathi and Vana Surakshya Samitis to empower local people in protecting elephants.
“Our vision is to create a development model for Odisha where elephants roam freely, forests remain healthy, and communities coexist peacefully with animals. This will inspire the rest of the world,” the CM added.
The workshop, attended by conservationists, policymakers, researchers, and international delegates, focused on strategies to mitigate human-elephant conflict and promote coexistence. “This workshop is not just a discussion, but the beginning of a coordinated global movement where Odisha is leading from the front,” Majhi remarked.
Forest, Environment & Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia highlighted Odisha’s shift from a protection-centric approach to a holistic philosophy of coexistence, while other dignitaries—including PK Jha, PCCF (Wildlife); Heidi Riddle, Vice Chairperson of IUCN SSC; Ramesh Kumar Pandey, Additional DG of Forests, MoEF&CC; and Adam Felts, Columbus Zoo—shared perspectives on collaborative conservation.
On the occasion, the CM released a coffee table book, bibliography, and brochures, and a short film on Odisha’s elephant conservation efforts was screened.
The two-day workshop will feature technical sessions, deliberations, and global experience-sharing to evolve sustainable strategies for human-elephant coexistence.
