Odisha Highlights Conservation Achievements at State-Level Biodiversity Day Celebration

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Thursday showcased its ongoing efforts in wildlife protection, ecological restoration and community-led conservation during the state-level celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity held at Lok Seva Bhawan.

Organised around the global theme “Acting Locally For Global Impact,” the programme focused on strengthening local conservation initiatives and promoting sustainable management of biodiversity resources across the state.

Forest, Environment & Climate Change and Labour & ESI Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia, addressing the gathering as chief guest, said Odisha has emerged as a leading state in biodiversity conservation through sustained initiatives involving both government agencies and local communities.

He highlighted a range of conservation programmes being implemented in the state, including tiger conservation, elephant corridor protection, Olive Ridley turtle conservation, crocodile breeding, mangrove regeneration and afforestation drives. He said Odisha’s emphasis on community participation in forest protection has helped establish a strong “people-centric conservation model.”

The minister also referred to the use of technology-based systems such as forest fire early warning mechanisms and stressed the importance of balancing environmental conservation with sustainable development.

As part of the event, the Odisha Biodiversity Board honoured individuals for their contribution to conservation and environmental protection. Eight persons received the “Guardians of Biodiversity” award, while two were conferred with the “Champions of Biodiversity” title.

The programme also witnessed the release of several publications and reports related to biodiversity conservation, including Reviews on Invasive Alien Fauna Species in Odisha Wetland Ecosystem, The Tales of Gandhamardan: A Journey From Myth To Reality, the Odisha Biodiversity Board’s Annual Activity Report (2025–26), and the newsletter Strings of Biodiversity: People and Conservation.

A technical session held later discussed the activities and future plans of Biodiversity Management Committees functioning across Odisha. The ‘PBR Manual’ and a booklet on ‘Local Biodiversity Fund Management Rules’ were also released during the session.

Principal Secretary of the Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma, PCCF & HoFF K. Murugesan, Director of Environment-cum-Special Secretary K. S. Pradeep and Odisha Biodiversity Board Member Secretary Nihar Ranjan Nayak were among those present.

The event saw participation from scientists, researchers, teachers, students, members of Biodiversity Management Committees and traditional knowledge practitioners from different districts of the state.