Odisha Stresses Sustainable Resource Use on Biodiversity Day

Bhubaneswar: Marking the International Day of Biological Diversity, Odisha’s Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia on Wednesday stressed the importance of using natural resources responsibly to safeguard them for future generations.

Speaking at an event in Bhubaneswar, the minister highlighted the urgent need to adopt sustainable practices and integrate them into education. “It is our duty to ensure the responsible use of resources like land, water, animals, and forests. By educating our youth and embracing sustainable practices, we can secure a healthier planet and a more harmonious relationship with nature,” Singhkhuntia said.

He noted that Odisha is rich in biodiversity, with ecosystems ranging from forests and grasslands to wetlands, coastal areas, and river valleys. The state also boasts the country’s largest brackish water lake and extensive dry rainforests.

According to Singhkhuntia, Odisha has a forest and tree cover of 57,160 square kilometers—around 36.71% of its total geographical area. The state government, through its Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, has implemented multiple initiatives to combat climate change and promote environmental stability.

The minister also highlighted the role of the Odisha Biodiversity Board, established in 2009, in advising the government on biodiversity-related policies. Within three years of its inception, the Board introduced the Odisha Biodiversity Rules to promote community-level participation in conservation efforts.

Additional Chief Secretary Satyabrata Sahu added that Odisha is home to more than 5,174 plant and fungal species and a wide variety of fauna, including 19 amphibians, 110 reptiles, 473 bird species, and 86 mammals. The state provides crucial habitats for endangered species such as the Olive Ridley turtle at Gahirmatha Beach and the Irrawaddy dolphin in Chilika Lake.

Odisha has established several protected areas, including national parks, biosphere reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries, to conserve its biodiversity. Local communities and government agencies are actively involved in these conservation efforts.

The state also recognizes four Biodiversity Heritage Sites: Mandasaru Hills, Mahendragiri Hills, Gandhamardan Hills, and Gupteshwar Forest. Biodiversity hotspots such as Similipal National Park, Bhitarkanika National Park, Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Chilika Lake, and Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary continue to play a crucial role in the preservation of Odisha’s ecological wealth.