BHUBANESWAR: In a concerted effort to restore the denuded coastal forest cover, residents of three coastal districts in Odisha undertook a significant mangrove plantation drive on Friday.

Marking the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, this initiative focuses on enhancing mangrove plantations in areas vulnerable to cyclones. The drive is part of a broader campaign led by the Reliance Foundation and its partnering organizations, which includes raising awareness among youth and school children about the importance of mangroves.

Mangrove ecosystems are crucial wetlands that not only provide livelihood security to coastal communities but also offer essential ecological protection along the coastline. The initiative aims to reinforce these benefits and ensure long-term sustainability for the region’s environment and its people.