Odisha Marks International Day for Biological Diversity with Strong Call for Conservation and Sustainability

Bhubaneswar, May 22 : Odisha observed the International Day for Biological Diversity with a state-level celebration that highlighted the state’s critical role in safeguarding India’s forest and ecological heritage. The event, organized by the State Biodiversity Board, featured a series of high-level addresses underscoring the importance of biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management.

Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia, Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, was the chief guest at the celebration. In his keynote address, Singhkhuntia emphasized that Odisha’s rich biodiversity—spanning forests, wetlands, coastal regions, and drylands—plays a vital role in sustaining India’s ecological balance.

“Odisha’s biodiversity is an essential component of the country’s natural heritage,” he said. “It is our duty to protect this invaluable resource for the well-being of future generations.” The Minister called for integrating sustainability practices into educational curricula, advocating for an environmentally conscious mindset among youth.

This year’s theme for the International Day for Biological Diversity, “Harmony with Nature and its Sustainable Development,” resonates with the state’s ongoing efforts to promote ecological balance. Singhkhuntia stressed the need for a harmonious relationship between people and nature to enhance overall quality of life.

Highlighting the state’s geographical and ecological diversity, Singhkhuntia noted that Odisha is home to ecosystems ranging from the Eastern Ghats to the Bay of Bengal, supporting forests, agricultural lands, grasslands, wetlands, and marine environments. Iconic natural sites such as Chilika Lake—the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia—and the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary further underline the state’s ecological significance.

Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Satyabrata Sahu, reinforced these views by pointing to Odisha’s exceptional biodiversity, which includes over 5,174 species of plants and fungi and an array of rare and endangered animals. Among the fauna are 86 species of mammals, 473 bird species, 110 reptiles, and 19 amphibians. Notably, the state serves as a critical nesting ground for the endangered Olive Ridley turtles, and a vital habitat for the Irrawaddy dolphin in Chilika Lake.

Sahu also highlighted the declaration of four Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS)—Mandasaru Hills, Mahendragiri Hills, Gandhamardan Hills, and Gupteshwar Forest—as symbols of Odisha’s ecological and cultural wealth. Other key conservation hotspots include Similipal National Park, Bhitarkanika National Park, Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of the Forest Service, Suresh Pant, emphasized the need to instill a conservation ethic among young people. “Only through a collective and informed effort can we ensure the longevity of our unique ecosystems,” he stated.

Also speaking at the event were Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden Prem Kumar Jha, and Dr. Mita Biswal, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chairperson of the Odisha Biodiversity Board. Both officials echoed the urgent need for community-driven conservation and sustainable development initiatives.

As Odisha continues to lead the way in biodiversity conservation, the event served as a clarion call for protecting the natural world and ensuring environmental sustainability for generations to come.