image credits: x.com/pccfodisha
On March 21, 2025, Odisha reaffirmed its deep commitment to environmental stewardship as it joined the global community in observing the World Forestry Day 2025. This year’s theme, “Forests and Food,” underscored the vital role forests play in sustaining livelihoods, ensuring food security, and preserving biodiversity. The state-level celebration, held with great reverence, highlighted Odisha’s unwavering dedication to conserving its precious forest resources.
The State-Level Celebration: A Gathering of Visionaries
The event, hosted by the Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Department, took place in the presence of distinguished dignitaries, including the Honourable Minister, Forest, Environment, and Climate Change, Sri Satyabrata Sahu, IAS, ACS; Sri Suresh Panth, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF), Odisha; Sri Prem Jha, IFS, PCCF (Wildlife), Odisha; and Dr. K. Murgesan, Member Secretary of the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), along with other esteemed officials. Their presence symbolized the state’s collective resolve to protect and nurture its forests, a resource integral to Odisha’s ecological balance and economic vitality. The ceremony featured inspiring visuals of the event, including photographs of officials united in their mission, standing before banners adorned with images of Odisha’s iconic wildlife and lush greenery.
Books Released at World Forestry Day 2025 in Odisha
Odisha’s Forest Cover Posing as Natural Treasure
Odisha’s forest cover, a testament to its natural wealth, spans approximately 5.30 million hectares, covering 34% of the state’s land area, according to the Global Forest Watch (GFW) data from 2020. Despite challenges such as deforestation, the state has made significant strides in conservation, with initiatives aimed at reducing forest loss (loss reported at 25.5 thousand hectares in recent years) and promoting sustainable practices. This year’s World Forestry Day celebration emphasized the symbiotic relationship between forests and food, highlighting how Odisha’s forests provide essential resources like fruits, nuts, and medicinal plants, particularly for indigenous communities such as the Kondhs and Dalits, who have long guarded these ecosystems.
What are the Community-Driven Forest Conservation Moves in Odisha?
The state’s efforts were further illuminated by community-driven initiatives, reinforcing Odisha’s role as a leader in environmental protection. Programs such as the Thengapalli initiative, where women patrol forests with sticks to safeguard trees, exemplify the state’s grassroots commitment. These efforts align with broader national and global goals, including the EU Deforestation Regulation and Odisha’s own ambitious afforestation strategies, which aim to enhance biodiversity and combat climate change.
A Legacy of Harmony with Nature
Odisha’s celebration of World Forestry Day 2025 is a profound reflection of its cultural ethos, where nature and humanity coexist in harmony. The state’s forests, home to diverse species like elephants, tigers, and deer, support millions of livelihoods while serving as the lungs of the region. By fostering sustainable forest management and raising awareness, Odisha continues to inspire its people and the nation, ensuring that its green heritage thrives for future generations.
