The Mangrove Forest Division (WL), Rajnagar - Odisha, in collaboration with Odisha State Wetland Authority and GIZ have prepared the Integrated Management Plan (IMP) for Bhitarkanika. In line with the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA), a flagship scheme of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the IMP aims to document the status, the range of ecosystem services and values of the wetland, and the roles of multiple stakeholders in the continued management of the site, ensuring its wise use. Consultations with various stakeholders is vital to formulate optimal management responses and identify areas for convergence to achieve wise use of wetlands. This is to be achieved through stakeholder consultations at community, district and state level prior to finalising the IMPs.

Fisherfolks engaged in the community dialogues for Bhitarkanika’s wise use and management, © GIZ/Shambhavi

Farmers engaged in the community dialogues for Bhitarkanika’s wise use and management, © GIZ/SPEED

For Bhitarkanika IMP as well, stakeholder consultations are being organised in Odisha to clarify the vital role of each group, including the communities and line departments, and create a shared vision to manage the wetland sustainably. On 23rd, 24th and 25th September 2022, community dialogues were held with fisherfolks, farmers and Panchayati Raj Institutes, respectively. These stakeholder groups were from the representative villages in Kendrapada district and were invited to discuss the challenges in wetland management, and their vision for the future. The meetings were held at the Multi-Use Cyclone Shelter in Loknathprasad Village.

Group works and discussion underway, © GIZ/Shambhavi

Group works and discussion underway, © GIZ/Shambhavi