Bhubaneswar: The state-level celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity was held at the State Convention Centre in Lok Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, on Friday with the theme “Acting Locally For Global Impact.”

The programme was organised by the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Odisha, bringing together policymakers, environmental experts, students, scientists and biodiversity conservation stakeholders from across the state.

Odisha Forest, Environment & Climate Change and Labour & Employees’ State Insurance Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia attended the event as the chief guest.

‘Acting Locally For Global Impact’ theme highlights conservation efforts

Addressing the gathering, the minister said Odisha has emerged as one of the leading states in biodiversity conservation through several people-centric initiatives. He highlighted efforts including tiger conservation, protection of elephant corridors, crocodile breeding programmes, conservation of Olive Ridley turtles, restoration of mangrove forests, community-based forest protection, forest fire early warning systems and large-scale plantation drives.

He stated that these initiatives have helped establish Odisha as a “people-centric conservation model” in the country.

During the event, winners of debate and painting competitions organised earlier were felicitated. The Odisha Biodiversity Board also honoured eight individuals with the “Guardians of Biodiversity” award for their outstanding contributions to biodiversity conservation, while two others received the “Champions of Biodiversity” award.

Four major books and reports related to biodiversity and conservation were unveiled during the programme. These included Reviews on Invasive Alien Fauna Species in Odisha Wetland Ecosystem, The Tales of Gandhamardan: A Journey From Myth To Reality, the Annual Activity Report (2025–26) of the Odisha Biodiversity Board, and the Board’s newsletter Strings of Biodiversity: People and Conservation.

A technical session held later in the day focused on the activities and future action plans of Biodiversity Management Committees from different districts. Officials also released the ‘PBR Manual’ and a booklet on ‘Local Biodiversity Fund Management Rules’.

Among others present were Principal Secretary of the Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma, PCCF & HOFF Dr. K. Murugesan, Director of Environment-cum-Special Secretary K. S. Pradeep and Odisha Biodiversity Board Member Secretary Dr. Nihar Ranjan Nayak.

The event witnessed participation from officials, Biodiversity Management Committee members, researchers, teachers, students and traditional knowledge practitioners associated with biodiversity conservation efforts across Odisha.