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Bhubaneswar, 22/5/2026 ( Odisha Samachar / Rajat Mohapatra)- The state-level celebration of the “International Day for Biological Diversity” was organised at the State Convention Centre of Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar. The theme for this year was “Acting Locally For Global Impact.” Honourable Minister, Forest, Environment & Climate Change and Labour & Employee’s State Insurance, Odisha Shri Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia graced the programme as the chief guest.
In his address, Honourable Minister Shri Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia said that Odisha has emerged as one of the leading states in the country in the field of biodiversity conservation. He highlighted several initiatives such as tiger conservation in , 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 extensive plantation drives. He stated that these efforts have given Odisha a distinct identity as a “people-centric conservation model.”
On the occasion, winners of previously organised debate and painting competitions were felicitated. In recognition of their remarkable contributions to biodiversity conservation, eight individuals were honoured 
with the “Guardians of Biodiversity” award, while two others received the “Champions of Biodiversity” award. During the programme, four major books and reports were unveiled, including 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.
During the subsequent technical session, discussions were held on the activities and future action plans of Biodiversity Management Committees from different districts. The ‘PBR Manual’ and booklet on ‘Local Biodiversity Fund Management Rules’ were also released.
The programme was also attended by Principal Secretary, Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department, Shri Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma; PCCF & HOFF, Dr. K. Murugesan; Director of Environment-cum-Special Secretary to Govt, Shri K. S. Pradeep, and Member Secretary, Odisha Biodiversity Board, Dr. Nihar Ranjan Nayak.
The programme also witnessed active participation from various stakeholders associated with biodiversity conservation, including officials of the Forest, Environment and Climate change Department, members of Biodiversity Management Committees from different districts, scientists, researchers, teachers, students, and traditional knowledge practitioners.
