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BHUBANESWAR, February 11, 2026 ( Odisha Samachar / Rajat Mohapatra)-The 14th National Workshop of JICA Assisted Forestry Projects officially commenced today at the Hotel Mayfair Convention in Bhubaneswar. Centered on the timely theme, “Future Ready Forestry: Climate Resilience, Digital Transformation & Sustainable Wood Economies,” the event marks a significant milestone in the national dialogue regarding the integration of technology and sustainability within India’s forestry sector. The three-day workshop, running from February 11th to 13th, is jointly organized by the Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project, Phase-II (OFSDP-II) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The workshop was formally inaugurated by Shri Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia, the Hon’ble Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Government of Odisha. In his opening address, the Minister emphasized the critical role that healthy forest ecosystems play in addressing the global climate crisis, ensuring ecological security, and sustaining the livelihoods of millions. He specifically highlighted the transformative impact of international cooperation, extending his gratitude to the Government of Japan and JICA for their continued commitment to protecting India’s natural heritage and its most vulnerable populations.
During his keynote, the Hon’ble Minister stressed that the partnership has been instrumental in safeguarding the interests of tribal communities, Scheduled Castes, and backward classes. As the OFSDP Phase-II nears its completion in March 2027, he issued a call for continued collaboration, expressing his expectation for a Phase-III implementation. He noted that such support is vital for Odisha to meet the developmental milestones set for “Samruddha Odisha 2036” and for the broader vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047.”
The inaugural session was attended by a distinguished assembly of senior policymakers and international experts. Key addresses were delivered by Mr. Vineet S. Sarin, Chief of Development Operations at JICA India, and Mr. Wakamatsu Eiji, Senior Representative of JICA India. They were joined by Shri K.B. Singh, Inspector General (EAP) for the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, and Dr. K. Murugesan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Odisha and Shri G. Rajesh, Additional PCCF (Projects) & Project Director (OFSDP). Together, these leaders set the stage for three days of intensive strategic planning focused on digital transformation and resilient forestry management.
