Bhubaneswar: To promote climate resilience and coastal biodiversity conservation, a mass plantation drive-cum-mangrove exposure visit was organised in Astaranga block of Puri Monday jointly by Bakul Foundation and the Odisha Paryavaran Sanrakshan Abhiyan Trust. The event aimed to raise awareness about the crucial role played by mangroves in climate resilience and tried to engage the coastal youth in mitigating environmental challenges. Participants from various walks of life, including youths, students, vulnerable women communities, PRI members, intellectuals, and nature lovers joined the drive, planting some 1,200 mangrove saplings. Sujit Mahapatra, founder of Bakul Foundation, served as the leader for the event, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to environmental causes.
The programme began with an exposure visit, where participants learned about mangrove nursery establishment, coastal restoration efforts, and the significance of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles in the ecosystem. “The participants actively engaged in sowing seeds in the nursery and planting mangroves, contributing directly to the restoration efforts. They also had the opportunity to interact with local leaders from different generations, gaining valuable insights,” informed a volunteer. Bichitra Nanda Biswal, a state wildlife conservation awardee, Soumya Ranjan Biswal, a local community leader recognized by the United Nations, Bijay Kumar Bhatt, a high school teacher, and Charulata Biswal, an Indian Biodiversity Award winner, shared their experiences in coastal biodiversity conservation with the participants.
Jitendra Kumar Swain, the Sarpanch of Devi River Mouth in Puri, welcomed and acknowledged the noble efforts of all participants in preserving the mangrove forest. “This event not only encouraged active participation in mangrove plantation but also highlighted the critical role of community leaders and organizations in protecting coastal ecosystems and promoting climate resilience,” added the volunteer.