Bhubaneswar: Highlighting the state’s commitment to community-led forest conservation and economic empowerment, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Dr. K. Murugesan, emphasized the critical role of grassroots capacity building during the inauguration of the first phase three-day Training of Trainers program under the Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project Phase II at XIM University.
Dr. Murugesan stated that the training aligns closely with the vision of Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, who has prioritized the holistic advancement of the forestry sector alongside the sustainable livelihood development of forest-dependent communities. The Chief Minister’s vision centers on transforming forest conservation into a robust engine for rural prosperity, ensuring that local populations directly benefit from healthy ecosystems.
Addressing the field-level officers and master trainers, Dr. Murugesan expressed strong confidence that the program would achieve its key deliverables. He underscored that the true success of project interventions lies in long-term institutional sustainability, proper asset management, and post-project self-reliance. By strengthening the skills of frontline staff, the initiative aims to empower members of Vana Surakshya Samities and Forest Protection Committees across the state.
The three-day initiative focuses on equipping trainers with modern forest management practices, value addition techniques for non-timber forest produce, and effective maintenance strategies for community infrastructure created under the project. Dr. Murugesan noted that securing sustainable livelihoods for local committees builds a powerful incentive for forest protection, ensuring that environmental conservation and socio-economic welfare progress hand in hand across Odisha.