Bhubaneswar: Sustainable forest management and livelihood support for forest-dependent communities took center stage at the 38th Governing Body Meeting of the Odisha Forestry Sector Development Society, or OFSDS.
Held under the chairmanship of Shri Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, Principal Secretary, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, the meeting featured a comprehensive overview of the society’s initiatives presented by Shri G. Rajesh, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Project Director of OFSDP-II, and Member Convener of the Governing Body.
As the Project Director, Shri G. Rajesh presented the progress of the JICA-assisted OFSDP Phase-II, Ama Jangala Yojana, OFSDS-OMBADC, and other flagship initiatives. The Governing Body reviewed these presentations and made several key policy decisions aimed at strengthening community-led natural resource management.
The session was attended by Dr. K. Murugesan, PCCF and HoFF, Shri Manoj Nair, representing PCCF (Wildlife), Shri Swayam Mallick, IFS, Special Secretary, FE and CC Department.
Under the guidance and administrative reporting of Shri G. Rajesh, the Governing Body approved a proposal for a three-year extension of OFSDP-II from 2027 to 2030 without any cost escalation. This extension will enable the project team to consolidate ongoing interventions, institutionalise successful models, and ensure the long-term sustainability of project outcomes, with statutory approval to be sought from the state government.
Shri G. Rajesh also highlighted the progress of the Farm Forestry Carbon Credit Initiative, which has successfully brought more than 2,700 beneficiaries across 12 forest divisions under a carbon credit framework covering over 1,800 acres. This initiative connects sustainable farm forestry with emerging carbon markets to generate long-term environmental and livelihood benefits. Additionally, the progress of the third-party evaluation of AJY and the OFSDP-II project evaluation by IIFM, Bhopal, was discussed.
To sustain livelihood support beyond the project period, the Governing Body approved the formalisation of the Livelihood Resource Centre as a dedicated institutional mechanism. Supported by the project leadership, this institution will serve as a long-term resource and business support platform to strengthen producer groups, Self-Help Groups, and forest-based enterprises for forest fringe communities.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmed commitment toward climate-resilient forestry and sustainable livelihood enhancement. Ms. Rinku Kumari, IFS, Joint Project Director (A and F), OFSDS, Ms. Babita Mohapatra, Additional Director, Odisha Livelihoods Mission, and Shri Prashanna Kumar Behera of NEWS, representing the Partner NGOs of OFSDP-II attended the meeting.