Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Friday emphasized that human civilization and wildlife are very closely associated and loss of key species due to human interference will have adverse impact on the Ecosystem.
‘Come forward and join hands for conservation of wildlife and restoration of their habitats for the well-being of our future generations,” he appealed to the people of the State addressing a function to mark the State Level Wildlife Week.
Minister Forest, Environment and Climate Change Pradip Kumar Amat appreciated participation of local villagers in the management of Ecotourism in the state.
He said that local villagers were able to supplement their livelihood through Ecotourism.
Some more ecotourism destinations will come up in near future in addition to the existing 47 destinations spread over 18 districts of the state, he said.
As per the Forest Survey of India 2021, the total area of mangrove forest has increased by 8.34 Sq Km in the last two years, which is highest in the country, he informed.
Additional Chief Secretary Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department Mona Sharma praised the people of the State for their support in conservation of wildlife in the state.
She pitched for involving local communities in all the activities for protection and conservation of wildlife.
PCCF(Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden SK Popli spoke about various activities undertaken and continuing for the protection and conservation of the Wildlife and their habitats.
On this occasion, a state level exhibition was inaugurated at Jaydev Bhawan and the winners of Quiz, Photography, Sit and Draw Competitions were awarded.
Bikiji Nag of Siskela, Balangir and Rabindranath Sahu of Purunabandh, Ganjam were honoured with “State Level Biju Patnaik Wildlife Conservation Award ” for this year for their exemplary contribution on conservation of wildlife.
Three Books – ‘Wildlife Odisha’, ‘Birds of Bhubaneswar’ and ‘Similipal- The Forest of Hundred Orchids’- were released on the occasion.
