--By UNICEF: With the initiative of the Youth Leaders Council of Youth4Water Plus, a UNICEF-led campaign for environmental protection in Odisha, an impactful drive for the conservation of the horseshoe crab was launched at the scenic Chandipur beach on Tuesday. A map of crab’s protection hotspots, factsheet and logo were unveiled by chief guest district Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde on the occasion.
GIS and Climate Change Expert Prof Manoranjan Mishra, Associate Professor Department of Bio-science Dr Bhaskar Behera, Assistant Professor Zoology Department Dr Niladri Bhusan Kar of FM University, Crab Man of Odisha Dr Biswajeet Panda and Chandipur Wildlife Ranger Ganesh Prasad Lenka were among others present on the occasion .The campaign was supported by Bikash Saathi, a local NGO.
At the outset, Program Director, Youth4Water Plus, Jyoti Sharma welcomed the guests and set the context for the launch of the event. This was followed by the factsheet and hotspots map unveiling by chief guest Shinde.
“Horseshoe crabs are a unique species and special for Odisha - particularly Baleswar district. Since they are indicator species, success in conserving them will be proof of our success in our environmental protection efforts. We will soon be forming the district horseshoe crab protection committee,” said Shinde.
"Climate Change is happening more due to anthropogenic pressure. If we want to protect ourselves and marine life, we need to cut down on human interference in their habitats," climate change expert Prof Mishra said.
Assistant Professor Kar, Wildlife Biologist, Fakir Mohan University said,"Interdependence of all living and non living forms needs to be recognized in our conservation efforts. And it is a matter of satisfaction that people have begun to understand its importance to protect the horseshoe crab and its ecosystem."
Nirakar Bisoi, a Council member, offered the vote of thanks.
