Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday launched BANAYANA, the JICA-supported Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project. The new project would be implemented in 14 Forest and Wildlife Divisions of the State, covering 10 districts, with the active participation of 1,200 Vana Surakhya Samitis (VSSs) with an outlay of Rs 1,000 crore for a period of 10 years.
This JICA supported project is the first 3rd generation forestry sector project in India.
“It envisages sustainable management of forest and bio-diversity along with adoption of best available technology and practices. The most important aspect of this project will be active community engagement to transform them from resource users to resource managers,” said Chief Minister Patnaik.
JICA-assisted Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project (OFSDP) was first implemented in Odisha in 2006 with active community participation in 2,426 villages. The goal was restoration of degraded forest and improvement in livelihood of communities living in the forest fringe villages.
With the lessons learnt from the successful implementation of OFSDP, the Government of Odisha launched a flagship programme AMA JUNGlE YOJANA to keep the momentum. It is being successfully implemented in 24 forest divisions with a target to cover seven thousand VSSs.
Considering the unique biological diversity of Odisha, the ecosystem-based management would be introduced in Bhitarkanika under this plan. Similarly, SATOYAMA initiative would be piloted in Badrama Wild life Sanctuary of Bamra Wild life Division.
The project would bring in a paradigm shift in forest management by acknowledging crucial role of women in sustainable management of forest. As many as 3,600 women Self Help Groups would be supported under this project to facilitate them to pursue viable income generation activities. Women would be empowered by their inclusion in the planning and decision making process.
Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA), India Office head Takema Sakamoto and senior State Government officials were present.