Students Unite for Mangrove Restoration: A Climate Resilience Initiative in Odisha

A Collective Effort for Environmental Sustainability

In Bhubaneswar, a significant environmental initiative took place on Saturday, where students, local communities, and organizations gathered in Astaranga and Talapada to advocate for mangrove restoration and enhance climate resilience.

At the Astaranga Government High School, the Odisha Paryavaran Sanrakshana Abhiyan Trust organized a mass oath-taking event that involved 9,135 students from 131 different schools.

This initiative aimed to foster ecological awareness and highlight the crucial role mangroves play in safeguarding coastal areas.

Additionally, the event marked the introduction of a scientific mangrove restoration project utilizing the FishBone Technique, part of the Trust’s ambitious goal of planting a million mangroves by 2030.

An official from OPSA stated, “We’re empowering the next generation to take the lead in environmental restoration.”

The event received support from various media outlets, which helped spread the message throughout the state.

Meanwhile, in Talapada, Balasore, a celebration took place at the Jamuka River Mouth, commemorating one year of a grassroots mangrove restoration project led by Eco Walk, in partnership with the Reliance Foundation, ROSIA, and local community members.

This initiative has successfully restored over 6,000 native mangrove saplings, transforming the area into a model for community-led ecological recovery.

Jalendra Mohalik, founder of Eco Walk, emphasized, “This effort goes beyond just planting trees; it’s about rebuilding natural defenses and empowering local communities.”

Umashankar Nayak from OUAT underscored the importance of mangroves as “nature’s frontline defense against coastal threats,” while Dibyakanta Nayak from the Reliance Foundation remarked, “Mangroves are essential for biodiversity and the livelihoods of local people.”

Notable attendees included Harendra Malik (Sarpanch), Mohit Choudhary (Reliance Foundation), Swastik Dey, and Sashmita Majhi (ROHF).