Astaranga OPSA conducts community sensitization programmes

Astaranga: The Odisha Environment Conservation Campaign (OPSA) celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity in Astaranga on Thursday through a series of mangrove conservation and community sensitization programs in the ecologically important Devi River Mouth Landscape in Puri district.

The events were organized in Keutajanga village of Sisua Gram Panchayat and Biluamundali village of Jhadling Gram Panchayat in Astaranga block, with support from Hughes Systic Private Limited. Organized in line with this year’s global theme, ‘Acting Locally for Global Impact,’ the initiative focused on strengthening awareness among frontline coastal communities about biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and the ecological importance of mangrove ecosystems.

Artists and children from 11 local fishing communities presented traditional performances, conservation-themed scripts, songs, and awareness art, focusing on mangrove conservation, climate change adaptation, and coastal resilience. The initiative aimed to promote cultural participation and grassroots environmental leadership among vulnerable coastal communities.

Astaranga MP Representative Dibakar Chhatoi, who attended as the chief guest, praised the active participation of women and fishing communities in coastal conservation initiatives and emphasized the importance of the “Million Mangroves by 2030” campaign launched by OPSA in collaboration with Dharitri and Odisha POST.

Chhatoi appealed to local people to protect coastal habitats and strengthen community-led climate resilience efforts. Sabuja Sakha President Ramakant Bastiya, youth leaders Naresh Kumar Pati and Durga Charan Moharana, along with community representatives and local notables, also attended the program.

OPSA Managing Trustee Soumya Ranjan Biswal, Project Manager Pintu Patra, Trustee Siba Prasad Malik, and other members were present during the events.