A community-led forestry initiative in Odisha is successfully combining livelihood generation with sustainable forest conservation, bringing new hope to thousands of vulnerable families. Officials announced this morning that the Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project Phase-II (OFSDP-II), supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has positively impacted over 7.55 lakh forest-dependent individuals across the state over the last two years.
The initiative empowers local communities through Vana Surakhya Samitis (VSS), providing micro-loans and training for sustainable income sources like vegetable farming and oyster mushroom cultivation. By enabling rural families to achieve economic security, the project is simultaneously rebuilding the dignity of forest communities and ensuring the long-term protection of Odisha’s rich natural landscapes.
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Monday, July 20, 2026
