The 38th Governing Body Meeting of OFSDS reviewed the progress of OFSDP-II, Ama Jangala Yojana and key forestry initiatives. The meeting approved the extension of OFSDP-II till 2030, advanced the Farm Forestry Carbon Credit Initiative, and strengthened livelihood support for forest-dependent communities
OdishaPlus Bureau
The 38th Governing Body Meeting of the Odisha Forestry Sector Development Society (OFSDS) under the aegis of Forest, Environment & Climate Change Dept was held today under the chairmanship of the Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, IAS, Principal Secretary, Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha. In the meeting G. Rajesh, Addl. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Project Director, OFSDP-II and Member Convener of the Governing Body gave an overview of OFSDS.
The Governing Body reviewed the progress of JICA-assisted OFSDP Phase-II, Ama Jangala Yojana and OFSDS-OMBADC and other flagship initiatives while taking several key policy decisions to strengthen sustainable forest management and livelihood support for forest-dependent communities.
Among the major decisions, the Governing Body approved the proposal for a three-year extension of OFSDP-II (2027–2030) without any cost escalation, enabling the project to consolidate ongoing interventions, institutionalise successful models and ensure long-term sustainability of project outcomes. The statutory approval from state government will be sought by the Dept.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of the Farm Forestry Carbon Credit Initiative, under which more than 2,700 beneficiaries across 12 forest divisions have been brought under a carbon credit framework covering over 1,800 acres. The initiative is expected to generate long-term environmental and livelihood benefits by linking sustainable farm forestry with emerging carbon markets.
Progress of Third-party evaluation of AJY and OFSDP-II project evaluation by IIFM, Bhopal was also discussed.
Recognising the need for sustained livelihood support beyond the project period, the Governing Body approved the formalisation of the Livelihood Resource Centre (LRC) as a dedicated institutional mechanism to strengthen producer groups, Self-Help Groups and forest-based enterprises. The proposed institution will serve as a long-term resource and business support platform for forest fringe communities.
The meeting reaffirmed the Government of Odisha’s commitment towards climate-resilient forestry, community-led natural resource management and sustainable livelihood enhancement through collaborative institutional initiatives.
The meeting was graced by Dr. K.Murugesan, IFS, PCCF & HoFF, Manoj Nair, IFS, representing PCCF (Wildlife), Swayam Mallick, IFS, Special Secretary, FE&CC Department and Rinku Kumari, IFS, Joint Project Director (A&F), OFSDS along with Babita Mohapatra, Additional Director, Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM), Prashanna Kumar Behera of NEWS, as representative of Partner NGOs of OFSDP-II.