Soumya Ranjan Biswal, a 26-year-old from Odisha's Puri district, has made significant contributions to environmental conservation. He founded the Odisha Paryavaran Sanrakshan Abhiyan in 2014, dedicated to marine turtle and mangrove conservation. His efforts have led to tangible results such as mangrove restoration and reduction in man-made degradation in the region. Soumya's proactive stance extends to combating forest fires and engaging with various stakeholders to raise awareness about climate resilience.

Soumya's passion for wildlife and nature conservation has been the driving force behind his life's work. He has garnered recognition from UN agencies, government bodies, and media organizations in India for his contributions to marine conservation. Soumya's unwavering dedication and multifaceted approach make him a true climate champion, inspiring change at the grassroots level and beyond.

IVLP Impact Award Project: Community-Led Biodiversity Conservation and Nature-Based Solutions Education for Climate Resilience at Devi River Mouth in India

This project focuses on mobilizing the coastal community in Odisha, India, to conserve the critical mangrove ecosystem and associated coastal biodiversity for climate resilience in the Devi Estuary Landscape. Through citizen science initiatives, the project will educate and involve various segments of the coastal community, including women, fishermen, youth, students, and intellectuals, in coastal biodiversity conservation and its role in climate resilience.

Key project activities include land stewardship programs, nature-based solution restoration, public outreach events, environmental education programs for coastal students, ghost-net cleanup to protect marine life, and mangrove island habitat cleanup to improve ecological breeding and feeding ground habitats. The project will restore 1,000 native mangrove saplings, create a pollution-free sea turtle breeding ground and mangrove habitats, mobilize 480 students from 10 eco-clubs to become future leaders in sea turtle conservation and provide hands-on exposure to 220 youth, women, and local intellectuals. The goal is to positively impact approximately 100,000 coastal community individuals and visitors, enhancing biodiversity conservation efforts and building climate resilience in the region.

Since July, Soumya organized three mangrove clean-up efforts at Devi Rookery, removing around 800 kg of waste with the support of 25 volunteers. With youth volunteers, he has intensified island clean-up efforts in remote, cyclone-prone areas. He also organized a mangrove plantation drive, successfully planting 1,000 mangrove saplings in coastal areas to enhance coastal resilience. The drive empowers vulnerable coastal communities, specifically 30 women, who are learning to incorporate traditional knowledge in sapling preparation from local fisherman. The project is gaining attention within the local community, with interest from neighboring areas to replicate similar initiatives. Soumya is exploring partnerships with recycling organizations to address plastic waste sustainability and plans to expand his efforts to more vulnerable areas in the region.

 

“My IVLP Impact Award project aims to ignite a ripple effect of change, fostering a community-driven movement to conserve our coastal ecosystems. Through education, engagement, and action, we envision not only a thriving environment but also a future where our region embraces sustainability and environmental stewardship, as I realized from the USA curriculum. We also aspire to develop curriculum models for public outreach and environmental education, inspired by the best practices observed during our IVLP experience, to empower the next generation of leaders in India.”- Soumya Biswal

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Soumya participated in the IVLP Project Integrating Technology and Inquiry-Based Learning Methods in the Classroom, organized by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global, in partnership with Georgia Council for International Visitors, WorldBoston, and WorldOregon.

Soumya’s exchange experience led to the development of his IVLP Impact Award project: "My IVLP journey, enriched by immersive experiences at the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, insightful sessions with the State Department and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and eye-opening visits to the Tybee Island Marine Science Centre, inspired my IVLP Impact Award Project by emphasizing the urgency of community engagement, nature-based solutions, and interdisciplinary collaboration in coastal conservation efforts. These encounters shaped my commitment to implementing similar strategies in my work as a marine conservation activist in Odisha, India, particularly addressing the critical issues of wetland preservation and sea turtle protection."

“The IVLP program offered a comprehensive and enriching experience, providing me with valuable knowledge, networking opportunities, and inspiring examples of successful conservation initiatives on coastal ecosystems like sea turtle conservation management, marshland protection strategy, environmental education and public education curriculum through active participation of public, students on wetland and other important ecosystem.”- Soumya Biswal

U.S. Communities Visited

Washington, DC; Savannah, GA; Boston, MA; Portland, OR

Country: India

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