Where we work
Our presence in Odisha is in the undulating regions of Angul, Dhenkanal and Keonjhar in central parts, and in the Eastern Ghats’ tribal-dominated district of Koraput. We work with rain-fed, agriculture-dependent, small and marginal farmers in Angul and Dhenkanal. In Koraput and Keonjhar, it is with tribal communities inhabiting the upper catchments of the Kolab and Baitarni River basins, respectively. Although rich in green cover, with rapid industrialisation, both regions have witnessed acute water scarcity and growing urban-rural economic disparity over the decades.
What we do
We work with local NGOs, forest protection networks and field teams across Odisha to secure Community Forest Rights (CFR) under the provisions of the Forest Rights Act, 2006. We also help build the capacity of our partners and field teams to prepare post CFR management plans.
Impact at a Glance
As on Mar 2023Village Institutions
Strengthened
Through FES
Teams
Through Government & NGO Partners
Thousand Lives
Impacted
Through FES
Teams
Through Government & NGO Partners
Thousand Acres of Commons under Community Governance
Through FES
Teams
Through Government & NGO Partners
*Map not to scale
*Map not to scale
Testimonials
"Though my family has been ploughing this land for 50 years, we never had records to claim our rights. Now I am a proud owner of this piece of land and can access various entitlements from the government without hassles."
Sukanti Pradhan
Sitkabari, Boudh
"Bamboo is one of the main sources of our livelihood. It used to be readily available, but due to erosion, its capacity to regenerate reduced. Our whole village worked to protect 191 acres of forest; we constructed half-moon and full-moon stone walls around 280+ bamboo clumps to reduce water runoff. In the last 2 years, 6-8 more shoots per plant have been appearing. This has really improved the forest’s health and also our livelihoods."
Nikuri Nayak, President, Gedilimunda Watershed Development Committee,
Athamallik Block, Angul
Implementing Partners
Partner Highlights
Kuradiphasa is a small village in Bargarh district, Odisha, where communities are heavily dependent on forest produce for their livelihood and sustenance. With Manav Adhikar Seva Samiti’s help, they filed CFR claims on 500 acres of forest in 2015-16, which were finally approved in 2018. Now, with the help of Odisha Livelihood Mission (OLM), they collect, process and market non-timber forest produce. This year, the community harvested and sold harra and honey, benefitting 67 households, mostly headed by women. 22 more villages in the block are planning similar interventions with OLM.
