Bhubaneswar, Aug 21: In a landmark move for wildlife conservation, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday announced the establishment of the world’s first Asian Elephant Species Survival Centre on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.

The announcement was made during the inauguration of an international workshop on human-elephant coexistence, attended by global conservationists, researchers, and policymakers.

The centre will be set up at Godibari near Chandaka Wildlife Division, in collaboration with the IUCN Species Survival Commission, Wildlife Trust of India, and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. It aims to become a regional hub for research, policy development, and community-driven conservation across South and Southeast Asia.

“This centre will drive research, policy, and best practices — not just for Odisha, but for all of South and Southeast Asia,” said CM Majhi. “Our vision is to create a development model where elephants roam freely, forests remain healthy, and communities coexist peacefully with wildlife.”

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The Chief Minister emphasized Odisha’s cultural and spiritual connection to elephants, calling them part of the state’s identity. He also acknowledged the growing threat of man-elephant conflict, exacerbated by habitat loss due to agricultural and infrastructure expansion. Over the past decade, 900 people and 750 elephants have lost their lives in such conflicts.

Odisha’s multi-pronged strategy includes mapping elephant corridors, restoring degraded forests, empowering local protection groups like Gaja Saathi and Vana Surakshya Samitis, and deploying GPS collars, drones, and AI cameras to monitor elephant movement.

Forest Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia highlighted the state’s shift from a protection-centric model to a holistic coexistence philosophy. The workshop featured speakers such as PK Jha, Heidi Riddle, Suresh Pant, and Adam Felts, who shared insights on sustainable conservation practices.

The initiative sets a new global benchmark in elephant conservation and positions Odisha as a leader in wildlife stewardship.

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