Bhubaneswar: The land commons in Odisha, covering over 5 million hectares, are estimated to be worth Rs 36,890 crore, according to a recent report titled “Economic Valuation of Land Commons in Odisha.”
This report was created by the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES), the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Federation University, Australia, and Common Ground.
Land commons refer to shared resources that are accessible to all community members, such as forests, pastures, and uncultivated land. These resources play a crucial role in supporting ecosystems and the livelihoods of billions of people around the world. Along with their economic value, it is equally important to recognise the systems and practices used by local communities to manage and protect these resources sustainably. In tribal areas, this is often done through traditional practices of self-regulation, which is key to ensuring inclusion and fairness in local decision-making processes.
The report provides a clear economic value of land commons, emphasising their significant role in Odisha’s economy and society. It highlights the need to consider the economic worth of these commons in policymaking and land acquisition to ensure their sustainable management and protection.
Odisha, heavily dependent on agriculture and natural resources, is one of eight states in India most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Its economy and population—about 36 million people across 26 districts—are especially at risk from climate events like cyclones, floods, and droughts.
The report draws on data from the study “Valuing Ecosystem Services Provided by Land Commons in India,” by Harpinder Sandhu and others, published in Environmental Research Letters.
It stresses the importance of legal reforms, sustainable management practices, and community-based governance to protect these lands.
The brief also calls for incorporating the economic value of land commons into state policies and accounts, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals include good health and well-being, economic growth, reduced inequality, and responsible consumption, ensuring a better future for all generations.
This report is an essential tool for policymakers, environmentalists, and community leaders, urging them to recognise and safeguard the economic, social, and environmental importance of Odisha’s land commons.
