By Rashmi Rekha Das
Women who once bore the brunt of the devastating Fani cyclone at Astaranga region in Puri have emerged as conservation leaders, dedicating their lives to protecting the very mangrove forests that sheltered them during the storms. Having witnessed firsthand the fury of cyclone Fani and the crucial role mangroves play in shielding communities, these women have become passionate advocates for conservation. With unwavering determination, they work tirelessly to preserve the delicate balance of the ecosystem, safeguarding the rich biodiversity that thrives within the mangrove forests. From planting mangrove saplings to monitoring wildlife populations, these women conservation leaders are driving positive change, inspiring their communities to join the fight against environmental degradation and climate change.
Ommcom News had the privilege of meeting the unsung heroes of Astaranga village – a group of dedicated rural women who are tirelessly working towards the conservation of mangrove plants. Through their selfless efforts, these women are not only protecting the fragile ecosystem of the mangrove forests but also contributing significantly to the well-being of their community.
For generations, coastal communities in Odisha relied on unsustainable practices such as crab, shrimp, fish, and wood collection to make a living, unknowingly damaging the delicate mangrove ecosystem. However, thanks to the pioneering ‘Women for Mangroves’ initiative by Odisha Paryavaran Sanrakshan Abhiyan (OPSA), a remarkable transformation is underway.
OPSA Trust recognized the urgent need for change and embarked on a mission to educate, engage, and inspire women from these communities to become the guardians of mangroves and champions of coastal resilience. Through this empowering movement, women are not only learning sustainable practices but also becoming the driving force behind mangrove conservation, safeguarding the future of their communities and the environment.
Starting with five women, OPSA Trust conducted community meetings, cultural awareness programmes, one-on-one discussions, and exposure visits to estuarine areas. Through educational boating trips, the participants witnessed firsthand the impacts of climate change, coastal pressure, and the role of mangroves in protecting shorelines and livelihoods. Gradually, these women understood the critical importance of mangroves and their role in sustaining biodiversity, reducing climate vulnerabilities, and ensuring their safety from rising sea levels.
OPSA Trust’s groundbreaking initiative began with a small group of five women, who were immersed in a comprehensive program of community meetings, cultural awareness drives, personalized discussions, and guided exposure visits to estuarine areas. The transformative journey continued with educational boating trips, where participants witnessed the stark realities of climate change, coastal erosion, and the vital role mangroves play in shielding shorelines and livelihoods.
OPSA founder Soumya Ranjan Biswal said, “We are transforming a vulnerable community of fisherwomen, who once contributed to the degradation of mangroves at the Devi River Mouth, into active conservationists. Previously, their livelihoods depended on activities like crab collection and gathering firewood, but now they recognize the critical role of mangroves. These women are actively engaged in restoring and conserving natural mangroves, from establishing nurseries to full restoration efforts.”
He continued: “As understanding dawned, these women became increasingly aware of the critical importance of mangroves in sustaining biodiversity, mitigating climate vulnerabilities, and safeguarding their communities from rising sea levels. Empowered by knowledge, they began to champion the cause of mangrove conservation, inspiring a ripple effect of change that would resonate throughout their communities.”
“We are providing capacity-building training to women, empowering them to take charge of mangrove conservation. I’m thrilled to share that 15-20 families, in addition to the women, are actively participating in this program. This inclusive approach has not only strengthened our efforts but also fostered a sense of community ownership and responsibility for protecting our precious mangrove ecosystems”, he stated.
Nalini Kandi, who is leading the team, said, “I still vividly remember the day that changed my life forever. A few women and I were on our way to collect firewood from the forest, a chore we had to undertake daily since most of our community didn’t have LPG gas connections. That’s when we met Soumya sir, who would later become our guiding light. He asked us why we were collecting wood, and as we shared our plight, he invited us to a place. Little did we know that this chance encounter would mark the beginning of an extraordinary journey. When we reached, Soumya sir asked us to fill polythene bags with soil. Curious, we asked why. He smiled and said, ‘To sow seeds’. My curiosity turned into fascination as he explained the importance of mangrove conservation. He told us how mangroves could combat cyclones and floods, and how they guard our coast.”
She further said, “That day, we made a decision that would change our life’s purpose. I chipped in with the mangrove plantation programme, and soon, we found ourselves at the forefront of a movement. It wasn’t just about safeguarding the environment; it was also about improving our livelihoods. The income generated from the programme empowered us, and we began to see the world in a different light. In the last two years, we have made significant strides in our mangrove conservation efforts, successfully planting an impressive 40,000 to 45,000 saplings.”
“Today, as I lead the mangrove team, I look back at that day with gratitude. OPSA not only transformed our lives but also gave us a sense of purpose. We, the women of Astaranga, have become the guardians of our coast.”
Bilas Kandi and Bijuli Kandi of the community seconding Nalini Kandi said, “The initiative led by OPSA has not only transformed our lives but also contributed significantly to the well-being of our community. By adopting sustainable practices and becoming the driving force behind mangrove conservation, we are safeguarding the future of their communities and the environment. By doing this, we are doing our bit for the society.”
