By Rashmi Rekha Das
Deep within the lush forests and along the fragile coastlines of Odisha, a silent revolution is underway. Led by the indefatigable Akash Ranjan Rath, the Junglelore Foundation has been tirelessly working to protect the state’s rich biodiversity. Their vision is simple yet profound: a world where animals roam free and the air resonates with the sweet melodies of rare birds.
For years, the Junglelore Foundation has been at the forefront of the battle against poachers, habitat destruction, and human-animal conflicts. Their efforts have been nothing short of remarkable. From conducting over 100 human-animal conflict management operations to organizing more than 40 estuary cleanup drives, Akash and his team have left no stone unturned in their quest to preserve Odisha’s natural heritage.
One of their most notable achievements has been the successful conservation of olive ridley turtles. Thanks to their relentless efforts, close to 5,000 hatchlings have safely made their way into the ocean. From rescuing rare species to protecting fragile ecosystems, Junglelore is just conserving the future. They are fostering a future where humans and wildlife can co-exist.
But the Junglelore Foundation’s work goes beyond just conservation. They are also dedicated to educating and inspiring the next generation of wildlife guardians. Through their innovative program, ‘Jungle Kahuchi, they have been engaging with school children, teaching them about the importance of coexisting with nature and the need to protect Odisha’s biodiversity.
In an exclusive interview, Ommcom News spoke with the visionary founder of Junglelore Foundation to learn more about his groundbreaking conservation efforts.
Set up on October 2, 2019, the outfit is being run by 25 members under the guidance of Akash Ranjan Rath, former honorary wildlife warden of Puri and government-nominated member of the eco-sensitive zone committee, Puri.
Currently founding trustee member of Junglelore Foundation, Akash on asking about what led him to work passionately for wildlife conservation, he attributes his passion for wildlife conservation to his deep-seated connection with nature.
“My innate love for wildlife and the natural world has driven me to make a meaningful impact in Odisha’s conservation landscape,” he shares.
Emphasizing the need for collective action, Akash stresses, “Ensuring the safety of wildlife demands a collaborative effort from all stakeholders, including the government, civil society, media, and research institutions.”
With a remarkable 25-year tenure in wildlife conservation, Akash and his team have played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the forest department and local communities.
“Through our tireless efforts, we have organized a series of impactful initiatives, including rallies, awareness programs, and inter-village competitions, across the Similipal, Kuldhia, and Hadagarh corridors. These grassroots endeavours have not only fostered a sense of ownership among local inhabitants but also promoted harmonious coexistence with wildlife”, said Akash.
It won’t be wrong to say that Akash has been at the forefront of wildlife conservation in Odisha for over two decades. His tireless efforts have not only helped protect the state’s rich biodiversity but also promoted harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife.
One of his most notable initiatives is the Jungle Kahuchi programme, an ambitious forest conservation project that aims to sensitize local communities through short wildlife documentaries, PPTs, and interactive sessions. The programme has been successfully implemented in several divisions, including Puri Wildlife and Nayagarh Divisions.
“My commitment to conservation extends beyond education and awareness. I have also worked closely with local fishing communities, distributing fishing nets to prevent overfishing and protect marine life. My efforts have significantly impacted the conservation of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles, with local inhabitants actively protecting their nests on the Brahmagiri coast since 2010,” said Akash recalling his achievement.
He continued: “My work with Wild Orissa, a prominent conservation organization, has been instrumental in protecting the Mangalajodi wetland and promoting sustainable livelihoods for local communities. I have also conducted numerous sensitization programmes, documentaries, and photo exhibitions, reaching out to over 500 communities across Odisha.”
His dedication to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation is equally impressive, with over 1,000 wild animals, including reptiles, rescued and released back into their natural habitats. Akash has also worked tirelessly to protect the nests of Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Fishing Cats, and Burmese Pythons, engaging with local communities and encouraging them to take ownership of conservation efforts.
Through his ‘My School-My Bird’ project, Akash has covered over 400 schools across Odisha, educating and inspiring students to take up grassroots conservation of avifauna. This initiative has helped develop a new generation of conservationists and fostered a sense of community ownership and responsibility towards wildlife conservation.
In short, Akash’s remarkable journey is a testament to the power of individual commitment and community-led conservation.
