Sustainable Landscape and Ecosystem Governance in Odisha's Eastern Ghats

The Eastern Ghats, a crucial mountain ecosystem in India, play a vital role in sustaining biodiversity, water resources, and the livelihoods of millions, particularly in Odisha. However, rapid degradation due to biotic pressures and developmental activities has made this ecosystem increasingly vulnerable to climate change impacts. This chapter explores Odisha’s community-based approach to restoring and managing the Eastern Ghats’ landscapes, drawing insights from successful natural resource management (NRM) initiatives like joint forest management (JFM), the Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project (OFSDP), and Ama Jungala Yojana (AJY). Through participatory strategies—such as integrated landscape management, micro-planning, gender mainstreaming, environmental and social management frameworks, community-based monitoring, and capacity building—these programs have fostered inclusive governance, enhanced local livelihoods, and promoted ecosystem resilience. The equitable sharing of benefits and integration of social and environmental safeguards have empowered communities to take active roles in sustainable forest management. These experiences demonstrate that community-led, integrated landscape governance is not only feasible but also scalable across the Eastern Ghats. The chapter advocates for replication of these participatory models to counteract ecosystem degradation, mitigate climate change risks, and ensure the long-term conservation of natural and socio-cultural resources.