Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said on Thursday that the state government has decided to establish the world’s first “Center for Species Survival: Asian Elephant” near Chandaka Wildlife Division, Bhubaneswar in collaboration with the IUCN Species Survival Commission, Wildlife Trust of India, and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
He made an announcement while inaugurating an International Workshop on Best Practices in Human-Elephant Coexistence in Bhubaneswar, calling for global collaboration to ensure peaceful coexistence between humans and elephants.
The proposed elephant survival centre will explore research, policy, and best practices—not just for Odisha, but for all of South and Southeast Asia, he said.
It will also serve as a regional hub for advancing science, shaping policy and driving community action across South-East Asia for elephant conservation, he further stated.
Addressing dignitaries, delegates, and experts from India and abroad, the chief minister said, “In Odisha, elephants are more than animals — they are part of our identity, history, and spirituality. The elephant, as the National Heritage Animal, truly holds a special place in our hearts.”
Expansion of agriculture and infrastructure growth have been reducing traditional elephant habitats, resulting in man-elephant conflict, said the CM expressing concern over rising conflicts due to habitat loss.
The CM also outlined Odisha’s initiatives, including mapping elephant corridors, restoring degraded forests, empowering local protection groups through Gaja Saathi and Vana Surakshya Samitis, strengthening anti-poaching squads, and using GPS collars, drones, and AI cameras for tracking elephant movement. He also highlighted Odisha’s comprehensive approach to manage this challenge by protecting elephants while safeguarding communities. “Our vision is to create a development model for Odisha where elephants roam freely, our forests remain healthy, and communities coexist in peace with animals. This model will inspire the rest of the world,” CM said, reaffirming Odisha’s commitment to elephant conservation.
The workshop brought together conservationists, researchers, policymakers, and international delegates to discuss strategies for mitigating human-elephant conflict and ensuring sustainable coexistence.
“This workshop was not just a discussion, but the beginning of a coordinated global movement where Odisha is leading from the front. The intensity of the challenge is matched only by our collective resolve. We have moved beyond merely managing conflict to actively building pathways for coexistence. The key takeaway is clear: the future of the elephant is inextricably linked to the well-being and involvement of the communities who live alongside them,” he added.
Earlier, the session was marked by addresses from speakers including Forest Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia, P. K. Jha, PCCF (Wildlife), Odisha, Ms. Heidi Riddle, Vice Chairperson of IUCN Species Survival, Suresh Pant, PCCF Odisha, Mr. Adam Felts, Vice President of Animal Care, Columbus Zoo,
Ramesh Kumar Pandey, Additional Director General of Forests and Director, Project Elephant of the Centre emphasized the role of Project Elephant in mitigating conflict and conserving habitats. Satyabrata Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha, outlined policy measures at the state level.
The two-day workshop that resumed today will witness technical sessions, deliberations, and experience-sharing among experts from across the globe to evolve sustainable strategies for peaceful human-elephant co-existence.