Biodiversity Conservation

Establishment of Chilika Bioresource Centre for Sustainable Livelihoods and Management of Chilika Lake Wetland Ecosystem

Background

Chilika Lake witnessed rapid degradation between 1950 and 2000 due to increased sediment loads from the catchments and reduced connectivity with the sea, leading to decreased salinity.
This degradation resulted in a major decline in lagoon fisheries, proliferation of invasive weeds, and a substantial loss of biodiversity.
The increase in salinity led to significant changes in the aquatic vegetation, with a rapid expansion of the Phragmites population, known to tolerate high salinity conditions
This invasive species has grown from 76.4 sq km in 2000 to 286 sq km at present.

About the Initiative

BCKIC Foundation in association with School of Biotechnology, KIIT DU & CIPET Bhubaneswar aims to produce small-scale kraft paper and corrugated carton to provide alternative livelihoods for the community and also contribute to the ecological balance of the Chilika ecosystem. These activities can create value-added products and materials, targeting both the local SC population, while addressing the environmental and economic repercussions of the invasive Phragmites species which can affect the health as well economic status of the SC population in the region.

Targeted Beneficiaries

Total Beneficiaries

Number of SC Beneficiaries

Direct SC Beneficiaries

Indirect SC Beneficiaries

Chilika Bioresource Centre

The Chilika Bioresource Centre (CBC) serves as a hub for the dissemination of technological interventions aimed at valorizing Phragmites karka biomass. By harnessing scientific and technical innovations, the CBC will facilitate the creation of value-added products, transforming an invasive species into a valuable resource.