For immediate release
IUCN press statement
Vulnerable Olive Ridley turtles find diverse support in Orissa, India
3 March 2009 (IUCN) - The Dhamra Port project in Orissa has attracted considerable attention due to its proximity to vulnerable Olive Ridley turtle nesting grounds. The question is - can large infrastructure projects like this be environmentally sustainable? In a breakthrough workshop held by IUCN, developers and environmentalists have joined together to tackle this complex and controversial issue.
IUCN’s Consultative Technical Workshop on Dhamra Port was held in Bhubaneshwar, Orissa, India on 24-25 February 2009, and was followed by a trip to the port site. The interactive forum focused on IUCN’s work to mitigate the impact of the Dhamra Port development on the Olive Ridley turtle. IUCN has been advising port developer Dhamra Port Company Ltd (DPCL), a joint venture between TATA Steel and Larsen and Toubro (L&T) on mitigation strategies.
“Orissa is a poor state, but rich in natural resources. The port and other projects are required for its economic development. We also have rich biodiversity in Orissa, such as the Olive Ridley turtles, mangroves, and other flora and fauna. One disturbing fact is that there has been no mass-nesting at Gahirmatha since last year. There are too many factors, we need to study this. We need issues and suggestions thrown up and find a delicate balance between environment and development,”said Upendra Nath Behera, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Forest & Environment Department, Government of Orissa
The workshop brought together a diverse mix of government representatives, the private sector, leading local and international scientists, technical experts, academics and local community representatives. “If this sort of an effort cannot solve a problem, nothing can – it is a valiant attempt. We have never seen this before” said Kinsuk Mitra, President, Winrock International India
Participants discussed and debated scientific information and development agendas with the aim to ensure long-term security for Olive Ridley turtles and the ecosystems on which they depend. All participants widely agreed on the importance of the coastline south of the port, which is one of the world’s largest mass nesting grounds for Olive Ridley turtles. “This is an extremely unique and special area, a globally significant monument. It’s not just sea turtles and arribadas, its horseshoe crabs and mangroves and birds and much much more. From what we have heard today, the area is important enough to be declared a World Heritage |
