OEC

 

BACKGROUND

The Odisha Environment Congress (OEC) is going to hold its 15th edition on the 20th, 21st, and 22nd December, 2024 at Berhampur University, Berhampur, Odisha.  Started in the year 2010 as an annual scientific and civil-society event on environment, the OEC has been providing a unique opportunity to academicians, researchers, scientists, planners, policymakers, students, practitioners, community members, and civil society organizations of the state and beyond for learning, interaction and dissemination of knowledge on different themes concerning the environment. It also provides scope for publication of theme-specific and research-based articles in the proceedings which is released during the main event, besides providing an opportunity for the professionals to present their papers in various technical sessions. The themes of the previous successive editions were Environment and Water Resources (2010), Environment and Forest (2011), Environment and Energy (2012), Environment and Agriculture (2013), Environment and Climate Change (2014),  Environment: Health and Nutrition (2015), Environment: Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (2016),  Environment and Sustainable River Basin Management (2016), Environment and Gandhi (1017),  Environment and Mining (2018), Environment and Biodiversity (2019) Environment and Pandemic (2019), Environment and Tribes (2022) and Environment and Urbanization (2023). For the forthcoming 15th OEC, the theme has been chosen by the organizing committee as ‘Environment and Coast’.

OBJECTIVES OF OEC:

·    To provide a platform for interaction among the researchers, policymakers, leading experts, social activists in the field of Environment so that they come up with innovative and creative ideas to address the key environmental challenges.

·  To enhance the networking among various research organizations, academic institutions, government and non-government organizations working in the field of Environment.

·   To generate specific knowledge-base among stakeholders on Environment and its relationship with human beings.

  • To provide a platform for community-scientific interface for better understanding of environmental issues and how to overcome them by devising lasting solutions.

THEME OF 15TH OEC: ‘ENVIRONMENT AND COAST’

The sea coast, where the land meets the ocean, is a vital and dynamic ecosystem that plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of our planet. Coastal environments, including beaches, dunes, mangroves, and coral reefs provide numerous benefits to both humans and wildlife. Coastal ecosystems support a rich array of biodiversity, from tiny plankton to massive blue whales. They also protect communities from storms and erosion, filter pollutants from the water, and provide livelihoods for millions of people through fishing, tourism, and various commercial activities.

However, human activities are putting immense detrimental pressure on coastal environments. In addition, climate change is causing sea-level rise, leading to increased coastal flooding, erosion, and saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources. Pollution from plastics, agricultural runoff, and industrial wastes harms marine life and contaminates the food chain. Coastal development, such as building seawalls, jetties, and resorts, can disrupt natural habitats and lead to the loss of ecosystem services. Overfishing and destructive fishing practices deplete fish populations, threatening the livelihoods of communities that depend on them.

The Indian coastline has amongst the world’s highest mangrove covers, rich coral reefs and other coastal ecosystems that support a range of livelihoods underpinned by goods and services crucial for the wellbeing of communities that live on subsistence. However, the Indian coastline is amongst the world’s most vulnerable region to the impacts of climate change, including extreme temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, increased incidence of extreme weather events, and sea-level rise, threatening the life and livelihood of millions of people. With Odisha having a 480-km stretch of coastline, its geo-climatic setting along the coast is also prone to natural calamities like cyclones, storm surges, and inundation, along with the changing sea levels, which are indicative of a higher level of coastal vulnerability.

To mitigate these impacts, it is essential to adopt sustainable practices and conservation measures. This includes:

– Protecting and restoring natural habitats like mangroves and sand dunes

– Implementing eco-friendly coastal development and urban planning processes

– Reducing pollution through advanced technology, waste management and sustainable agriculture

– Promoting sustainable fishing and aquaculture practices

– Reinforcing climate change adaptation and resilience efforts

By taking action to preserve and protect our sea coasts, we can ensure the long-term health of these vital ecosystems, support the well-being of coastal communities, and maintain the beauty and bounty of our oceans for future generations.

The Stockholm Conference 1972 on the Human Environment came out with the Stockholm Declaration, and the laws and policy towards marine conservation, which basically comprised two broad and intimately connected categories; pollution and wildlife conservation. The 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) stressed the sustainable use of coasts and established the concept of territorial waters. Subsequently, the concept of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) has evolved, which aims to achieve sustainable development of coastal zones. Coastal regions are essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) given their importance for human habitation, resource provisioning, employment, and cultural practices.  Therefore, the Sustainable Development Goals-14 (SDGs-14) calls for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, sea, and marine resources for sustainable development.

The OEC is going to discuss, deliberate and come up with workable solutions to meet up the above challenges during its 15th Annual Session on the theme, “Environment and Coast”. The organizing committee of OEC invites research-based papers/articles from researchers, academicians, scientists, activists, practitioners, etc. on the following sub-themes, which will be published in the form of a Conference Proceedings and will be released during the inauguration of the annual event on 20th December, 2024.

SUB-THEMES:

 

  • Coastal Ecosystems and Biodiversity
  • Coastal Natural Resources, Livelihood and Economy
  • Development along Coasts and its Impacts on Coastal Environment
  • Climate Change Impacts on Coasts and Disasters
  • Coastal Inundation, Displacement and Other Impacts
  • Coastal Conservation and Management: CRZ Regulations, Issues, and Challenges

NB: The above Sub-themes are not exclusive. The authors are free to contribute articles/papers on topics other than the given sub-themes, but within the ambit of main theme viz; ‘Environment and Coast’ with focus on Odisha. The Papers/Articles should not exceed 6 pages (Around 3000 words) in A4 size papers typed in 12 fonts of Times New Roman.   

 

Berhampur University- The Host Organisation:

Berhampur University, established on 2nd January 1967 under the Odisha Act 21 of 1966, is a distinguished public university with a legacy of over five decades. The University, now spanning 24 regular postgraduate departments, offers diverse courses across Science, Humanities, and Business Studies, alongside Ph.D. and D.Litt. programs.

Located in Bhanja Bihar, the campus is strategically positioned 12 kilometers from Berhampur city and just 5 kilometers from the Bay of Bengal, providing a unique coastal setting that enriches the academic environment. Among its academic offerings, the Marine Sciences Department stands out for its specialized programs in Oceanography, Marine Biology, and related fields. This department is particularly noteworthy due to its emphasis on advanced research and consultancy, contributing significantly to marine science education and coastal studies. The University’s involvement in various national and international research projects further solidifies its reputation in this specialized area. Berhampur University continues to foster academic excellence and innovation, preparing students to contribute meaningfully to both the nation and the globe.

 

Key Activities of OEC 2024

Publication of Proceedings and Paper Presentations:

Proceedings of Odisha Environment Congress 2024 will be published and released by the Chief Guest on the 1st day during the inauguration of the main event of OEC on 20th December, 2024. The proceeding will contain keynote address, invited papers from experts and papers from researchers, practitioners, activists and academicians etc. The selected articles by the contributors will be presented during the OEC.

Dr. Ajay Parida Young Scientists Award:

Papers from young researchers (age 35 and below) will be considered for inclusion in the Young Scientist Award session. In case of multiple authorships, the first author will be considered for the award and he/she shall present the paper. Interested author (s) shall also have to give an undertaking that the work has not been presented elsewhere or has not been submitted for publication/award. The Young Scientist Award will consist of a cash prize, memento and certificate of excellence. The Young Scientist Award is named after late Padma Shri Dr. Ajay Parida, Former Director, ILS, who was adviser of Odisha Environment Congress (OEC).

S. B. Mishra Green Corporate Award: 

Nominations from Corporate Bodies or Foundations of Corporate Bodies, having visible contribution in the area of Environmental Protection and Management will be sought for consideration for the S B Mishra Green Corporate Award for the year 2024. Late Sri Sudhanshu Bhusan Mishra (IAS), Former Chief Secretary of Odisha was the Advisor of OEC since its inception. The nomination will be scrutinized by a jury for decision. The winner will be provided with certificate, memento and crown as a token of recognition.

Prof. Radhamohan Green Ambassador Award: 

Nominations from credible NGOs/Civil society members, academicians, experts, activists, etc. with a remarkable contribution in the area of Environmental Protection and Management will be sought for consideration for the Green Ambassador Award for the year 2024. The nomination will be scrutinized by a jury for conferring the Award. The winners will be awarded with certificate, memento, crown and cash prize. The Green Ambassador Award is named after late Padma Shri Prof. Radhamohan who was a pioneer of the environmental movement and was the advisor of OEC since its inception.

Abasara Beuria Youth Environment Award:

Former Indian Ambassador Mr. Abasara Beuria (IFS) was adviser of Odisha Environment Congress since inception for his memory the OEC has instituted an award i.e Abasara Beuria Youth Environment Award to recognize the contribution of young environmentalist of Odisha. Nominations are also invited for the award from students/youth activities having excellent work in field of environment protection.

Children’s Environment Congress

OEC organizes various activities/ competitions on the theme related to environment among school and college students across the State under Children’s Environment Congress with the aim of creating more awareness about environment in the minds of children and the youth. Various activities like painting, debate, essay writing, story writing, e-poster designing, etc. will be organized during 15th OEC on the theme to engage young minds.    

 

The Organisers

  • HDF-cDAR, Bhubaneswar
  • Berhampur University, Berhampur
  • Center for Environment and Development (CED), Thiruvananthapuram
  • Orissa Environmental Society (OES), Bhubaneswar
  • Regional Museum of Natural History (RMNH), Bhubaneswar

For Further Details, Please Contacts
OEC Secretariat
HDF-cDAR
Plot No: A/337, Ground Floor, Gajapati Nagar,
Bhubaneswar-751005, Dist-Khurdha, Odisha, India
Ph: 0674-2301019,
Email: odishaenvironmentcongress@gmail.com
URL:  www.hdf.org.in