Bhubaneswar, February 11: Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia on Wednesday inaugurated the three-day 14th National Workshop of JICA Assisted Forestry Projects officially here.

Centered on the timely theme, "Future Ready Forestry: Climate Resilience, Digital Transformation & Sustainable Wood Economies," the event marks a significant milestone in the national dialogue regarding the integration of technology and sustainability within India’s forestry sector.

The workshop, which will conclude on February 13, is being jointly organised by the Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project, Phase-II (OFSDP-II) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) at the at the Hotel Mayfair Convention here.

In his opening address, the Minister emphasised the critical role that healthy forest ecosystems play in addressing the global climate crisis, ensuring ecological security, and sustaining the livelihoods of millions.

He highlighted the transformative impact of international cooperation, extending his gratitude to the Government of Japan and JICA for their continued commitment to protecting India's natural heritage and its most vulnerable populations.

The Minister stressed that the partnership has been instrumental in safeguarding the interests of tribal communities, Scheduled Castes, and backward classes.

As the OFSDP Phase-II nears its completion in March 2027, he urged all stakeholders for continued collaboration, expressing his expectation for a Phase-III implementation. He noted that such support is vital for Odisha to meet the developmental milestones set for "Samruddha Odisha 2036" and for the broader vision of "Viksit Bharat 2047."

The inaugural session was attended by a distinguished assembly of senior policymakers and international experts like Vineet S. Sarin, Chief of Development Operations at JICA India, and Wakamatsu Eiji, Senior Representative of JICA India; K.B. Singh, Inspector General (EAP) for the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Dr. K. Murugesan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Odisha and G. Rajesh, Additional PCCF (Projects) & Project Director (OFSDP).