Ganjam, June 17: A delegation from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) visited Ganjam district to review the progress of the Enhancing Climate Resilience of India’s Coastal Communities (ECRICC) project. The team visited project interventions across the Chilika–Ganjam and Bahuda landscapes to assess how ecosystem restoration and climate-resilient livelihoods are strengthening the adaptive capacity of vulnerable coastal communities.
The delegation included Diane Jegam, Regional Manager, East and South Asia, Green Climate Fund and Dr. Bapon Fakhruddin, Principal Climate investment specialist, Green Climate Fund. During the visit, the team met Prem Kumar Jha, State Project Director, ECRICC Odisha and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) to discuss the progress and implementation of the project in the state.
Speaking on the occasion, Jha said, “Through ECRICC, we are supporting vulnerable coastal communities across Ganjam, Puri, Kendrapara and Balasore. We are pleased to welcome the Green Climate Fund delegation to witness these efforts first-hand on the ground.”
The delegation reviewed several field interventions implemented under the project, including backyard ornamental fisheries units, seagrass restoration, mangrove plantation, seaweed farming, and grow-out crab culture. A key highlight of the visit was an interaction with climate champions, grassroots leaders identified and nurtured under the ECRICC project to promote climate-resilient practices within their communities.
“ECRICC reflects the kind of integrated, community-driven solutions that are essential for building long-term climate resilience. By aligning ecosystem restoration with sustainable livelihoods, the project is not only reducing vulnerability but also creating pathways for inclusive and scalable adaptation across coastal regions,” said Diane Jegam, Regional Manager, East and South Asia, Green Climate Fund.
In Ganjam, the ECRICC project spans four blocks, 40 Gram Panchayats and 191 villages, benefiting around 50,000 households, including 5,000 direct beneficiaries mobilized through 250 Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
