Bhubaneswar: Land commons in Odisha, forests, pastures, and uncultivated lands spanning over 5 million hectares, are valued at an estimated Rs 36,890 crore annually, according to a recent study.
“Given Odisha’s significant dependence on agriculture and natural resources, these commons are essential in building resilience to climate change. The valuation offers a data-driven perspective on the economic and social contributions of land commons, emphasising their importance in the state’s development and environmental sustainability,” ‘Economic Valuation of Land Commons in Odisha’ jointly conducted by the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES), the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Federation University Australia, and Common Ground, said.
It further stated that Odisha is one of the eight states across the country that is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. “The state’s economy and society are closely tied to its natural resources, agriculture, and forests, making its 26 districts home to nearly 36 million people particularly vulnerable to climate events such as cyclones, floods, and droughts.”
Overuse, degradation, and inadequate governance have been attributed as the pressing threats to these commons.
It also called for the urgent need to incorporate the economic value of land commons into policy-making and land acquisition processes to ensure sustainable management and protection of these crucial resources, contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including good health and well-being, decent work and economic growth, reduced inequality, responsible production and consumption, among others, and ensuring the well-being of future generations.