World’s First Asian Elephant Survival Centre to Rise in Odisha
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced the establishment of the world's first Asian Elephant Species Survival Centre. This initiative, in collaboration with wildlife organizations, aims to advance elephant conservation, research, and policy, tackling habitat loss and human-elephant conflict in South and Southeast Asia.
- Country:
- India
In a groundbreaking announcement on Thursday, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi declared the creation of the world's inaugural Asian Elephant Species Survival Centre. This pioneering facility will be constructed on the city outskirts, marking a significant stride in elephant conservation.
Set to be located at Godibari near Chandaka Wildlife Division, the centre is a collaborative effort involving IUCN Species Survival Commission, Wildlife Trust of India, and Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. It aims to lead research, policy formulation, and best practices for elephant conservation across South and Southeast Asia.
Chief Minister Majhi emphasized the cultural and historical importance of elephants in Odisha, noting the pressures of agriculture and infrastructure on elephant habitats. The state is implementing measures like corridor mapping and AI technology to monitor elephants, striving for peaceful human-elephant coexistence.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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