The World Bank President, Mr Robert Zoellick, today visited coastal Rajnagar block in Odisha’s Kendrapada district today to see for himself implementation of mangrove conservation efforts and activities under the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP).
“The visit was to witness the manner in which resource-rich Odisha is trying to integrate environmental issues into its development strategy,” official sources said.
He also saw the impact of rapid sea erosion in the area and the steps being taken to deal with the menace, the sources said.
Mr Zoellick, accompanied by several other top World Bank officials, interacted with representatives of eco-development committees, beneficiaries, impacted families and self-help groups at Okilapala Cyclone Relief Centre.
The World Bank group chief visited coastal communities to see how they were participating in planning for and conserving their natural resources in a way that did not hurt their livelihoods.
Mr Zoellick also visited the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and took a boat ride from the Gupti jetty.
He is scheduled to meet Chief Minister, Mr Naveen Patnaik, in Bhubaneswar later in the day.