Country: India

Site: Golden Blue Flag Beach, Odisha (beach)

Target: Students and schools; Local communities and residents.

Short Description

The Blue Flag beach in Odisha, India, has become a dynamic hub for environmental education. Leveraging its natural setting, the beach hosts regular Saturday events that have grown increasingly popular, attracting families, children, and tourists eager to learn about marine biodiversity, beach ecosystems, and the importance of sustainability. The programme's success stems from the strategic planning and insights gained from the Beach Managers Training Workshop, part of the Monitoring and Evaluating Climate Communication and Education Project (MECCE).

Led by the Golden Beach Management Committee and supported by local authorities, the initiative emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, such as marine turtle nest making and wetland protection activities. These events, designed by nature educator Akash Ranjan and his team, are diverse and interactive, ensuring sustained interest and engagement. The inclusion of rewards like handicrafts and local food items has further encouraged participation and fostered a sense of environmental stewardship among participants.

The programme has not only attracted local visitors but has also drawn the attention of community leaders, with notable visits from figures like the District Forest Officer (DFO) of Puri. Educational activities included the following events: “Remember water fowls protect wetlands”; “Imagine your beach”, “Celebration of World Migratory Birds Day”, “Identifying ten ecosystems of Odisha and contributing to their conservation initiatives”, “Beach talk on Ghost crabs and sand dunes”, “Marine turtle nest making”, “Unseen seeds collage”, “Identify and build leaf crown”, “Web of life.”