In a pioneering move to bolster the conservation of Asian elephants, the Odisha government has approved the establishment of the Centre for Species Survival (CSS) for Asian Elephants, located near Bhubaneswar in the Chandaka Wildlife Division. This initiative aims to enhance protection efforts for the species across 13 range countries in South and Southeast Asia, with a particular focus on India, which is home to over 60% of the world’s wild Asian elephant population.

The centre’s creation follows a formal agreement signed between the state’s Forest, Environment, and Climate Change department, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC), and the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI). The collaborative effort marks a significant milestone in India’s ongoing leadership in the conservation of the endangered species. The centre will not only safeguard elephants in Odisha but will also serve as a regional hub to support broader conservation initiatives across Asia.

The establishment of the Centre for Species Survival is closely aligned with India’s ‘Act East Policy,’ introduced in 2014 to strengthen the country’s economic, strategic, and cultural ties with the Asia-Pacific region. The centre will be pivotal in tackling critical challenges faced by elephants, such as securing vital elephant corridors, mitigating human-wildlife conflict, and improving the rescue and rehabilitation of elephants in need.

In addition to its scientific and ecological importance, the centre will also serve as a platform for integrating both scientific and cultural knowledge related to elephant conservation. By fostering collaboration between government agencies, local communities, and conservation organizations, the centre aims to create a unified approach to the protection of elephants, while also addressing the long-standing issue of human-elephant conflict in the region.

The Odisha government’s move is expected to attract significant international support and funding, bringing both financial resources and expertise to enhance conservation efforts. This is particularly crucial for states like Odisha, where human-elephant conflict has been a growing concern.

For effective management, a seven-member governing council has been established, with the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) serving as the chairman. Other members of the governing body will include senior officials from WTI, IUCN-SSC, and the local forest department.

The Centre for Species Survival marks a hopeful step forward in the conservation of Asian elephants, one of the most iconic and endangered species of the Asian subcontinent.