Bhubaneswar, Odisha – Odisha’s land commons, encompassing over 5 million hectares of forests, pastures, and uncultivated lands, have been valued at an estimated ₹36,890 crore annually, as highlighted in a new brief titled “Economic Valuation of Land Commons in Odisha.” This landmark study, developed collaboratively by the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES), International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Federation University (Australia), and Common Ground, underscores the critical economic and ecological roles these resources play.
A Crucial Lifeline for Livelihoods and Ecosystems
Land commons are shared community resources that provide vital ecosystem services, such as food, water, climate regulation, and soil fertility. These services support the livelihoods of billions globally, with Odisha being no exception. The brief emphasizes that traditional mechanisms of self-regulation and sustainable governance by local communities, especially in tribal areas, are essential to maintaining these resources.
The findings provide a quantitative basis for incorporating the value of land commons into policymaking and land management practices, a step crucial for their sustainable use and protection.
Key Findings
- Total Land Commons Area: Odisha’s land commons cover approximately 5 million hectares, forming a backbone for rural livelihoods and ecological stability.
- Annual Economic Value: The estimated annual economic value of these commons is ₹36,890 crore (USD 5 billion), derived from diverse ecosystem services.
- Breakdown of Ecosystem Services (for India):
- Provisioning Services (e.g., food, water, raw materials): ₹65,411 (USD 891.81) per hectare/year.
- Regulating Services (e.g., climate regulation, soil fertility): ₹60,698 (USD 827.74) per hectare/year.
- Supporting Services (e.g., soil formation, habitat provision): ₹24,078 (USD 328.27) per hectare/year.
- Cultural Services (e.g., spiritual and cognitive benefits): ₹4,456 (USD 60.79) per hectare/year.
A Call to Action
Odisha is among eight Indian states highly vulnerable to climate change, with its economy and society closely tied to agriculture and natural resources. The state’s 36 million people face increasing risks from cyclones, floods, and droughts.
The brief highlights the pressing threats to land commons, including overuse, degradation, and weak governance, which undermine their ability to provide essential ecosystem services. To address these challenges, it calls for:
- Legal and Institutional Reforms: Strengthening frameworks to protect and manage commons sustainably.
- Community-Based Management: Promoting inclusive and equitable governance practices rooted in traditional wisdom.
- Policy Integration: Recognizing the economic value of land commons in state accounts and decision-making processes.
Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
By safeguarding land commons, Odisha can contribute to SDGs such as responsible consumption and production, reduced inequalities, decent work, and economic growth. These actions will ensure the well-being of current and future generations while enhancing resilience to climate change.
A Valuable Resource for Stakeholders
This brief serves as a crucial resource for policymakers, environmentalists, and community leaders. It urges stakeholders to recognize the socio-ecological and economic significance of Odisha’s land commons and act decisively to protect these shared resources.
Odisha’s land commons are more than a vital economic resource—they are a lifeline for sustainable development and climate resilience, demanding urgent attention and action.
