Bhubaneswar, April 27: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik today launched Banayana - the second phase of the Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project.

Under the project, which is being supported by Japan, the local community will manage forest resources and, thus, play a vital role in its conservation. "The most important aspect of this project will be active community engagement to transform them from resource users to resource managers," Naveen said.

The project was first implemented in the state in 2006 with active community participation at 2,426 villages with an aim to restore degraded forests and improve the livelihood of communities living at the adjacent villages.

The Japan International Co-operation Agency (Jica) is assisting in the project, which is said to be the first third-generation forestry sector project in India. Jica chief representative Takema Sakamoto was present at the ceremony.

Banayana will be implemented in 14 forest and wildlife divisions of the state, covering 10 districts with 1,200 Vana Surksha Samitis actively taking part in the Rs 1,000-crore project over 10 years.<>

"Considering the unique biological diversity of Odisha, I am glad to know that the ecosystem-based management programme will be introduced under this plan," said Naveen. at the unveiling of ceremony

Jica had signed the Loan Agreement of Rs 850 crore for the project with the Centre on March 31.

In Odisha, till date, Jica has assisted 13 loan projects in water and sanitation, agriculture and power for an estimated Rs 9,200 crore.