Coastal Community Resource Center: An Open Education Platform

Abstract

Mangrove Ecosystem of Bhitarkanika: There are many reasons why it is critical that we act to preserve the fragile coastal ecosystem of the Odisha Coast found at Bhitarakanika. Not only is the natural wonder of the sanctuary worth protecting of its own right, but also it provides critical cultural and economic services to the people of the region as well as the people of Orissa and India in general. In fact, Bhitarakanika is a habitat of global importance. // If you have had a chance to gaze into the dark depths of a mangrove grove, or watch the tide flow up to kiss the bright green leaves of a tree, if you have seen fiddler crabs seeming to play in some silent string orchestra as they feed or deer dancing along the muddy banks at low tide, if you’ve seen a gigantic crocodile sunning itself like some ancient wonder transporting you back to the time of the dinosaurs or watched a mudskipper grip the roots of a tree with the beginnings of limbs like the first creature to crawl out of the sea millions of years ago, you cannot help but be filled with a sense of wonder. You know that this environment is worth preserving because of its beauty, its history, and its spirituality. Earth, water, wind, fire, and space are all present here in all their glory. You can feel the footprints of Gods that must walk among these trees and their twisted network of roots, whistling with every voice in the forest, from the red-breasted kingfisher to the loud squawk of herons nesting on the magnificent island / kingdom of migratory birds.