Odisha’s Enhancing Climate Resilience of India’s Coastal Communities (ECRICC) project has won First Prize in the Government Sector at the prestigious Seafood Expo Bharat 2025 (SEB-25), held from July 1–3 at the Chennai Trade Centre. This national recognition highlights the state’s pioneering work in promoting climate-resilient aquaculture and inclusive, community-led coastal development.

Organised by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, SEB-25 brought together key stakeholders from across the fisheries and aquaculture value chain. Among the standout moments was a powerful on-stage speech by one of Odisha’s women climate champions, who shared her transformative journey, inspiring delegates from across the country.

ECRICC Odisha: A Model for Inclusive, Climate-Resilient Development

Implemented nationally by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) with support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and UNDP, ECRICC in Odisha is led by the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha. The initiative focuses on ecosystem-based adaptation and climate-resilient livelihoods for vulnerable coastal communities.

Odisha’s ECRICC programme has been at the forefront of introducing scientific mud crab farming, ornamental fisheries, and sustainable aquaculture practices, driven by local institutions and grassroots climate champions. These innovations are helping to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and support Odisha’s broader vision of a Vikshit Odisha by 2036, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mission of a Vikshit Bharat by 2047.

Odisha Delegation Showcases Innovations and Community Impact

A 14-member delegation from Odisha—including officials from the State and District Project Management Units (SPMU and DPMU), women leaders, and beneficiary crab farmers—participated in the Expo. The ECRICC Odisha stall drew large crowds with its live demonstration of pond-based mud crab farming, multimedia displays, and impact stories from marginalized communities.

Visitors praised the project’s inclusive, people-centered approach, which highlighted the empowerment of women and local climate champions in building resilient coastal livelihoods.

Dignitary Visits and International Engagements

The Odisha stall attracted the attention of several dignitaries, including the Secretary of the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA), the Counsellor of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food from the Embassy of Spain (New Delhi), and the CEO of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad. These visits enabled the Odisha team to showcase the state’s climate-resilient initiatives and explore possibilities for technical collaboration, policy advocacy, and investment partnerships.

National Spotlight and Global Potential

With over 3,000 national and international delegates in attendance, ECRICC Odisha’s award-winning participation at SEB-25 significantly boosted its visibility on the national stage. The event served as a platform for knowledge exchange, network building, and identifying opportunities to scale community-based aquaculture models.

The project’s success reaffirms Odisha’s position as a leader in climate-resilient development and strengthens its commitment to restoring coastal ecosystems and enhancing livelihoods through sustainable and inclusive practices.