In a major step towards building climate resilience and fostering sustainable livelihoods, the World Bank has approved a $212.64 million initiative aimed at protecting India’s vulnerable coastlines. Titled the Strengthening Coastal Resilience and the Economy (SHORE) Project, the program is set to benefit Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, focusing on ecosystem protection, plastic waste reduction, and the creation of 100,000 new jobs, particularly in eco-tourism and green sectors.
While Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are the immediate beneficiaries, the broader model offers valuable insights for other coastal states like Odisha, which has one of India’s longest and most environmentally sensitive coastlines.
SHORE Project at a Glance
- Loan Amount: $212.64 million
- Target States: Tamil Nadu & Karnataka
- Beneficiaries: 100,000 people
- Focus Areas: Coastal resilience, plastic waste management, job creation, eco-tourism
The SHORE Project is designed to support coastal zone management, build green jobs, and develop plastic waste value chains by involving local communities and the private sector. Environmentally sustainable beaches will also be established to promote eco-tourism and the blue economy.
What This Means for Odisha: A Blueprint for Coastal Resilience
Though not currently part of the SHORE Project, Odisha stands to benefit immensely from similar initiatives. With a 480-km-long coastline, Odisha is home to rich biodiversity, fishing communities, and world-famous ecosystems like Chilika Lake, Bhitarkanika Mangroves, and the Odisha Marine Sanctuary. However, it also faces increasing threats from:
- Rising sea levels and frequent cyclones
- Coastal erosion and salinization of land
- Plastic waste pollution along tourist-heavy beaches like Puri and Gopalpur
- Unplanned tourism and habitat loss
Here’s how a SHORE-like initiative could transform Odisha’s coast:
1. Strengthening Coastal Resilience
Odisha has been a global example in disaster management, especially in cyclone preparedness. However, long-term climate resilience demands investment in coastal zone planning, mangrove restoration, and sustainable infrastructure. A program modeled on SHORE could support these efforts while involving local communities in conservation.
2. Tackling Plastic Pollution at the Source
Odisha’s popular coastal towns often struggle with plastic litter, especially during tourist seasons. A focused approach to building plastic recycling value chains, combined with awareness and alternatives to single-use plastics, could reduce pollution while creating green jobs for local youth and women’s SHGs.
3. Creating Green Jobs & Sustainable Livelihoods
Tourism, fishing, and handicrafts are key livelihood sources in Odisha’s coastal belt. With the right training and infrastructure, these sectors can be transitioned into sustainable enterprises — from eco-guides and homestays to community-run plastic recycling units and nature-based tourism ventures.
Imagine eco-tourism circuits in Chilika, Puri-Konark, and Bhitarkanika, where locals benefit economically while actively protecting the ecosystem.
4. Eco-Tourism & Nature-Based Economy
Odisha already hosts eco-tourism projects, but they remain under-promoted and underfunded. A dedicated program could help develop eco-beaches, nature trails, wetland tourism, birding hubs, and community conservation zones, driving both conservation and inclusive growth.
Public-Private-Community Partnership: The Way Forward
Like the SHORE model, Odisha’s future efforts should aim to leverage public funding, private investment, and community participation. When locals are part of the solution — whether in cleaning beaches, guiding tourists, or managing plastic waste — the impact is deeper and more lasting.
Conclusion: Time for Odisha to Ride the Blue Economy Wave
The World Bank’s SHORE Project offers a timely and scalable model for building resilient, sustainable, and inclusive coastal economies. Odisha, with its rich natural assets and vulnerable coast, could be a natural candidate for similar investments — either through central funding, international partnerships, or state-led innovation.
By protecting its coastline and empowering its people, Odisha can become a national leader in sustainable coastal development — where economic progress and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.