Odisha’s Land Commons Valued at ₹36.89 Billion Annually says study
Land commons are shared resources accessible to all community members, including forests, pastures, and uncultivated lands. These resources provide vital ecosystem services, supporting the livelihoods of billions globally.
Bhubaneswar, Odisha – Land commons in Odisha, spanning over 5 million hectares, are valued at an estimated 36.89 billion rupees annually, according to a new brief. The study, “Economic Valuation of Land Commons in Odisha,” was jointly conducted by the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES), the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Federation University Australia, and Common Ground.
Bhubaneswar, Odisha – Land commons in Odisha, spanning over 5 million hectares, are valued at an estimated 36.89 billion rupees annually, according to a new brief.
The study, “Economic Valuation of Land Commons in Odisha,” was jointly conducted by the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES), the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Federation University Australia, and Common Ground.
Land commons are shared resources accessible to all community members, including forests, pastures, and uncultivated lands. These resources provide vital ecosystem services, supporting the livelihoods of billions globally.
Odisha, heavily reliant on agriculture and natural resources, is particularly vulnerable to climate change.
The state’s economy and society are closely tied to its natural resources, agriculture, and forests, making its 26 districts, home to nearly 36 million people, especially vulnerable to climate events like cyclones, floods, and droughts.
Key Findings:
Total Land Commons Area: Odisha is home to approximately 5 million hectares of land commons, crucial for the rural economy and ecological balance.
Annual Economic Value: The total economic value of these land commons in Odisha is estimated at 36.89 billion rupees (US$5 billion) annually, derived from various ecosystem services.
Ecosystem Services: The land commons provide a range of ecosystem services, including:
Provisioning Services: Tangible products like food, water, and raw materials, valued at 65,411 rupees (US$891.81) per hectare annually.
Regulating Services: Benefits from regulations such as climate regulation, soil fertility, and water purification, valued at 60,698 rupees (US$827.74) per hectare annually.
Supporting Services: Essential services like soil formation and habitat provision, valued at 24,078 rupees (US$328.27) per hectare annually.
Cultural Services: Non-material benefits like spiritual enrichment and cognitive development, valued at 4,456 rupees (US$60.79) per hectare annually.
Threats and Solutions
Overuse, degradation, and inadequate governance threaten these commons, leading to the loss of valuable ecosystem services and negatively impacting the livelihoods of millions.
The brief underscores the importance of legal and institutional reforms, sustainable management practices, and community-based management to safeguard these lands.
Integrating the economic value of land commons into state accounts and policy decisions is crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensuring the well-being of future generations.
This brief is a call to action for policymakers, environmentalists, and community leaders to recognize and protect the socio-ecological and economic values of Odisha’s land commons.
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