In a remarkable conservation effort, Tata Steel Foundation has successfully revived a native silkworm species that was teetering on the brink of extinction in Odisha's Sukinda region. The Sukinda Ecorace Conservation Project, implemented in partnership with the Central Silk Board and Central Tassar Research & Training Institute, represents a significant breakthrough in corporate-led environmental restoration.
Bringing Back the Lost Heritage
For generations, the Sukinda Ecorace - a trivoltine tassar silkworm - thrived in the mixed deciduous forests of Sukinda in Jajpur district. However, the introduction of commercial strains combined with severe habitat loss nearly wiped out this indigenous species, devastating traditional livelihoods that depended on it.
The project has transformed over 26 hectares of degraded forest land at Mangalpur village, where approximately 17,000 Arjun and Asan trees have been planted. These specific tree species serve as essential hosts for the tassar silkworms, creating the perfect environment for their regeneration.
International Recognition and Community Impact
The conservation initiative has received significant validation from global environmental authorities. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) India reviewed Tata Steel's mid-term self-assessment test report and confirmed its alignment with the internationally accepted IUCN Global Standard on Nature-based Solutions.
Rajiv Mangal, Vice-president of safety, health & sustainability at Tata Steel, emphasized the importance of this recognition. "The IUCN review not only validates our commitment to nature-based solutions but also establishes a blueprint for how corporations can contribute meaningfully to biodiversity conservation," he stated.
The project's real success lies in its economic model that directly benefits local communities. Over 200 households are actively participating in the initiative - 50 families engaged in plantation activities and 150 households involved in sericulture practices.
Weaving a Sustainable Future
The project has trained approximately 100 men and women in advanced silkworm rearing techniques and cocoon collection methods. This skills development component ensures the long-term sustainability of the conservation effort while creating new economic opportunities.
The impact extends to traditional weavers in the region, particularly in Gopalpur village, which is renowned for its exquisite tassar silk saris. Narendra Behera, a local weaver, expressed his enthusiasm: "Weavers used to buy cocoons from Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts. Now we are happy as the project will help us get native silkworm species."
D B Sundara Ramam, Vice-president of corporate services at Tata Steel, highlighted the multifaceted benefits of the project. "The Sukinda Ecorace Conservation Project showcases the convergence of ecological restoration, community empowerment, and economic viability," he noted.
The restored forests now function as effective biodiversity corridors, serving dual purposes of carbon sequestration and ecosystem rebuilding. This comprehensive approach ensures that the once-thriving silkworm populations have a sustainable habitat for generations to come, marking a significant victory for both conservation and community development in rural Odisha.
