Earlier this year, PM Modi, in ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme, praised a Bargarh villager for playing a key role in forest conservation through ecotourism in Debrigarh. TOI looks at how locals, who once relied heavily on extracting forest resources for their survival, are helping shape Odisha’s community-run ecotourism model and scripting its success story On Aug 30, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme, praised Maithili Bhue of Dhodrokusum village (in Bargarh district) for transforming forest conservation in Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary into a source of livelihood while simultaneously safeguarding nature. Highlighting her journey, Modi said that Maithili, once dependent on the forest for sustenance, now plays a key role in conservation activities through ecotourism.The PM’s recognition has brought national focus on Odisha’s community-run ecotourism model, linking conservation with sustainable community development. Destinations such as Debrigarh, Satkosia Sands Resort in Mahanadi wildlife division, Deomali in Koraput and Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) have emerged as major attractions, drawing thousands of visitors annually.Currently, more than 50 nature camps with nearly 500 rooms are operated by local communities across the state. Over 1,000 people directly earn their livelihood through these initiatives, while another 5,000 benefit indirectly from associated economic activities. Nearly 30% of those engaged are women, reflecting the model’s role in promoting inclusive growth alongside conservation.For communities that once relied heavily on extracting forest resources for survival, ecotourism has provided a viable alternative. Many families have shifted from dependence on firewood collection, bamboo shoots, kendu leaves, mahua flowers and other forest produce to employment as guides, hospitality workers, drivers, cooks and nature interpreters.Before 2023, Maithili’s family was substantially dependent on the forests of Debrigarh for livelihood and household needs. “Today, I am training other women from nearby villages to be part of the community-run ecotourism. In Debrigarh alone, around 60 women are now engaged in different activities linked to ecotourism,” Maithili said.The success of Odisha’s model lies in placing local communities at the centre of conservation. Visitors can choose from a variety of experiences, including wildlife safaris, birdwatching trails, guided nature walks, river cruises, forest stays and coastal tourism and every activity is designed and operated with community participation.“Every day, I accompany visitors inside the forest and help them understand the plants, animals and the ecological significance of the landscape. Guests are often curious about local wildlife, birds and traditional knowledge,” said Sangeeta Sikra, an eco-guide who escorts tourists through forest trails and interprets the area’s flora and fauna.Several individuals who were once involved in poaching or unsustainable extraction of forest resources are now employed as wildlife watchers, guides and conservation volunteers.According to tourism experts, capacity building has been a critical pillar of this transition. The forest department has signed a MoU with the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), under the ministry of tourism, to impart professional training to local communities engaged in ecotourism.Adyasha Das, chairperson (training) at IITTM, said the programme focuses on equipping community members with skills needed to host tourists while maintaining high standards of service and sustainability.“The training covers communication skills, behaviour, body language, hospitality, room maintenance, food service, cooking, waste management, trail guiding, survival techniques and disaster response,” she added.As many as 53 eco-development committees, which manage the ecotourism sites, identify and nominate local residents to operate various facilities.Ramesh Kumar Bishnoi, deputy director of STR’s north division, said the introduction of open jeep safaris and the involvement of additional eco-guides from local tribal communities have significantly increased employment opportunities.A key feature of the Odisha model is revenue sharing. Nearly 80% of the income generated through ecotourism is returned to local communities in the form of wages, operational expenses and village development activities. This has created what conservationists describe as a ‘green economy’ built around green jobs and sustainable resource use.