CASE STUDY: Odisha, India - AQA Geography, A-Level

Where is Odisha?

South east coast of India, boardering the Bay of Bengal.

How big is Odisha?

India's 9th largest state area and 11th by population.

Describe Chilika Lake

A salty lagoon, renowned for its wildlife. Monsoons make it less salty.

What is the Environment of Odisha like?

Has a wide variety of coastal and marine flora and fauna including mangroves, sea grasses and sun dunes. There are also large stocks of fish, marine animals, reptiles etc..

What Opportunities for Human Occupation and Development are there in Odisha?

1. Large fish stocks,

2. Huge potential for offshore wind, tidal and wave power.

3. 35% of coast ladened with minerals and heavy metal deposits.

4. Oil and natural gas offshore.

5. Tourism - beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, archeological sites.

What Risks are there for Human Occupation and Development?

Vulnerability of coastal communities - storm surges, tsunamis, climate change, rising sea levels.

What was the Shoreline Assessment in Odisha?

1. Attempting to halt processes with sea walls and hard structures would mean the problems will shift down drift.

2. Without the sediment transport, beaches, dunes, barrier beaches, salt marshes, estuaries etc would be threatened and disappear as they are starved of sand.

How much of Odisha's Coastline is Eroding and How much is Stable?

36.8% eroding and 14.4% stable.

How has Human Intervention Affected the Coast?

Human intervention has interfered with sediment transfer and has destabilised patterns of wave energy. It has also exacerbated erosion in some areas.

When was Odisha's Biggest Cyclone?

1999 was the strongest ever cyclone in the Indian Ocean, killing over 10,000 people.

What does Odisha's ICZM Aim to Do?

1. Establish sustainable levels of economic and social activity.

2. Resolve environmental, social and economic challenges.

3. Protect coastal environments.

Who is Odisha's ICZM Scheme a Joint Project With?

Ministry of Forest and Environment, Indian Government, The World Bank and Odisha's Government.

What are the 6 Major Issues Identified at Odisha's Coast?

1. Coastal erosion.

2. Assessing vulnerability to disaster.

3. Biodiversity conservation.

4. Livelihood security (e.g. fishing).

5. Pollution and environmental quality management.

6. Conservation of cultural assets.

Why are Wetlands International trying to Reverse Mangrove Destruction?

It is a sustainable and appropriate coastal management scheme, helping prevent and protect against cyclones, storm surges and tsunamis. They are doing this by helping villagers cultivate and plant mangroves.