The lagoon was so
named for its sustainable and resilient destination for migratory birds.
The UN's body arm, under the project “Destination Flyways”, will help
Chilika Development Authority (CDA) develop strategies for protection of
migratory birds through creation of innovative tourism and livelihood products
with funding support from Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature
Conservation and Nuclear Safety of Germany. The UN body’s arm on tourism and
biodiversity would assist in development and implementation of strategies and
projects linking sustainable tourism and livelihood resources.
Chilika is the
only site to be selected from Asia by the UNWTO and was recommended by six
international agencies such as Secretariat of the Convention of Biological
Diversity, Convention of Migratory Species, Ramsar Convention Secretariat,
World Heritage and Man and the Biosphere Programmes of UNESCO.
The UNWTO has constituted a mission team for
Chilika in January. This season, around 7.19 lakh migratory birds have been
sighted in the 1100-sq km lagoon , which is less than the previous years. Last winter, around 8.77 lakh birds of 180
species had visited the lake and 8.83 lakh birds of 167 species had visited the
blue lagoon in 2012.
