France, Nov. 27 -- Chilika Lake, the largest brackish water lagoon in the Indian state of Odisha, is a prominent biodiversity hotspot along theeast coast with thousands of migratory birds visiting from different parts of the world every year.

But over time, this wetland has been exposed to changing environmental conditions, impacting the livelihood opportunities of the local people -especially fishing.

Climate extremes in coastal Odisha are predominantly rapid-onset events such ascyclones, floods and storm surges that happen on a regular basis.

"Since there were no jobs or alternative livelihoods in many coastal villages especially on the northern banks of the Chilika, many youths left for other cities in the country for employment," S...