To ensure effective implementation and coordination, ECRICC has developed a robust institutional framework. Multi-tiered committees operate at state, district, and village levels, involving stakeholders like the Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department, UNDP, and local governance bodies. Key roles are played by District Project Management Units, District Collectors, and line departments, enabling smooth execution of projects. This collaborative approach ensures that technical expertise and local knowledge are integrated seamlessly.

Institutional Framework Development under ECRICC

The ECRICC (Enhancing Climate Resilience of India's Coastal Communities) project has been designed with a strong institutional framework that ensures effective governance, strategic planning, and smooth implementation of climate resilience initiatives. Given the complexity of climate adaptation in coastal regions, a multi-tiered institutional approach has been adopted, integrating state, district, and village-level stakeholders. The institutional framework is structured to foster coordination among government agencies, technical institutions, NGOs, and community organizations, ensuring that the project's interventions are efficient, participatory, and sustainable.

1. State-Level Institutional Structure

At the state level, the project is overseen by the State Level Steering Committee on Climate Change, which provides policy direction, inter-departmental coordination, and high-level monitoring of project outcomes. This committee comprises senior officials from the Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department (GoO), and other relevant line departments.

The implementation of ECRICC is managed by the State Project Management Unit (SPMU), which plays a crucial role in ensuring technical supervision, administrative oversight, and financial management. The State Project Director, supported by a team of technical associates, socio-economic experts, and finance officers, is responsible for aligning the project with national climate policies and international sustainability goals.

Key Roles within SPMU:

• State Project Director- Provides leadership and strategic direction for project execution.
• State project Manager- Overall management of the Project
• Socio-Economic & Livelihood Associate- Focuses on integrating sustainable livelihood options within climate adaptation initiatives.
• Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Associate- Tracks project impact, ensuring progress aligns with intended outcomes.
• Communication Associate- Manages knowledge dissemination, public engagement, and stakeholder communication.
• Admin & Finance Associate- Oversees budget allocations, financial audits, and resource management.

By ensuring a structured, state-led governance system, ECRICC integrates scientific research, administrative efficiency, and financial transparency into its climate resilience strategies.

2. District-Level Institutional Structure

At the district level, the project is implemented through the District Level Coordination Committee (DLCC), chaired by the District Collector and facilitated by the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), who acts as the nodal officer. The DLCC plays a crucial role in integrating district-level policies with local implementation strategies, ensuring that various government departments, community organizations, and non-governmental entities work collaboratively.

The District Project Management Unit (DPMU) is the operational arm of the project at the district level. It comprises subject matter specialists (SMS) in fisheries, agriculture, and finance, along with district coordination officers who ensure the effective execution of ECRICC's interventions.

Key Functions of DPMU:

• Monitoring project progress at the district level and ensuring alignment with climate resilience objectives.
• Providing technical assistance to field teams and community organizations.
• Facilitating inter-departmental coordination, ensuring fisheries, agriculture, and forestry departments work together on climate adaptation initiatives.
• Engaging in capacity-building efforts by organizing training programs and workshops for community members.

This district-level institutional structure ensures that project activities align with local environmental conditions and address community-specific climate vulnerabilities effectively.

3. Village-Level Institutional Structure

ECRICC follows a bottom-up governance approach, ensuring grassroots participation in climate resilience planning and implementation. At the village level, a network of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Eco-Development Committees (EDCs), Joint Forest Management (JFM) groups, and Gram Panchayatsare involved in executing restoration and adaptation activities.

One of the most innovative aspects of ECRICC’s institutional framework is the introduction of 304 trained Village Facilitators, also known as Climate Champions. These facilitators act as local leaders, ensuring that knowledge on climate resilience, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable livelihoods is effectively disseminated within their communities.

Key Responsibilities of Village-Level Institutions:

• Mobilizing communities for climate adaptation activities, such as mangrove restoration, sustainable agriculture, and watershed management.
• Implementing local governance mechanisms to ensure participatory decision-making in climate resilience planning.
• Providing training and capacity-building support to enhance community understanding of climate risks and adaptation strategies.
• Collaborating with district and state-level institutions to report progress, challenges, and best practices.

This community-driven governance structure ensures that local voices are integrated into climate action planning, promoting ownership, sustainability, and long-term impact.

4. Collaboration with Technical Support Agencies and Partner Institutions

To ensure scientific rigor and innovation, ECRICC has partnered with leading technical institutions and development agencies. One of the most significant collaborations is with IIT Bhubaneswar, which serves as the Technical Support Agency (TSA) for Seagrass and Saltmarsh Protection, Management, and Restoration.

A total budget of Rs. 67.57 crore has been allocated for ecosystem restoration efforts, out of which Rs. 23.11 crore has been assigned for technical expertise and monitoring. IIT Bhubaneswar plays a key role in:

• Conducting habitat assessments using advanced mapping and data collection techniques.
• Developing scientific models for restoration of seagrass meadows and saltmarsh habitats.
• Providing expert guidance on hydrological and ecological restoration strategies.

Additionally, partnerships with UNDP and various NGOs provide technical assistance, capacity-building resources, and policy support, ensuring that the project integrates global best practices in climate adaptation.

5. Financial and Administrative Oversight

To ensure transparency and accountability, ECRICC follows a structured financial management system. The project operates under a multi-tiered budgeting system, where funds are allocated at the state, district, and village levels, based on specific intervention needs.

The Admin & Finance Associate at the State Project Management Unit (SPMU) oversees budgetary allocations, fund utilization reports, and financial audits. At the district level, Finance Officers track expenditure, fund disbursement, and compliance with financial regulations.

This structured financial oversight ensures that resources are effectively utilized, preventing mismanagement and ensuring that funds reach on-ground restoration and adaptation activities.

6. Long-Term Institutional Sustainability and Policy Integration

One of the major strengths of ECRICC’s institutional framework is its integration with existing policy structures at the state and national levels. By aligning its objectives with India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs), ECRICC ensures policy continuity and long-term sustainability.

Additionally, the project promotes capacity building for local governance institutions, ensuring that the knowledge, skills, and governance structures established under ECRICC continue beyond the project’s lifespan. By embedding climate resilience into state and district-level governance mechanisms, ECRICC creates a legacy of institutional sustainability, ensuring that coastal communities remain adaptive and resilient in the face of future climate challenges.

Impact

ECRICC’s institutional framework development is a model for climate resilience governance, combining state-led strategic planning, district-level coordination, and community-driven implementation. By integrating multi-tier governance structures, technical expertise, financial oversight, and participatory planning, the project ensures that climate adaptation efforts are scientifically robust, locally relevant, and administratively efficient.

This well-structured institutional approach not only ensures the success of ECRICC’s interventions but also provides a scalable model that can be replicated across other climate-vulnerable coastal regions in India and beyond.