I. Introduction to the National Chilika Birds Festival:

The National Chilika Birds Festival observed in Odisha marks a significant event by endorsing the state’s commitment to the conservation of biodiversity, specifically avian life. The festival took off on 26th January at the Chilika Lake, the largest salt-water lagoon in Asia and a Ramsar site of global significance. This high-profile event was graced by the Odisha Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik.

II. Festival Highlights:

- Bird-Watching Excursions: Visitations to the well-known bird sanctuaries, Mangalajodi and Nalabana, were arranged. Mangalajodi, in particular, is revered as the ‘Bird’s Paradise of Asia,’ making it an imperative part of the festival proceedings.

- Photo Exhibition: A drawcard was the photo exhibition that showcased the extraordinary variety of avian beauty inhabiting Chilika.

III. Why is this News Significant?:

- Encourages Conservation Efforts: State Tourism Minister, Aswini Kumar Patra, pointed attention towards the key role played by Odisha in bird conservation and the importance of Chilika in safeguarding avian heritage.

- Celebrates Community's Role: The festival also threw a spotlight on Mangalajodi’s effective model of community-led conservation. This model includes habitat restoration and extensive bird census activities.  

- Upholds Sustainable Tourism: The festival emphasised on a harmonious relation between tourism expansion and conservation. Dr. Manoj Nair, Director Nandankanan, stressed Chilika's ecological significance and the need for sustainable measures to protect its biodiversity.

IV. GK Aspects:

- Instils Awareness & Appreciation: The festival leveraged the release of the 'State of India’s Birds’ poster and a video to deepen the understanding of India’s avian diversity amongst the participants. It served as an educational platform fostering conservation awareness and appreciation for Odisha’s natural heritage.

- Boosts Ecotourism: Through displaying the rich variety of bird species in the Chilika Lake, the festival also boosted Odisha's image as a prominent destination for birding enthusiasts worldwide.

V. Conclusion:

The triumph of the National Chilika Birds Festival attests to Odisha's unswerving commitment towards the preservation of its biodiversity and the development of sustainable ecotourism. This annual event does not just offer a visual treat to bird enthusiasts but also plays a major role in spreading the word about the importance of species conservation.