Team Goemkarponn
SANKHALI: Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant attended the celebrations in Sankhali where he felicitated Goa’s Biodiversity Champions — individuals and communities who are actively shaping a greener and more sustainable future for the state. Speaking at the event, Dr. Sawant emphasized that biodiversity is deeply rooted in Goa’s heritage, with traditional practices such as Khazan farming, Kulagars, and sacred groves playing a vital role. He also acknowledged the pivotal contribution of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs), supported by the Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB), in preserving the state’s unique ecosystems through local action and community participation. Highlighting Goa’s community-driven conservation model, the Chief Minister noted that it has become an inspiration for other states by successfully blending tradition with innovation. Dr. Sawant announced several new initiatives for 2025, including a GSBB scheme to support salt pan owners aimed at reviving traditional salt pans through collaboration with the Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI), Bhavnagar, and experts like Dr. Savita Kerkar. This initiative focuses on producing local bio-salt, sustaining livelihoods, and ecological restoration. He also announced plans to strengthen BMCs by supporting grassroots conservation efforts using People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) and promoting community-led biodiversity action. Further, the Chief Minister highlighted the ongoing operation of GoVan multi-processing centres in mining belts such as Kudne, Pissurle, Bhironda, Mayem, Pilgao, Verna, Dabhal, Sulcorna, and Uguem, which benefit women, farmers, and rural entrepreneurs, with two more centres coming soon at Sancorda and Rivona. Managed professionally, these centres aim to boost local livelihoods. Dr. Sawant reiterated the government’s commitment to aligning biodiversity conservation with livelihood generation and sustainable development, citing projects like GoVan, Green Skilling, and the revival of traditional crops such as Patni rice and Parra watermelon as examples of empowering local communities while protecting Goa’s natural legacy.
