Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa State Biodiversity Board has announced the “Goa State Biodiversity Conservation Awards 2025” to honour individuals, Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs), researchers and environmentalists for their outstanding contribution towards biodiversity conservation, ecology and environmental protection in the state.
The award presentation ceremony will be held on May 22, 2026 at Lok Bhavan, Dona Paula.
In the BMC category, Parcem-Pernem BMC from North Goa and Navelim BMC from South Goa have been selected for the top awards carrying a cash prize of ₹50,000 each.
Parcem-Pernem BMC has been recognised for its efforts in preparing the People’s Biodiversity Register through a participatory and scientifically validated process. Navelim BMC has been honoured for promoting biodiversity conservation and community participation under the leadership of Chairperson Priya Almeida and former Chairperson Celly Quadros.
Appreciation awards in the BMC category have been announced for Verna, Barcem-Quedem, Cana-Benaulim and Siolim-Sodiem BMCs for their contribution towards biodiversity conservation activities and preparation of People’s Biodiversity Registers.
In the individual category, Dr. Baban Ingole from North Goa has been selected for his four decades of research on Goa’s marine biodiversity, including estuarine fauna, mangroves, oysters and coral ecosystems.
Datta Shambhu Naik from Priol has been honoured for his contribution as an environmentalist, matoli artisan and cultural guide preserving Goa’s biodiversity and traditional knowledge.
Appreciation awards in the individual category will be presented to Chetan Shantaram Talwar, Romaldina Fernandes, Rohidas G. Kuncoliker, Francisca Gaudo and Pandurang Patil for their contribution to biodiversity and environmental conservation.
In the enthusiast category, wildlife photographer and naturalist Gajanan Shamsundar Shetye from Keri, Sattari, and wildlife rescuer Roque Da’Costa from Curchorem have been selected for their dedication towards wildlife conservation and rescue efforts.
Appreciation awards in this category will be given to Alisab Shaikh, Francisco Fernandes (Pele) and Joao Souza Mergulhao.
In the Applied Biodiversity Researcher category, Prof. (Dr.) Bernard Felinov Rodrigues has been honoured for his work on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungal diversity, while Dr. Sujata Dabolkar and Dr. Suhas Shetye have been recognised for their contribution to natural farming, forestry and conservation initiatives.
Senior journalist Gauree Mohandas Shenvi Malkarnekar has been selected for the Green Journalist Award for her extensive reporting on environmental and conservation issues in Goa over the last two decades.
Appreciation awards in the Green Journalist category will be presented to Prasad Ravindra Sawant, Gurpreet Singh and Nida Sayad for their contribution to reporting and writing on biodiversity-related subjects.
The Board has also announced special appreciation awards for several local body secretaries, chairpersons and active members associated with Biodiversity Management Committees for facilitating BMC functioning across Goa.
Additionally, special recognition certificates and mementos will be presented to individuals and organisations including Jairam Gaonkar, Alkesh Mistri, Sanjay Hondkar, Vinay Gauns, Vishal Rawlley, Vishant Bandekar, Dristhi Marine, Reef Watch, Vishwanath Gawas, Nilesh Shamba Parwar and Mugdha Shirodkar for their contribution to biodiversity conservation in Goa.
