The Government of Goa’s “Goa State Biodiversity Conservation Awards for the Year 2020” in appreciation of exemplary contribution in the field of conservation of biodiversity, ecology and environment were presented recently at an awards presentation ceremony held at the Conference hall, Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB), Saligao, Goa.
The dignitaries present included the Chief Guest, Kunal, IAS, Secretary Environment, Shri Subhash Chandra, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Sanjith Rodrigues, Commissioner, Corporation of the City of Panaji.
Due to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions the function was held with restricted number of invitees which included the chairperson and members of the Award Winning Biodiversity Management Committees namely, Shristhal and Agarwada Chopdem, individual category awardees Janu Gaonkar and Suryakant Gaonkar along with the other awardees in various categories.
Nilesh Cabral, Minister for Environment and chairperson GSBB addressed the gathering vide video message.
Dr. Pradip Sarmokadam, Member Secretary, GSBB, gave the welcome address and introduced the award winners and briefly apprised about the awards selection procedure followed by the Goa State Biodiversity Conservation Awards Selection Committee, which is headed by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests. He explained different activities carried out by GSBB. The awards were presented to the awardees at the hands of the Chief Guest, Shri. Kunal, IAS, Secretary Environment. Short films on the lives of the individual awardees were presented.
The award winners also addressed the gathering and expressed their gratitude to the Goa Government for recognizing their efforts towards conservation of biology, ecology and environment. Subhash Jan compered the program.
