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Key Points

Goa CM Pramod Sawant marked International Day for Biodiversity by honouring local conservation champions. He announced initiatives like reviving traditional salt pans and setting up GoVan processing centres in mining areas. The state’s community-led conservation model is gaining national recognition for blending tradition with innovation. These efforts aim to protect ecosystems while creating sustainable livelihoods for locals.

Key Points: Goa CM Pramod Sawant Announces Biodiversity Initiatives for 2025

  • CM Sawant announces support for traditional salt pan owners
  • Strengthening grassroots Biodiversity Management Committees
  • Launching GoVan processing centres in mining belts
  • Aligning conservation with livelihood generation
2 min read

Goa CM Pramod Sawant celebrates International Day for Biodiversity 2025, announces key initiatives

Goa CM Pramod Sawant unveils key biodiversity schemes including salt pan revival and GoVan centres while celebrating Biodiversity Champions.

"Goa’s community-driven conservation model is now inspiring other states - CM Pramod Sawant"

Sankhali, May 22

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday participated in the celebrations for the International Day for Biodiversity 2025 in Sankhali and felicitated individuals and communities recognised as Goa's Biodiversity Champions.

Goa's Biodiversity Champions are individuals and communities shaping a greener, more sustainable future for our state.

The chief minister said that from Khazan farming to Kulagars and sacred groves, biodiversity is deeply rooted in Goa's heritage. He also mentioned that the Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs), supported by the Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB), continue to play a pivotal role in preserving our unique ecosystems through local action and community involvement.

He stated that Goa's community-driven conservation model is now inspiring other states-a proud example of how tradition and innovation can work hand-in-hand.

CM Sawant announced several new initiatives for 2025: Support for Salt Pan Owners; Strengthening Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs), and GoVan Multi-Processing Centres in Mining Belts.

Support for Salt Pan Owners is a new GSBB scheme to revive traditional salt pans and focuses on local bio-salt, livelihoods, and ecological restoration. The scheme has been planned in collaboration with Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI) Bhavnagar and experts like Dr. Savita Kerkar.

Strengthening Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) includes supporting schemes for grassroots conservation using People's Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) and promotion of community-led biodiversity action.

GoVan Multi-Processing Centres in Mining Belts will facilitate operations at Kudne, Pissurle, Bhironda, Mayem, Pilgao, Verna, Dabhal, Sulcorna and Uguem. Similar two more centres are to be set up at Sancorda and Rivona. These centres will be professionally managed to benefit women, farmers and rural entrepreneurs.

CM Sawant emphasised that the Goa Government is committed to aligning biodiversity conservation with livelihood generation and sustainable development. He highlighted that through projects like GoVan, Green Skilling, and the revival of traditional crops like Patni rice and Parra watermelon, the government is empowering local communities and protecting Goa's natural legacy.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Finally some good news from Goa! 👏 The salt pan revival scheme is brilliant - it preserves traditional livelihoods while being eco-friendly. My grandfather used to work in salt pans, and it's heartwarming to see this heritage being valued. Hope other coastal states take inspiration!
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Priya M.
As a frequent visitor to Goa, I've seen how unchecked tourism damages ecosystems. These initiatives give me hope! The GoVan centers empowering women and farmers is especially commendable. Maybe they can include awareness programs for tourists too?
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Anil D.
Good steps but implementation is key. Last year's mangrove protection scheme didn't reach all promised areas. Hope BMCs get proper funding this time. Also, what about plastic pollution on beaches? That needs urgent attention alongside these projects.
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Sunita P.
Revival of Patni rice and Parra watermelon is music to my ears! 🎶 These indigenous crops are part of our Goan identity. My grandmother's recipes need these authentic ingredients. Hope they make these available in local markets soon!
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Vikram S.
Mining belt processing centers are a smart move - turning challenges into opportunities. But will there be proper environmental safeguards? Goa can't afford another ecological disaster like the past mining issues. Otherwise, thumbs up for this balanced approach!
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Neha T.
As a biology student, I'm thrilled to see sacred groves getting recognition! These are living laboratories of biodiversity. Can GSBB create educational programs for schools? Our youth should learn about these treasures in our backyard.

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