Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant attended the celebrations in Sankhali and felicitated Goa’s Biodiversity Champions – individuals and communities who are shaping a greener, more sustainable future for our state.
HCM 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.
HCM 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.
HCM announced New Initiatives for 2025:
🔹 Support for Salt Pan Owners
👉🏼 New GSBB scheme to revive traditional salt pans
👉🏼 Collaboration with CSMCRI Bhavnagar & experts like Dr. Savita Kerkar
👉🏼 Focus on local bio-salt, livelihoods, and ecological restoration
🔹 Strengthening Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs)
👉🏼 Support schemes for grassroots conservation using People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs)
👉🏼 Promotion of community-led biodiversity action
🔹 GoVan Multi-Processing Centres in Mining Belts
👉🏼 Facilities operational at Kudne, Pissurle, Bhironda, Mayem, Pilgao, Verna, Dabhal, Sulcorna & Uguem
👉🏼 Two more centers coming up at Sancorda & Rivona
👉🏼 Professionally managed to benefit women, farmers & rural entrepreneurs
HCM emphasized 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.