Goa, known for its clean beaches and rich biodiversity, is gearing up for a series of impactful events aimed at preserving its natural treasures.
On May 21, the Department of Environment and Climate Change, Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) and the Goa State Climate Change Cell are undertaking mega beach cleaning campaigns at Calangute and Colva beaches from 6.30 am to 9 am.
This initiative, endorsed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, seeks to promote Jan Bhagidari or people's participation in environmental conservation.
Competitions such as a selfie point contest on the theme “Reduce-reuse-recycle plastics” and a photography competition on the theme “Life on beach-need for steps for agreement to action” are also planned.
Day 2 of the event will be organised at the Village Panchayat Hall, Neura, Tiswadi, on May 22, from 3 pm onwards, where Rahibai Popere, also known as seed mother will be present as the keynote speaker.
Rahibai is an Indian farmer and conservationist who has earned the 'seed mother' title due to her remarkable efforts in preserving and promoting indigenous seed varieties. She hails from Kombhalne village in Maharashtra.
Rahibai Popere comes from a farming background and has observed the loss of traditional seed varieties and the adoption of commercial hybrid seeds in her community.
Concerned about the impact of these changes on agricultural biodiversity and farmers' self-reliance, she dedicated herself to the conservation of native seeds.
The nationwide launch of the People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR) updation-cum-verification programme will take place on May 23.
Organised by the GSBB in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the National Biodiversity Authority and the Department of Environment and Climate Change, the event will be held at the Village Panchayat Hall in Neura, Tiswadi.
Bhupender Yadav, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, will attend the full-day programme.