The state has constituted a 45-member expert committee to formulate comprehensive state biodiversity to save the rich biodiversity of Goa, on the lines national biodiversity conservation plan.
The first meeting of the committee has decided to study the old traditional methods of Goa and will formulate a new policy.
Members have suggested that a plan should dedicate a chapter to the saline khazan field ecosystem of Goa and the protection of forests.
Goa had earlier already framed an action plan, but it was mainly meticulous documentation of the state’s biodiversity while the new plan is to provide a framework for conservation and will serve as a handbook for citizens on how they can participate.
Local municipalities and panchayats will also be involved in consultations to formulate the action plan.
While a sub-committee to study inclusive development in rural and urban areas will be headed by Architect Kamlakar Sadhale, ecologist Parag Rangnekar will lead a sub-committee for conservation of biodiversity in mid-plains, forest areas and coastal stretches. A sub-committee has been formed to study traditional methods under the chairmanship of Rajendra Kerkar.