VALPOI
Chief Secretary V Candavelou said the presence of nearly 497 recorded bird species can strongly boost bird tourism in Goa. He was speaking at 9th Bird Festival in Valpoi in the presence of forest officials, including PCCF Kamal Datta.
Candavelou paid tribute to Dr Salim Ali for his major contribution to bird research and conservation in India. He underlined the ecological importance of the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, which is rich in plants and wildlife. He also stressed the need for bird publications, especially in Konkani, saying such books will help people identify local species more easily.
Festivals like this, he said, improve public understanding of birds and ecosystems and help build awareness, education and conservation values among citizens.
PCCF Kamal Datta said the event received an encouraging response this year. He noted that Goa’s 497 bird species make the state an important destination for bird lovers. After last year’s festival at Khotigao, two new books on birds will be released this year to support conservation work.
Datta added that around 750 sq km of land has been set aside for bird conservation. The documentation created will help the forest department in identification and monitoring. The outcomes of the festival will be published.
The programme also saw the introduction of the “Atlas of the Birds of Goa”, a reference for identification and planning. Several contributors to wildlife conservation were honoured.
