World Wetlands Day was celebrated in Karapur-Bicholim.
BICHOLIM
Stating that environmental protection is the need of the hour, CM Pramod Sawant stressed that youth must make sincere efforts to protect nature and water resources, along with spreading environmental awareness.
“Goa is a region endowed with rich biodiversity and natural wealth, and the responsibility of conserving and protecting this environmental heritage must be consciously undertaken by the younger generation,” said Sawant while addressing the gathering at the State-Level World Wetlands Day celebration at Karapur-Bicholim.
The chief minister emphasised the importance of wetland conservation, urging stakeholders to work constructively and avoid conflicts.
He highlighted that this year’s World Wetlands Day theme, ‘Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage’, reflects Goa’s age-old traditional wisdom of living in harmony with nature and acknowledges the vital role played by local communities in conserving wetlands across generations.
Sawant appealed to citizens to actively participate in wetland conservation initiatives and become ‘Wetland Mitras’ to safeguard these crucial ecosystems for future generations.
Mayem MLA and Chairman of the Goa State Horticulture Corporation Premendra Shet also emphasised that safeguarding Goa’s environment and biodiversity is the responsibility of every citizen and reiterated that environmental protection is an urgent necessity.
As part of the World Wetlands Day observance, a special guided bird-watching programme was organised for students at Kodal Lake, a notified wetland. Early in the morning, students assembled at the lake and experienced bird watching using bioscopes. The activity was guided by Parag Rangnekar of the Goa Bird Conservation Network, along with members of the Goa State Wetland Authority.
To enhance learning, the Goa State Wetland Authority distributed pocket bird-identification guides to the students. Following the field activity, the formal programme was held at Dr KB Hedgewar High School, Sanquelim.
The event was also attended by Sachin Dessai (Member Secretary of the Goa State Wetland Authority), Dr Pradip Sarmokadam, Dr Sandeep Sawant, Dr Baban Ingole, Nelson Figueredo, Board Member of the Goa State Biodiversity Board, Sadanand Mishal, Principal of Hedgewar School, along with other dignitaries, teachers, and students.
On the occasion, Dr Pradip Sarmokadam provided guidance, and a booklet authored by Parag Rangnekar was released.
