THE GOAN NETWORK
BICHOLIM
Describing Goa as a treasure trove of biodiversity, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday said plans are afoot to make Goa a model biodiversity state and announced the opening of seven biodiversity centres in Goa.
The chief minister was speaking at a program organised in Sanquelim on the occasion of International Day for Biological Diversity.
Speaking further, Sawant emphasised the need to preserve rare plants and animals, and said the cooperation of every person in the State is important for its conservation and revival.
Expressing fear that local pulses, leafy vegetables and medicinal plants found in various parts of Goa are disappearing, the chief minister appealed to the new generation to make a special contribution to its conservation.
“It is necessary to maintain biodiversity reserves to attract people to visit sanctuaries in Goa and to introduce Goa, a treasure trove of biological wealth, to a new identity,” he said.
The chief minister said the government is making efforts to make Goa green and to introduce a new organic product in every taluka.
On the occasion, the chief minister presented Biodiversity Awards to those who have been working for biodiversity conservation in various sectors of the State.
Among those present on the occasion included Dr Levinson Martins, Dr Sridhar Thakur, Dr Archana Godbole Siddhi Prabhu, and Member Secretary Goa Biodiversity Board Dr Pradip Sarmukadam
In his address, Dr Sarmukadam announced the planting of 6.5 lakh trees and other initiatives under Swayampurna Goa.
A special exhibition showcasing the biological wealth of Goa was organised at the event.
