THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
After taking up bamboo cultivation along nearly 250 km of highway stretches across the State, the Goa government is now looking to extend the initiative to ecologically sensitive coastal and sloping areas as part of its climate resilience and carbon neutrality strategy.
The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), at its recent meeting, discussed a proposal titled "Revival of Native Bamboo Through Plantation in Coastal and Slopy Areas: A Nature-Based Solution for Climate Resilience, Coastal Protection, Sustainable Development and Step Towards Carbon Neutral Goa."
The proposal, forwarded by the Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB), aims to restore native bamboo species in vulnerable landscapes to strengthen coastal protection, improve ecological restoration, enhance carbon sequestration and generate sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.
During the meeting, the Authority noted that the proposed initiative would involve an expenditure of around Rs 7 lakh. While deliberating on the proposal, members observed that the State has already undertaken bamboo cultivation along approximately 250 km of highway stretches and is now exploring the expansion of the programme to other environmentally sensitive regions.
Officials said bamboo, owing to its fast growth, extensive root network and high carbon absorption capacity, can play a significant role in stabilising slopes, reducing soil erosion, protecting coastal ecosystems and mitigating the impacts of climate change. The initiative also aligns with the State government's broader objective of promoting nature-based solutions and moving towards a carbon-neutral Goa, official said.
