the goan I network
PANAJI
On the occasion of International Day for Biological Diversity, May 22, Goa Consumers and Civic Action Network (GOACAN) has called for the setting up of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) in all the Municipal Councils across the state, and has sought the support of the Directorate of Municipal Administration for the same.
In a letter to Dr Tariq Thomas, Director of Municipal Administration, co-ordinator of GOACAN Roland Martins has requested setting up of BMCs in collaboration with the Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) in the year 2019-2020 which has the theme “Our Biodiversity, Our Food, Our Health” and which incidentally is the last year of the UN Decade on Biodiversity 2011-2020.
It may be noted that as per the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, GSBB has taken up constitution of BMCs at the panchayat and municipal level for decentralised management of bio-resource in Goa.
Martins has recommended that DMA also undertake special capacity building programs for the members of all Municipal Council BMCs so that they can co-relate with the various other themes and agendas being taken up by Ministry of Urban Development, Smart City and Swachh Bharat Mission.
The NGO has called on DMA to develop an inter-sectoral road map keeping in mind various other initiatives being undertaken during other UN Decades.
GOACAN has also requested the DMA to give special attention to BMCs of the Municipal Councils of Pernem, Bicholim, Sanquelim, Valpoi, Curchorem-Cacora, Sanguem, Cuncolim, Quepem and Canacona keeping in mind the flora and fauna of these areas.
A copy of the letter has been sent to Pradip Sarmokadam, Member Secretary of the Goa State Biodiversity Board.
