PANAJI
Local indigenous communities in four villages were honoured in recognition of their living in harmony with the natural eco-systems and in effect being the protectors of the environment to commemorate the World Environment Day on Monday.
Rainbow Warriors and other residents in Poinguinim, Cotarli, Usgao and Loutolim held events to honour the indigenous communities from those localities for being the 'rakhondars' (protectors) of the land and environment.
The lands, rivers and forests of Goa are maintained and nurtured by the local communities and are the commons of these communities, not the “property” of the State or profit-seeking companies, Rainbow Warriors said in a statement.
Rainbow Warriors and the indigenous communities of Goa demand that the government stop meddling with the “Jal”, “Jangal” and “Jameen”, which belong to the local communities (Gauncares of Goa) it added.
"The communities also vowed to defend waters, forests and lands from vested interests and intensify agitations across the State against displacement of local communities and destruction of the environment," it added.
