Late DrJoe D’Souza, a retired microbiologist of Goa University and an environmental warrior who always exposed environmental degradation contributed immensely towards conservation of nature during his lifetime. A scientist who was well informed with great love for nature he fought relentlessly against projects which would destroy the environment. Dr D’Souza should be an inspiration for those environmentalists who are working hard to protect our motherland from unplanned development which could leave very little greenery for future generations. Handling of hazardous wastes and legacy dumps, the leniency in granting permissions to constructions all along the North Goa beach belt, the harmful effects of using formalin to preserve fish were only some of the subjects he passionately felt for. Dr. D’Souza had challenged the construction of the 'Captain of Ports' department building on the banks of Mandovi in Panaji. He had to fight many of the decisions of the government in order to save the environment. It would be most appropriate to institute an award ‘Goan Environmentalist of the Year’ in memory of late Dr Joe D’Souza. This would be a befitting move in honour of one of Goa’s best known green activists.
