It is learnt that plans are afoot to plant 1,100 mangroves in the State. The mangrove conservation initiative was reportedly taken on Goa Statehood Day by St Joseph Vaz College, Cortalim in association with Nisarga Nature’s Club, Chicalim Youth Farmers Club and Goencho Ekvott. This is a step in the right direction as it is vital to replace the depleting number of mangroves. Mangroves protect shorelines from damaging storm and hurricane winds, waves, and floods. It is understood that mangroves are home for several species of flora and fauna. Mangroves help to trap debris, silt and stabilize the coastline. It is learnt that Goa houses 16 mangrove species and it has one of the best mangrove forests in the country. Chorao island in Mandovi river is one of the best mangrove forests and houses most of the species found in Goa. Mangroves improve water quality by absorbing nutrients that might cause harmful algal blooms offshore. Mangroves also help prevent erosion by stabilizing sediments with their tangled root systems. This initiative to grow mangroves needs to be appreciated and such activities need to be carried out throughout the State.
