It mustbe said that the fragile sand dune ecosystem in Goa has been deteriorating andthe dune vegetation has been depleting at an alarming rate. This is so becausein places where there is some vegetation, tourists are seen driving theirvehicles and visitors and picnickers are often seen squatting on thevegetation, trampling it and discarding trash on it. It is heartening to notethat the sand dune ecosystem is set to get a new lease of life as the World Bankhas approved a project proposed by the Goa State Biodiversity Board that willsee India’s first sand dune park in the state. It is understood that around Rs3 crore has been sanctioned to the state under the programme. The steps to betaken will include building bridges of nature-friendly material to reducetrampling of sand dune vegetation, setting up of sand dune vegetation whichwill enable greenery to appear where vegetation has become extinct. Thevegetation on sand dunes is an important part of the ecosystem and is the firstline of defense against huge waves, storms and winds. Sand dune parks will alsoadd to the beauty of the beach as it will introduce flora and fauna on thebeach sand. This step will be a big boost for the Goan beaches as restoration,conservation and management of coastal sand dunes are seldom attempted in thecountry.
