#TG Life
Celebrating the International Biodiversity Day briefly on May 22, Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) has announced that the day will also be celebrated on a bigger scale again on the World Ocean Day on June 8, this time with the state of Goa. “On June 8 the Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) will be putting up stalls for awareness and have an interactive session with the people where the concerning issues will be addressed,” stating Dr Pradip Sarmokadam, member secretary of Goa State Biodiversity Board. He also announced that the board will be releasing four movies on biodiversity along with a coffee table book on biodiversity for awareness.
Pointing out that Goa state is one of the richest repositories of biological diversity which has six wildlife sanctuaries including one bird sanctuary and one national park, Sarmokadam informed, “GSBB was constituted 15 years ago in order to educate the people on the subject and spread awareness about biodiversity. The primary mandate of the board is to conserve biodiversity and ensure a sustainable use of its components. It is also important to oversee a fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilisation of biological resources.” Sarmokadam expressed his happiness that many people are now aware about their surrounding and are taking initiative to plant as many trees as possible.
GBBS, in association with the State Medicinal Plant Board is in the process of setting up a medicinal plant garden at the campus of the Aldona primary health centre where more than 100 species are expected to be planted. Confirming the fact that this project has been approved but it will be kick-start after the Code of Conduct ends, Sarmokadam briefs about setting up of a garden at Penha de França to ensure public participation in such activities.
