ICAR-CCARI in Collaboration with Forest Department Goa Organized Mangrove Plantation Programme on World Mangrove Day at Divar, Goa

           

     On the occasion of World Mangrove Day, a mangrove plantation programme was organized jointly by ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CCARI) and Forest Department, Research & Utilization Division, Government of Goa on 26^th July 2025 at Naveli, Divar, Tiswadi, Goa. The programme aimed to raise awareness about the ecological significance of mangroves and promote their restoration and conservation. The event was graced by the presence of Shri Santosh Kumar Reddy, IFS, Deputy Conservator of Forests, South Goa, who commended the collaborative efforts undertaken by ICAR-CCARI and the Forest Department in advancing mangrove conservation and ecosystem restoration. The primary aim of the programme was to protect the island’s 2 km stretch of bundh from the effects of storms, tides, and other natural calamities, and this initiative was a part of the first phase of this vision. More than 400 mangrove saplings were planted during the programme, significantly contributing to the enhancement of the local mangrove habitat. Forest Department officials, ICAR-CCARI staff, and several stakeholders including villagers, students, and volunteers actively participated in the plantation activity. Interactive discussions were held on the ecological importance of mangroves, focusing on their role in protecting coastal communities from erosion and extreme weather events, serving as breeding and nursery grounds for fish and other aquatic species, and the need for strengthening community-based mangrove stewardship. Special emphasis was placed on engaging local youth and school students in future plantation and awareness activities to cultivate long-term ecological consciousness. As a part of the long-term strategy, a large-scale mangrove afforestation plan for Divar Island bundhs is being developed, with a proposal to plant over 40,000 mangrove saplings across 14 hectares. This initiative aims to stabilize bundhs, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen the island’s climate resilience. This event was coordinated by Shri Trivesh Mayekar, Scientist (FGB), ICAR-CCARI; Dr. Sreekanth G. B., Sr. Scientist (FRM), ICAR-CCARI; officials from the Forest Department, Goa; Mr Dilkush Velip, Technical Assistant (T3), ICAR-CCARI; and Harshvardhan Shetye, Young Professional, ICAR-CCARI.