Institutional Consultation Meeting for the Goa State Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan at ICAR-CCARI, Goa
Institutional Consultation Meeting for the Goa State Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan at ICAR-CCARI, Goa
The Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) held an institutional consultation Meeting for the Goa State Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan (GSBSAP) on 21st August 2025 at ICAR-CCARI, Goa. The board is currently seeking public input on the draft Goa State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (GSBSAP). This plan, developed by a 45-member committee under various 18 subcommittees, aims to document and conserve Goa's biodiversity while linking it to local livelihoods. The GSBSAP includes chapters on various aspects of biodiversity, such as agrobiodiversity, coastal, marine, wetland and vulnerable ecosystems, sustainable development, and climate change.
Mrs. Reshma Kerkar, Scientific & Admin. Officer, GSBB, welcomed the chairperson Dr. Parveen Kumar, Director of ICAR–CCARI, Goa, Scientists of ICAR-CCARI, GSBB staff and officers from agriculture and allied departments. A total of 31 participants were present in the meeting.
Dr. Parveen Kumar, Director of ICAR–CCARI, Goa, highlighted the importance of the documentation of biodiversity and preparation of the GSBSAP for the state to align with the SDG goals by 2030. The Scientists from CCARI lead the Agrobiodiversity subcommittee and also actively involved in the sub committees- Wetland and waterbodies, Marine / Fresh water Fish and other biodiversity, Livestock diversity and Climate change, biodiversity and budgetary aspects. The GSBSAP's development involved extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including NGOs, research institutions, government departments, and individuals knowledgeable about biodiversity. The Goa Foundation and the Forest Department, Government of Goa were the nodal agencies for the plan's preparation and implementation.
Shri. SujeetKumar Dongre, Scientist, Centre for Environment Education, is the agency appointed by GSBB to prepare a chapter on the consultative process for the GSBSAP, made a brief presentation on the draft. Followed by the presentation, a brainstorming session was held to discuss the chapters of the draft Goa State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (GSBSAP) for various inputs and feedback. The vote of thanks was proposed by Mrs. Reshma Kerkar, from GSBB. The programme was successfully coordinated by Dr. Manohara K.K., Dr. Sreekanth G.B., and Dr. Raghunandan K, scientific team of CCARI.