
Field-Level Workshop on Ecosystem Services of Wetlands Organized at Nanda Lake Ramsar Site
The Goa State Wetland Authority (GSWA), in collaboration with ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CCARI), Old Goa, organized a Field-Level Workshop on “Ecosystem Services of Wetlands” on 27 July 2026 at Nanda Lake Ramsar Site, Quepem, Goa. The programme aimed to create awareness about the ecological, economic, and social significance of wetlands and promote their conservation and sustainable management through scientific interventions and community participation.The programme was graced by Shri Nilesh Cabral, Hon. MLA, Curchorem Constituency, as Chief Guest; Dr. Parveen Kumar, Director, ICAR-CCARI, as Guest of Honour; Shri Sanjay Anant Patil, Padma Shri Awardee farmer, as Special Guest; and Dr. Pradip Sarmokadam, Member Secretary, GSWA. Shri Vishwas Sawant Desai, Ward Councillor; Smt. KavitaGauns Desai, Sarpanch, Xeldem; and the Administrator, Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council, also attended as special invitees.During the inaugural session, Shri Nilesh Cabral emphasized the importance of conserving wetlands and highlighted the significance of Nanda Lake as a Ramsar site for delivering diverse ecosystem services. Dr. Parveen Kumar highlighted the importance of the Ramsar Convention and called upon students, teachers, farmers, and stakeholders to actively participate in the conservation and sustainable management of Nanda Lake through collaborative approaches.Dr. Pradip Sarmokadam stressed the need for systematic documentation of wetland biodiversity and ecosystem services as a foundation for developing effective integrated management plans.A total of 110 participants, including 60 women and 50 men, participated in the workshop. The participants comprised farmers, students, teachers, scientists, GSWA and Goa State Biodiversity Board officials, local leaders, and other stakeholders.The technical programme commenced with a plantationactivity near Nanda Lake. Technology exhibition stalls showcased ICAR-CCARI technologies related to agriculture, livestock, and fisheries for enhancing productivity and sustainability in wetland ecosystems. The Goa State Biodiversity Board displayed biodiversity-related educational materials and products.An interactive session enabled farmers and stakeholders to discuss technologies, farmer success stories, wetland conservation, sustainable agriculture, fisheries development, and livelihood enhancement with ICAR-CCARI scientists. A major highlight was the fish ranching activity conducted at Nanda Lake, demonstrating the potential of fish stock enhancement for conserving aquatic biodiversity and improving sustainable inland wetland fisheries.Dr. Sreekanth G. B., ICAR-CCARI, delivered an awareness lecture on invasive fish species, demonstrating live specimens, identification, ecological impacts, and management strategies, generating keen interest among participants.Shri Trivesh Mayekar, Scientist (Fish Genetics and Breeding) shared his expertise on the conservation and breeding of indigenous fish species, sustainable aquaculture practices, and opportunities for promoting agro-eco-tourism in wetland ecosystems.Dr. Sanjay Udharwar, and Shri Rahul Kumar SMS, ICAR-KVK, North Goa shared the ICAR-CCARI technologies and recommended packages of practices for enhancing productivity and farm income in agriculture, and livestock sectors.Towards the end of the programme, a plant distribution programme was organized to promote environmental conservation and encourage community participation in greening initiatives.The workshop effectively highlighted the ecosystem services provided by wetlands, demonstrated sustainable fisheries management practices through fish ranching, strengthened awareness on invasive fish species management, showcased innovative agricultural and fisheries technologies, and reinforced the importance of collaborative efforts for the conservation and sustainable management of Goa's Ramsar wetlands.Dr. Sreekanth G. B., Shri Trivesh Mayekar, Dr. Sanjay Udharwar, Shri Rahul Kumar, and Mr. Mrudul Pendurkar constituted the ICAR-CCARI team responsible for coordinating the workshop.