Dolcy D’Cruz
Nester Brian Fernandes studied Biological Sciences and specialised in Neurotoxicology, but over the years his work has moved strongly into marine biology, coastal ecology, biodiversity education, and field-based conservation. He conducts different expert-led ecology experiences across Goa, including intertidal shore walks, sandy shore walks, mangrove and khazan walks, wetland biodiversity walks, plateau biodiversity walks, forest trails, night trails, marine ecology boat rides, and mangrove ecology boat rides. “I try to make ecology more accessible by taking people into the field and helping them understand the living systems around them,” says Nester. On a mangrove ecology boat ride, participants begin to see how mangroves are not just trees near the water, but living ecosystems that support many other forms of life. Coastal and marine rides also help people understand the connection between rivers, estuaries, islands, tides, fishing communities, and biodiversity. “When people see birds feeding, fish movement, mangrove roots holding the shoreline, or dolphins and seabirds in their natural space, the landscape becomes more meaningful. It stops being just “scenery” and becomes an ecosystem that supports life, livelihoods, and culture,” explains Nester. Books are important, but field experience creates a stronger connection as the learning becomes real. In the field, people understand behaviour, habitat, threats, and ecological relationships. That direct experience often stays with them longer and makes conservation feel more personal. “Interest is not limited to children. Young adults, parents, teachers, travellers, and even older participants often become deeply engaged once they realise how much life exists in places they usually walk past without noticing. There is growing interest in understanding Goa beyond just beaches and tourism. People are becoming more hopeful and open to learning about ecosystems,” he says.
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VAIBHAV SALGAONKAR TURNS SHORELINES INTO LIVING CLASSROOMS
Vaibhav Salgaonkar was a Biotech student who took to illustrations and eventually, marine nature journaling. Now through his marine nature journaling walks, he tries to help people, especially children, see the shoreline as a living classroom rather than just a place to visit. “Our rocky shores are filled with fascinating creatures such as crabs, sea slugs, anemones, molluscs, and countless other intertidal species that most people walk past without noticing. In schools, students often learn about wildlife through textbooks and diagrams, but seeing these organisms in their natural habitat creates a much deeper connection and sense of curiosity,” says Porvorim-based Vaibhav. Marine nature journaling encourages participants to slow down, observe carefully, ask questions, and document what they see through sketches and notes. It transforms learning from memorising facts into an experience of discovery. Children begin to notice patterns, behaviours, colours, and adaptations that are often overlooked, and in the process they develop curiosity, creativity, patience, and scientific thinking. “One of the most rewarding aspects is watching young participants become excited about creatures they had never noticed before despite living close to the coast their entire lives. When a child discovers a tiny crab hiding in a rock pool or observes how a sea anemone responds to touch, that moment of connection stays with them far longer than a lesson in a classroom. My goal is not only to teach people about marine biodiversity but also to foster a sense of responsibility for caring and protecting these marine organisms. I hope to inspire a new generation that is more connected to nature and more invested in conserving these fragile coastal ecosystems for the future,” he adds.
VAISHNAVI NAIK SHINES A LIGHT ON NATURE’S SMALLER WONDERS
Vaishnavi Rajesh Naik from Karmali in Tiswadi, completed her Masters in Zoology from Goa University and has been volunteering for environmental activities and has independently been taking trails from past three years. She leads walks on habitat specific diversity along with various animal taxa like birds, butterfly and odonates. “We usually keep our admiration centred towards specific larger animal taxa so focusing, observing, learning and conserving the smaller animals allows one to notice the beauty in miniature life. We get to understand the anthropogenic threats and habitat modification which influences the local biodiversity. We get to learn about the impact of lesser fauna on ecological services. As star gazing make us see the unseen blanket of stars, likewise, birdwatching and similar taxa specific or biodiversity trails help us observe the bare known ones,” explains Vaishnavi. Practically watching a species out in wild is often more effective as one can observe the habitat, habits and niche of an organism. One gets to practically witness the interaction of animals with their ecosystem and these experiences tend to stay in one’s heart. “Biodiversity and taxa specific walks gives opportunity to learn and question one’s views and also answer them visually. Nowadays, homemakers indulge themselves more in attending such trails to pass their time as well to connect with the nature. Also, people from non-scientific background takes up the initiative and orient their choice towards wildlife documentation and conservation,” says Vaishnavi.
OM KURPASKAR INSPIRES CONSERVATION THROUGH EXPLORATION
Om Kurpaskar from Bandora, Ponda, completed his Bachelor’s degree in Zoology from Parvatibai Chowgule College and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Zoology at Goa University. He has been actively involved in conservation work in Goa since the post-Covid period, contributing through awareness campaigns, internships, and volunteer initiatives focused on wildlife and environmental conservation. He takes terrestrial trails focusing on lesser known fauna and ecosystems, herping trails on plateaus as well as forests and also cave ecology trail which focuses on understanding the delicate ecosystem of a cave. “People truly begin to appreciate nature only when they step out and experience it for themselves. Observing wildlife and natural ecosystems firsthand helps one understand how intricately everything is connected and how different species and habitats work together to keep nature functioning,” says Om. “It should come as no surprise that younger people are often the most curious and enthusiastic during these walks. They are fascinated by even the smallest creatures and are always eager to learn more about them. At the same time, adults tend to ask more detailed questions and are often interested in understanding the ecology, behaviour, and conservation aspects of the species we encounter,” he informs. One encouraging trend he has noticed is that more people are becoming interested in wildlife and many participants join these walks to face their fears or misconceptions about animals. “Many are surprised to learn about the incredible variety of wildlife that exists right here in Goa. Over the course of the walk, I often see people move from being hesitant or indifferent to becoming genuinely interested and appreciative of nature. Watching that change in perspective is one of the most rewarding parts of conducting these awareness sessions,” adds Om.
WALK ON THE WILD SIDE WITH NATURALIST YASH MANE
Yash Mane dropped out of the second year of a bachelor’s degree programme in Zoology and completed two hybrid online herpetology courses from the Amphibian Foundation and BNHS. He began volunteering for various NGOs and then volunteered at the Indore Zoo. He began working as a naturalist in 2023 and worked for nearly three years at a wildlife resort in Bandhavgarh National Park. Yash conducts herp walks and microfauna walks in Goa. “Books can provide you with all the information you need to understand a butterfly’s life cycle, including a scientific description of how it changes from a pupa to an adult, but nothing compares to witnessing a chrysalis split open and the butterfly emerge. There is a great deal more out there that has never been recorded by humans or put in a book,” explains Yash, who is working on a land/habitat regeneration project. He tries to highlight wild medicinal/ culinary plants and herbs that have been forgotten over the years. The age group of 5-15 years is more enthusiastic in learning and asking questions. So many times, he had to research to answer a questions asked by a 5-7 year old curious minds. “Compared to 10 to 15 years ago, more people desire to learn about and engage with nature. This is fantastic news at a time when “development” is destroying a growing portion of natural habitat. ‘Green washing’ has really taken off over the past five years because, people are desperate to connect in any way they can. Genuine sustainable methods strengthen indigenous populations rather than employing them,” says Yash.
