23 Jun 2020  |   04:20am IST

Stakeholders of Goa’s biodiversity join hands to protect Mollem, Bhagwan Mahavir

Major stakeholders of not just tourism, but environment and biodiversity in Goa have started the citizen’s fight to protect the clearing of forest land at the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park. The signatories are no-nonsense fighters for Goa and have pledged to not restrict themselves to just sending the letter but ensuring that the demands of people are met

Ajit John;

The subject of tourism has always been one that excites much comment and the increase of one’s temperature depending on which side of the fence one stood on. However, there are times when the general public come together to express their opposition to a move initiated by other parties or in this case the government. A signature campaign against the clearing of forest land in Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park for railway double-tracking, widening of NH4A highway and laying of LILO transmission line had evoked a strong response from various sections of society.

 

Sustainable tourism initiatives can help protect and preserve biodiversity hotspots

The Responsible Tourism Collective, a group of 16 businesses with decades of experience, were already spearheading the sustainable tourism campaign in Goa across sectors. The group felt with the help of private players, the government could refocus and intentionally develop international standard sustainable tourism initiatives to build on some of the existing programs of the Forest Department like the annual Goa Bird Festival and monthly bird walks, while at the same time creating and innovating solutions for the future.

They pointed out the area’s hinterland nature-based tourism industry was growing and year-round revenue source for the state. Across Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, there were a number of already existing eco-conscious accommodations.

This area which is protected, the letter pointed out was home to incredible biodiversity, indigenous communities, and rich cultural heritage. It boasts of hundreds of endemic species — animals, plants, and fungi. Being a tiger habitat, in addition to a home for other apex predators and creatures on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) threatened list makes this environment ideal for tourism and conservation programs to go hand in hand. In addition to diverse fauna, the flora flourishes with freshwater sources all around.

Three important tributaries of the river Mhadei, which feeds into the Mandovi, Goa’s lifeline, originates here, providing ample resources for exploration, adventure, and guided experiences. There are also many local waterfalls like Tambdi Surla Falls, Devil’s Canyon, and of course, Dudhsagar Falls, the main tourist destination in Goa. 

 

Aside from the historic Mahadev temple of Tambdi Surla, more than 800 years old, the area has more than a hundred sacred sites with stone sculptures and carvings and other assets of archaeological and historical heritage. Researchers have found stone tools and implements used by prehistoric humans though many are still undiscovered and most are not documented or accessible to the public.

Biodiversity conservation, which can be a major tourist attraction, requires locals for the implementation of various programs. This is a great way for local communities to become champions for conservation. With a well-developed state policy, a sustainability certification program can bring about marked change and growth.  The benefits of developing sustainable hinterland tourism are for everyone — revenue for the state, an increase in youth and local community employment, and a rich cultural exchange promoting Goan traditional and local culture.

 The letter ended with a fervent plea to revoke the decision to clear forest land in Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park for railway double-tracking, widening of NH4A highway and laying of LILO transmission line.

With non-governmental organisations having already gone to court, one can expect a long battle ahead though with courts having reduced their working timing, it could be a while before it comes up for hearing.

What will the organisations in Goa do, to take their plea with the Union Environment minister forward

  At the State level, the Government should bring together local stakeholders or groups (like the Responsible Tourism Collective, for example,) to help provide recommendations and strategies that can be implemented on the ground level.  With public-private partnerships, we can work together to ensure every aspect is carefully considered and the implementation of such programs is effective and meets particular agreed-upon International-quality standards and criteria to allow tourism to thrive in this rich and beautiful state- 

Pooja Rani Co-Founder Khoj-aao! Adventures 

 

We are constrained right now due to the COVID problem. We are unable to take any action on the ground due to section 144. The authorities are taking advantage of the situation. Legal moves have been initiated to stop the destruction of the forests- 

Avertino Miranda Goa Green Brigade

  

 

They have not even given an acknowledgment of our letter. This was a letter written and signed by people who have a history of taking up causes for the benefit of society. The authorities have been blatantly unresponsive- 

Albertina Almeida Advocate