MARGAO:
The State Forest Department, Wildlifeand
Ecotourism
(WL&ET)
South (S) Division in association with Reef Watch Marine Conservation
organised a workshop
on the safety of sea turtles, at Dr Francisco
Luis Gomes
District Library, Navelim as part of their public outreach programme.
The workshop
was organised to commemorate the World Sea Turtle Day
and to raise
awareness in the public about the plight of sea turtles and to make
a pledge for
working together to help them recover.
The workshop
witnessed participation of students from Goa University,
colleges and
various higher Secondary schools from across the State, naturalists
and
biodiversity enthusiasts. They had the opportunity to learn about the biology
and ecology of
sea turtles,
stranding incidences, veterinary aspects, threats, protection and conservation
of these turtles
etc. with the
help of an attractive presentation.
Rajiv Gupta,
IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Goa graced the occasion
with his
presence as the chief guest. Towards the end of this interactive programme,
participation certificates were awarded
to the
participants by the chief Guest. Additionally, rescue kits were also handed
over to the rescuers
of Wildlife
Division. Other dignitaries present from the Forest Department
were Aniket P
Naik Gaonkar, Deputy (Dy) Conservator of Forests, WL&ET S Division;
Premkumar R,
Dy Conservator of Forests, S Division; Yasodha K, Dy Conservator
of Forests,
Research and Utilisation division, Margao; Damodar Salelkar, Assistant
Conservator
of Forests, WL &ET (S) Division; Range Forest Officer
(RFO),
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) and other Forest officials. The Reef
Watch team
was led by Manisha Rao, Programme Coordinator, Goa; Nester
Fernandes,
Research and Outreach Officer; Dr Shashank, Veterinarian and
Marishia
Rodrigues.
