Goa’s first State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (GSBSAP) has raised serious concerns about the increasing threats facing the state’s mangrove ecosystems and khazan lands, driven by climate change and rapid urban development. The draft plan—now open for public feedback until July 22—warns that rising sea levels, heavier rainfall, and expanding urbanization are placing growing stress on these sensitive coastal environments.
Developed by the Goa State Biodiversity Board, the plan reveals that sea levels along Goa’s coast have been rising at an average rate of 1.45 mm per year (±0.46 mm) between 1969 and 2013. If this trend continues, sea levels could rise by approximately 0.48 feet over the next century. Additionally, Goa’s annual rainfall has increased by 68% from 1901 to 2018, and average temperatures have risen by over 1°C since the early 20th century.
The report also underscores a dramatic shift in the Arabian Sea’s climate since 1995, with a fivefold increase in intense cyclones. Between 1980 and 2020, there has been a marked escalation in the frequency, intensity, and duration of cyclonic storms—with cyclone activity spiking by 52% in the past 20 years alone.
These mounting climate impacts threaten to reduce the productivity of Goa’s mangrove forests and disrupt habitats for key species such as crocodiles and various bird populations. The draft warns that changes in salinity levels could lead to the decline of saline-intolerant mangrove species, while khazan lands—traditionally reclaimed for agriculture and aquaculture—face heightened risks of flooding and long-term ecological damage.
In light of these findings, the GSBSAP calls for urgent, climate-resilient conservation strategies to protect Goa’s rich and diverse ecosystems. Citizens are encouraged to review the plan and provide their input to help shape the state’s biodiversity and environmental policies for a more sustainable future.