Team Herald
PANJIM: Environment and Forest Minister Rajendra Arlekar on Tuesday said that the Forest Department will host Goa’s first Bird Festival from November 11 to 13 in which lot of bird related activities will be witnessed.
Addressing a press conference in the city, Arlekar said the Western Ghats is one of the 25 mega biodiversity hotspots in the world and the state of Goa by virtue of its location in the ghats also represents a unique confluence of two diverse ecosystems — one influenced by marine environment and the other by terrestrial forests resulting in diversity of forest with high endemism and habitats.
“The festival will include nature/bird watching trails in Bondla and Bhagwan Mahaweer wildlife sanctuaries, Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and Carambolim wetlands. ” said Arlekar
“The number of bird species recorded in Goa is 432 against 1224 species available in India and the main reason to host this festival is to develop the hinterland tourism and in addition increase the revenue of locals in those areas,” he added.
During the course of the festival a lot of bird analysts, renowned experts and bird lovers is expected to come to Goa from across the country. Further, the department will also launch a book on birds from Goa in Konkani and the five students from each college in Goa will get the opportunity to witness the festival free of cost.
The Minister said that this is proposed to be an annual event and this year’s success will depend on the future course of action, on whether the department will hold the festival annually or every two years.
