PANJIM: In a bid to provide tourists with an educational and recreational experience, a state-of-the-art Mangrove Park will be set up at Patto, Panjim. Directorate of Science and Technology along with National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) and Forest Department is working on the project.
A NIO study reveals that mangrove cultivation in the State has increased from 20 sq kms in 2003 to 28 sq kms as per the Survey conducted in 2013. NIO scientist and executive committee member of Mangroves Society of India Dr Sayeeda Wafar said the park, to be located along the national highway in an area of 56.6ha, will help in protecting existing mangroves. “The concept of utilization and creation of the park has scope for eco-tourism and will also be a centre for research and public education,” she said.
Sayeeda was speaking at a seminar on ‘Working with Ecology for a Successful Economy – Planning for Goa’ organized by Goa Bachao Abhiyan in association with the International Centre of Goa (ICG).
The special attraction of the park would be the walkways and boat rides that will allow people to admire the rich biodiversity in this mangrove ecosystem, the scientist said adding that it will provide an educational experience as information on the different species of mangrove plants will be available.
Earlier, Sayeeda highlighted that despite there being rampant destruction of mangroves in the State in the name of development; the situation is far better compared to other parts of the country. “There has been increase in mangrove plantation but it is attributed to natural reasons,” she said.Sayeeda said that the mangroves in Goa are under severe threat because of pollution, reclamation and development.
The other speakers present for the seminar include Prof Pranab Mukhopadhya from Goa University who spoke on ‘Development and Conservation Trade-off’, horticultural consultant Miguel Braganza who lectured on ‘Economically Profitable and Economically Sustainable Orchard’ and Chairman and MD of Deejay Group David Lobo who spoke on ‘Greening of Goa’.
