Team Herald
The committee formed under UNJEF was launched in the presence of the Velim MLA by the Velim panchayat and member secretary of the Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) Dr Nitin Sawant.
Benjamin who was the chief guest stated that he had been working with the Environment Ministry and minister from where he had received valuable suggestions and would put the same to use with regard to the new biodiversity panel.
Reiterating the need to conserve Velim’s biodiversity, Benjamin said the village is blessed in abundance with the rich resources and the committee has been formed to meet this goal. He further recommended that all the natural resources be recorded, which will prevent the same from getting misused and help the panel achieve its aims.
Dr Sawant laid emphasis on monitoring and preserving the natural habitat and preserving its integrity. The GSBB member secretary further explained that the committee formed under UNJEF will receive Rs 70 lakh to protect and preserve the biodiversity. He also expressed hope that the committee will manage to bring back fading resources like tisreo. He also explained that the committee will work in close co-ordination to protect preserve and promote sustainable utilization of natural resources and not to block development.
He also called on the panel to take the villagers into confidence and seek their suggestions on key issues of the village and that the GSBB will support all the endeavours of the new committee.
Sarpanch Melwyn Sanchez thanked all those who supported the initiative and promised to support the committee.
