Tag: Climate Action

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JCI Panaji Launches “One LO Sustainable Project” with CCP and Goa Forest Department

Tanisha Cardozo

JCI Panaji has made a significant contribution to environmental conservation and sustainability by launching the “One LO Sustainable Project” in collaboration with the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) and the Goa Forest Department . This community-driven initiative focused on planting several medicinal saplings across strategic locations in Panaji, with the goal of enhancing biodiversity, promoting ecological balance, and reviving traditional healing practices through the cultivation of native medicinal plants.

The project was formally inaugurated in Panaji in the presence of several dignitaries, including Mayor Rohit Monserrate, who graced the event as Chief Guest. Applauding the efforts of JCI Panaji, the Mayor highlighted how such grassroots projects are essential for the sustainable growth of the city and encouraged other youth-led organizations to join the movement for a greener Panaji.

Also attending the launch were Deu Tukaram Khavnekar (Forest Guard), Amit Rajaram Kalangutkar (Forest Guard), Gautam Kharangate (CEO, Rashtra TV), and JCI Panaji President Sandeep Kerkar, alongside a passionate group of JCI Panaji members who were instrumental in bringing the project to life.

Speaking at the event, Sandeep Kerkar emphasized the dual benefits of planting medicinal species – supporting both the environment and preserving indigenous knowledge systems related to natural healing. “Through this initiative, we aim to inspire citizens to create green spaces in their homes and neighborhoods,” he said.

The ceremony concluded with a pledge by JCI Panaji to nurture the saplings and expand the project in the coming months. The initiative aligns with the global JCI mission and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

This is a proud moment for Panaji, as civic bodies and citizen groups come together to protect and nurture the natural environment for future generations.

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“Come Let’s Man-Groove”: Goa’s Green Guardians Rally for Mangrove Restoration at Cortalim Causeway

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa, July 26, 2025 — The break of dawn on World Mangrove Conservation Day witnessed a powerful wave of environmental enthusiasm as hundreds of volunteers gathered along the Cortalim Causeway, joining hands—literally and figuratively—to plant over 500 mangrove saplings in a heartfelt act of climate resilience.

Titled “Come Let’s Man-Groove,” the event was led by St. Joseph Vaz College, Cortalim’s Department of Botany, under the stewardship of Rev. Dr. Bolmax Pereira, in collaboration with One Earth Foundation, Goencho Ekvott, Chicalim Youth Farmers Club, and Nisarga Nature Club.

The drive was not just about planting trees, but restoring ecological balance and creating long-lasting green shields along the Zuari River. The mangroves—especially Rhizophora mucronata, Bruguiera cylindrica, and Kandelia candel—act as blue carbon sinks, mitigate storm surges, and prevent erosion.

“This pioneering movement has continued despite the challenges of planting in waist-deep sediment-filled water,” said Orville Dourado Rodrigues of Goencho Ekvott, highlighting the long-standing partnership with St. Joseph Vaz College in restoring mangrove ecosystems.

The weekend began with sapling collection from Divar Island, involving locals and even children—like a four-year-old girl who joined the collection drive with her parent. A diverse crowd turned up for the Sunday planting: students, architects, farmers, cyclists, and young eco-volunteers.

Architect Tallulah Dsilva praised the spirit of the event:

“For the fourth year now, like a family, we come together to restore our riverine edges. These mangroves are our climate protectors.”

First-time participant and permaculturist Ahaana Rao was equally moved:

“It was not only informative, but deeply emotional—reconnecting with nature through action.”

Members of Frosty Blends Cycling Club joined in after spotting the plantation en route. Asif Hussein, a mentor, encouraged young cyclists to get muddy and learn something new.

“What started as a regular ride turned into something meaningful,” said Hamid Khan, a student volunteer.

Organizers, including Ms. Alisha Pereira of CYFC and Ferdin Sylvestre from One Earth Foundation, emphasized the importance of youth-led conservation, with Sidhesh Bandodkar from Heritage Village Resorts echoing the joy of connecting with nature.

The event closed with an inspiring note from Fr. Bolmax Pereira, the man behind the movement:

“The ‘Come Let’s Man-Groove’ initiative is a living testimony of community action. We will keep planting mangroves as long as we can.”

In a time when the world grapples with climate challenges, Goa shows that change begins at the grassroots—with mud on your hands and mangroves in your heart.

📍Location: Cortalim Causeway, Goa
📅 Occasion: World Mangrove Conservation Day
🌊 Impact: 500+ saplings, community-wide awareness, and a message of hope rooted in action.

EduConnect

Goa Leads India’s Paperless Exam Revolution with LMExams Digital Pilot📍 Bambolim, Goa | 21st July 2025

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A transformative milestone in India’s educational and climate-conscious journey was achieved as Dr. K.B. Hedgewar Higher Secondary School successfully launched the nation’s first fully paperless school exams. The initiative, in collaboration with LittleMore Innovation Labs, used LMExams’ DigiTaal devices — tamper-proof, offline digital tools purpose-built for secure, high-stakes assessments.

✅ India’s First Digital Exam Week

From 21st to 26th July 2025, 347 students of Grades 11 and 12 will write their final exams without a single sheet of paper. The exam system is entirely offline, secure, and digitized, representing a national first.

Key Benefits:

  • Zero paper used: 30,000 sheets saved
  • Carbon savings: Avoided emissions and water use
  • Offline Mode: No internet, no apps, no distractions
  • Digital security: Encrypted question papers, real-time answer syncing
  • Online evaluation: Faster & assistive correction

“It’s more than just a digital exam — it’s a rethinking of how we assess learning while preserving our planet.”
— Dr. Deepak Amonkar, Principal

🌱 Climate Impact

Each exam conducted digitally contributes to sustainability. This pilot alone conserves the equivalent of 3–4 fully grown trees, and if replicated statewide, could save over 5 million sheets annually. Through a unique partnership with C2Zero (Sydney), LMExams also locks away actual carbon rights, creating verifiable impact beyond classrooms.

🎓 A Visionary School

Dr. K.B. Hedgewar School, led by Shri Subhash Desai (Manager), Dr. Deepak Amonkar (Principal), and Shri Vilas Satarkar (Headmaster), has shown what visionary education can look like. Their efforts, aligned with NEP 2020 and sustainability goals, are setting an example for institutions nationwide.

🇮🇳 Goa as a National Model

Goa’s scale, progressive policies, and education ecosystem make it the ideal testbed. With this pilot validated, LMExams is ready to support educational boards, schools, and governments in adopting this climate-smart exam model at scale — without expensive infrastructure.

“This innovation reflects Goa’s commitment to thoughtful, scalable reforms that benefit both students and the planet.”
— Mr. Govind Parvatkar, Chairman, Goa Education Development Corporation

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Prayagraj and Varanasi Score Full Marks in India’s National Clean Air Programme

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New Delhi | July 2025 : In a commendable achievement, the twin cities of Prayagraj and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh have emerged as national role models in the fight against air pollution, securing full marks under the Government of India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) performance index.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), which monitors the implementation of the NCAP across India, noted that Prayagraj and Varanasi were the only two cities to score 100 out of 100 for their coordinated and sustained actions to improve urban air quality.

The comprehensive evaluation measured key performance areas including:

  • Reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 levels
  • Citizen participation and awareness campaigns
  • Transition to cleaner fuels
  • Urban forestry and green cover expansion
  • Improved public transport and reduced vehicular emissions
  • Stringent control of industrial emissions

Officials attributed the success to proactive governance, public awareness, and the integration of environmental considerations into urban development.

“These results show that holistic and community-driven planning can reverse the tide of air pollution,” said an MoEFCC spokesperson.

Both cities implemented rooftop solar schemes, electric vehicle incentives, solid waste management upgrades, and smart traffic controls as part of their clean air action plans.

Experts have hailed this recognition as a blueprint for other cities aspiring to improve urban air quality and meet India’s climate goals.

With this milestone, Prayagraj and Varanasi are not only spiritual centres but now also symbols of sustainability, proving that development and environmental protection can go hand in hand.

EduConnect

🌍 PM SHRI GHS Morpirla Celebrates World Environment Day 2025

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One Mission – End Plastic Pollution

On the occasion of World Environment Day 2025, PM SHRI GHS Morpirla united under the global theme “One Mission – End Plastic Pollution”, emphasizing the urgent need to tackle the escalating environmental, social, economic, and health risks posed by plastic waste.

The celebration was not just a one-day event—it was a call to action for every student, teacher, and community member to commit to a more sustainable future. The school organized a series of engaging and meaningful activities to promote environmental awareness, sustainability, and responsible lifestyle choices among the youth.

🌿 Highlights of the Celebration

🌳 Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0 Campaign Launch

In a heartwarming initiative, the school launched the second edition of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, encouraging students to plant a tree in honor of their mothers. This symbolic act beautifully connected the idea of nurturing nature with the love and respect for one’s mother. Students eagerly took part in the Tree Plantation Drive, planting saplings across the school campus and pledging to take care of them.

🐦 Bird Feeder Craft Activity

In a creative effort to support biodiversity, students made eco-friendly bird feeders using recycled materials. These feeders will be placed around the campus and at students’ homes to provide food and shelter for local bird species, fostering a sense of responsibility towards even the smallest creatures in our ecosystem.

🎨 Poster Making Competition

A poster-making competition was held where students showcased their artistic skills and environmental awareness. The posters depicted powerful messages around ending plastic pollution, conserving nature, and building a sustainable world. This activity sparked important conversations about environmental issues among students.

💃 Dance Performance – “Reduce Plastic”

Through an energetic and expressive dance performance, students highlighted the importance of reducing plastic consumption. The performance creatively illustrated the consequences of plastic pollution and inspired the audience to adopt eco-friendly alternatives in their daily lives.

🎵 Musical Tribute – “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”

Adding a melodious touch to the celebration, students sang a beautiful song dedicated to the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign. The lyrics emphasized the importance of planting trees, conserving nature, and building a greener planet for future generations.

🌱 A Step Toward Sustainable Living

Throughout the event, emphasis was placed on the broader environmental challenges including climate change, ecosystem degradation, and unsustainable resource use. Discussions and activities helped students understand the interconnectedness of these issues and the role they can play in mitigating them.

The celebration successfully ignited a spark of environmental consciousness among students and staff. By combining education, creativity, and action, PM SHRI GHS Morpirla continues to nurture environmentally responsible citizens and pave the way for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.