Tag: GFDC

Sports

GFDC Holds First Council Meeting Under New Chairman Glenn Ticlo

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

The meeting outlined several strategic decisions aimed at creating a strong and sustainable football ecosystem in Goa. Among the key proposals discussed was the appointment of a Technical Director to oversee football development programmes and ensure uniform technical standards across all GFDC initiatives.


The council also deliberated on the establishment of GFDC North and South Academies to provide structured and accessible training opportunities for young footballers across different regions of the state. This move is expected to decentralise football development and widen talent identification at the grassroots level.

Improving football infrastructure and ensuring access to quality equipment formed a major part of the discussions. The council emphasised the importance of conducting regular coaches’ workshops, upgrading coaching licences and promoting continuous education to enhance coaching standards across Goa.

Strengthening GFDC’s operational capacity was also taken up, with discussions on evaluating the performance of existing coaches and inducting new, committed professionals dedicated to long-term football development in the state.

Speaking after the meeting, Chairman Glenn Ticlo said the council’s priority was to put the right systems in place, from technical leadership to infrastructure and coaching quality, to ensure Goan footballers receive the best possible support. He added that the proposed regional academies would help ensure equal opportunities for talent from all parts of Goa.

The Goa Football Development Council reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to take Goan football to greater heights in the years ahead.

Goan Pulse

GFDC Sylvan Cashew Nuts Receive GI Tag Approval, Marking a Proud Milestone for Goa

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral 

The GI Tag recognition marks an important step towards protecting Goa’s indigenous produce while strengthening the identity of Goan cashews in national and global markets. This certification safeguards the distinct characteristics of GFDC Sylvan Cashew Nuts and ensures that their origin and quality are officially recognised.



The initiative has been supported by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of Goa, and is aimed at building a strong and credible brand for GFDC. Through value addition and enhanced market recognition, the GI Tag is expected to ensure fair and sustainable returns for orchard owners and cashew farmers, thereby empowering local farming communities.

This milestone reinforces Goa’s commitment to preserving its agricultural heritage while promoting responsible branding and market access for traditional produce.
From local orchards to global recognition, the GI Tag approval strengthens Goa’s cashew legacy and positions GFDC Sylvan Cashew Nuts as a symbol of quality, authenticity, and tradition.

Politics

118th GFDC Board Meeting Chaired by Dr. Deviya Rane Reviews Goa Forest Diversity Festival, Charts Roadmap for Sustainable Ecotourism

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Panaji, January 2026: The 118th Board Meeting of the Goa Forest Development Corporation (GFDC) was chaired by Dr. Deviya Rane, in the presence of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Kamal Datta, Managing Director GFDC K. Ramesh Kumar, General Manager GFDC Amar Heblekar, along with other members of the Board.


The meeting included detailed deliberations on the successful conduct of the recently held Goa Forest Diversity Festival 2026, whose wide impact and outreach resonated across the State of Goa. Members reviewed the outcomes of the festival and discussed strategies to further build on its success in promoting forest conservation, biodiversity awareness and public engagement.

Key discussions also focused on strengthening and upgrading infrastructure at GFDC’s cashew plantations and ecotourism sites. Emphasis was laid on enhancing visitor facilities and activities, while exploring new avenues to expand sustainable ecotourism initiatives across the state.

Additionally, the Board deliberated on the rejuvenation of rubber plantations, with the objective of improving productivity and ensuring long-term sustainability. These initiatives are expected to contribute to enhanced livelihoods while maintaining ecological balance.

The discussions reflected GFDC’s continued commitment to conservation-driven development, livelihood generation and responsible eco-tourism, aligned with Goa’s broader vision of sustainable and environmentally conscious growth.

Events in Goa

Goa Forest Diversity Festival 2026 to Celebrate Nature, Culture and Community at Art Park, Campal

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Goa Forest Diversity Festival 2026 will be held from 17th to 19th January at Art Park, Campal, Panaji. The three-day festival is being organised by the Goa Forest Development Corporation Ltd. (GFDC) with the aim of celebrating Goa’s rich forest heritage, biodiversity and indigenous knowledge systems, while fostering a deeper connection between nature and local communities.

Dr. Deviya Rane, while briefing the media, stated that the festival is envisioned as more than just an event. She described it as a celebration of Goa’s forests and the cultural, ecological and social values rooted within them. Against the backdrop of growing environmental challenges, the festival aims to promote conservation awareness in an engaging, inclusive and accessible manner for people of all age groups.

She outlined three key objectives of the Goa Forest Diversity Festival: to educate and sensitise citizens, particularly children and youth, about forest conservation and biodiversity; to celebrate traditional wisdom, culture and sustainable practices rooted in forest ecosystems; and to foster a shared sense of responsibility towards protecting and preserving Goa’s natural heritage.

Over the course of three days, the festival will offer a vibrant mix of education, culture and celebration. One of the major highlights will be the Angon Experience, an immersive traditional space that brings indigenous practices to life through live demonstrations, storytelling and interactive sessions. Dr. Rane described Angon as a signature attraction that will offer visitors rare insights into sustainable forest-based living.

The festival will also feature authentic tribal cuisine, showcasing traditional forest-based food practices and flavours. A Green Bazaar will be set up to display eco-friendly products, forest produce and items that promote sustainable living.

Cultural performances will form a key component of the festival programme, including traditional folk dances such as Morulo, Jagor acts, Fugdi and other regional performances. A special musical performance by Sonia Shirsat is scheduled on Day 1, while band performances will take place on Day 2 and Day 3.

The festival will also spotlight inclusion through performances such as the Goff Dance on Wheels by the Disability Alliance for Inclusive Goa, along with impactful theatre productions like “Mhaka Naka Plastic”, which convey strong messages on conservation and social responsibility.

Dr. Rane emphasised that the Goa Forest Diversity Festival is a one-of-its-kind initiative, thoughtfully curated to bring together conservation, culture, inclusion and community engagement on a single platform. She also revealed that a special surprise element has been planned and will be unveiled during the inaugural ceremony.

Appealing to the media, Dr. Rane sought their continued support in spreading awareness about the festival and encouraging public participation, highlighting the vital role of media in taking the message of conservation beyond the venue and into homes across Goa.

Citizens are invited to visit Art Park, Campal, from 17th to 19th January 2026 and be part of this unique celebration of nature, culture and community.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Alcohol and Plastic Banned at Goa Waterfalls to Preserve Natural Beauty

Tanisha Cardozo

In a significant step toward promoting sustainable and responsible tourism, GFDC Chairperson and Member of the Legislative Assembly Dr. Deviya Rane has announced a strict ban on alcohol and plastic at all of Goa’s popular waterfall sites. The initiative comes as part of a growing effort to curb littering, ensure visitor safety, and preserve the natural beauty of the region’s most cherished ecological zones.

To enforce the new rules, authorities have introduced a series of concrete measures, including the deployment of plastic pickers, installation of strategically placed waste bins, mandatory bag checks for visitors, and fines for violators. These steps are designed not only to maintain cleanliness but also to encourage tourists to be more mindful of their environmental footprint.

Dr. Rane emphasized the importance of responsible tourism, especially in ecologically sensitive areas like waterfalls that are often overwhelmed during tourist seasons. She urged visitors to adhere to the new regulations and help safeguard Goa’s biodiversity and scenic landscapes for future generations. By taking a firm stance against pollution, the initiative seeks to restore the ecological balance while enhancing the experience for all who visit these natural attractions.

This move underscores the government’s commitment to environmental conservation and positions Goa as a leader in eco-friendly tourism practices in India.