Tag: Goa environment

Events in Goa

Goa Forest Diversity Festival 2026 Inaugurated, Celebrating Nature, Culture and Conservation

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Panaji, January 17, 2026: The inaugural edition of the Goa Forest Diversity Festival 2026 was formally inaugurated today by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, in the presence of Union Minister Shripad Naik, Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane, Minister for Tourism Rohan Khaunte, Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Kamal Datta.



Dedicated to the forests of Goa and the communities that have lived in harmony with them for generations, the festival brings together culture, tradition and conservation on a single platform. More than a celebration, the initiative seeks to create a dialogue and collective commitment towards understanding and safeguarding Goa’s rich forest biodiversity.

The festival aims to connect people with forests not through statistics alone, but through stories, food, art, performances and lived experiences. One of its most distinctive highlights is the Angon Experience—an immersive traditional space featuring live demonstrations by Chanekars, Khajekars, traditional coconut craftsmen, clay potters, gardening experts, Kokedama artists and other local artisans who reflect sustainable practices passed down through generations.

The Forest Kitchen, described as the soul of the festival, showcases tribal and traditional cuisine prepared by forest communities and Self-Help Groups. These recipes reflect seasonality, ecology and respect for nature, underscoring how sustainability has long been embedded in traditional ways of life.

Another major attraction is the Green Bazaar, curated with stalls offering eco-friendly products and forest-based goods that support local artisans and sustainable livelihoods. The initiative reinforces the message that conservation and economic opportunity can coexist.

Throughout the festival, visitors experience a seamless blend of culture and conservation, with strong green messaging such as Mhaka Naka Plastic. The opening ceremony featured performances by Sonia Shirsat and her orchestra, followed by Morulo Dance, Katti Fugdi, a Jagor Act and a forest-themed light show by Vajra Aigal.

Addressing the gathering, Chairperson Dr. Deviya Rane highlighted that the festival provides a unique platform for tribal communities and Self-Help Groups to showcase forest-inspired cuisine and culture. She emphasised the importance of sensitising youth and citizens to issues such as plastic pollution, wildlife protection and sustainable living, noting that conservation requires active community participation beyond legislation.

Dr. Rane also outlined plans to create a Mini Forest in the heart of the city, envisioned as a living public space where nature, livelihoods and community converge. As part of this initiative, 20 festival stalls will be converted into permanent structures to support Self-Help Groups, local artisans, forest-based producers and eco-entrepreneurs, creating a regular marketplace that promotes sustainable livelihoods and green entrepreneurship.

The festival also witnessed the launch of the coffee table book “Forest Recipes of Goa, Stories of Tribal Food”, a photo-essay by Ms. Assavri Kulkarni, published by the Goa Forest Development Corporation. Another highlight was the release of the wildlife documentary “Falling off the Radar, Waterfalls of Goa”, directed by wildlife photographer and filmmaker Mr. Giri Cavale and produced by the StoryLark team.

The Goa Forest Diversity Festival 2026 stands as a celebration of Goa’s natural heritage while reinforcing the shared responsibility of conserving forests for future generations.

Events in Goa

Parag Rangnekar Highlights Goa’s Fast-Changing Ecology Through Photography

Tanisha Cardozo

Ecologist and naturalist Parag Rangnekar has drawn attention to Goa’s rapidly changing ecology and its misunderstood landscapes, particularly the lateritic plateaus often seen as barren wastelands. Speaking at a lecture titled “Wild Goa Through the Viewfinder” at Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias as part of the club’s centenary celebrations, Rangnekar explained that beneath the rust-red crust of these plateaus lie thriving ecosystems that host unique species of grasses, insects, and birds linking the state’s northern and southern ecological zones. He described Goa as a transitional region within the Western Ghats, holding a mix of species from both ends of the range.

Using his extensive collection of photographs, Rangnekar discussed how visual documentation helps scientists and citizens alike understand changes in biodiversity. His images reveal a decline in sightings of several endemic birds and a simultaneous increase in dry-land species like the Indian grey hornbill, suggesting potential local climate changes. He emphasized that photography can capture subtle ecological shifts, serving as both a research tool and a medium for environmental education.

Rangnekar also shared how, through photography, he and his team discovered a new dragonfly species later named Idionyx gomantakensis, first observed in 2008 and officially published in 2013. He highlighted the power of observation, recounting instances where chance wildlife encounters, when documented, contributed to scientific understanding — including what may be the world’s only photograph of a spider feeding on a bat.

Through his presentation, Rangnekar underscored that photography is not merely an art form but an essential means of recording Goa’s fast-changing natural heritage, urging people to view these landscapes not as wastelands but as vital living ecosystems worth preserving.

Human Interest

Monsoon Withdraws from Goa on October 13 — A Day Ahead of Schedule

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Panaji, October 13, 2025: The southwest monsoon has officially withdrawn from Goa as of October 13, marking an early retreat by a day compared to its normal withdrawal date of October 14, as per data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

This year’s monsoon arrived exceptionally early on May 25, nearly 11 days ahead of the typical onset around June 5–6. The early arrival brought with it a vigorous start to the rainy season, followed by a fairly steady monsoon performance throughout the months of June to September.

Two Intense Rain Spells Mark the Season’s End

Goa experienced two heavy rainfall events in the closing phase — one on September 30, and another on October 10. Both systems brought widespread rain and localized flooding in low-lying areas, especially in North Goa. These downpours were associated with active monsoon troughs and cyclonic circulations over the Arabian Sea.

Season Overview

According to IMD’s preliminary assessment, Goa recorded near-normal rainfall this season, with a few districts witnessing slight excess. The state’s reservoirs and water bodies are reported to be comfortably filled, ensuring a strong start to the post-monsoon period.

Transition to the Dry Season

With the monsoon withdrawal, Goa now transitions into clear skies, cooler mornings, and the pleasant weather that defines its post-rain charm. The retreat also signals the beginning of the tourist season, with outdoor events, beach activities, and festivals set to resume in full swing.

Climate Trends

Meteorologists note that this year’s early onset and early withdrawal highlight the variability of India’s monsoon system, a pattern increasingly observed in recent years due to changing climate dynamics.

As the state welcomes drier days ahead, the monsoon of 2025 will be remembered for its early arrival, timely withdrawal, and brief yet intense bursts of rainfall that refreshed Goa’s green landscapes.

EduConnect

Scouts and Guides of Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley Join Coastal Beach Cleanup Drive at Calangute

Tanisha Cardozo

On September 20, 2025, the Scouts and Guides of Grade X from Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley High School proudly took part in a Coastal Beach Cleaning Activity held at Calangute Beach. The students reported at the site at 7:30 a.m., ready and eager to contribute to a cleaner, greener coastline.

This meaningful initiative was part of a larger national environmental movement spearheaded by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India. The event was organized in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Climate Change, Goa, the Goa State Biodiversity Board, the Goa State Climate Change Cell, the Village Panchayat of Calangute, the Biodiversity Management Committee, and the Indian Coast Guard.

The morning began with a brief introduction to the objective of the activity, emphasizing the significance of marine conservation and the environmental threats posed by coastal pollution. Instructions were given to the participants, followed by the strategic allocation of cleaning zones along the beach to ensure thorough coverage.

Working in teams, students cleared trash, collected plastic waste, and separated recyclables. The hands-on activity not only contributed to a cleaner beach but also served as a powerful lesson in civic responsibility and environmental stewardship. The students demonstrated dedication, teamwork, and discipline—qualities at the heart of the Scouts and Guides movement.

Through this initiative, Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley High School reinforced its commitment to shaping environmentally responsible citizens. The experience left a strong impact on the participants, instilling in them a deeper appreciation for nature and the urgent need to protect it.

With the support of national and state environmental bodies, and the guidance of their mentors and teachers, these young volunteers proved that even small acts of service can lead to big changes for our planet.

Social

“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.