Tag: Green Initiatives

Social

YIMBY Founder Gourov V. Pokle Honoured as “Inspiring Young Entrepreneur of the Year”

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral 

Goa, January 23, 2026 — Gourov V. Pokle, Founder of YIMBY, has been honoured with the “Inspiring Young Entrepreneur of the Year” award in recognition of his commitment to developing practical waste management solutions and creating sustainable environmental impact at the grassroots level.


The award was presented by Minister Mauvin Godinho in the presence of the Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, and Minister Rohan Khaunte, at a prestigious ceremony organised by the Vibrant Goa Foundation in association with the Government of Goa. The event brought together leaders from government, industry, and social enterprises to celebrate young changemakers driving meaningful change.

The recognition highlights YIMBY’s work in designing and implementing decentralised waste management systems that empower communities to manage waste responsibly at the source. Through infrastructure development, awareness programmes, and capacity-building initiatives, YIMBY has consistently worked to reduce landfill dependency while promoting sustainable, scalable environmental practices.

Speaking on the occasion, Gourov V. Pokle said the award represents a collective belief that sustainability begins at the community level. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts behind YIMBY’s journey and dedicated the honour to the organisation’s team, mentors, partners, and family for their continued support.

The award marks a significant milestone in YIMBY’s mission-driven journey, reaffirming its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and responsible growth. As the organisation continues to expand its reach, YIMBY remains focused on building resilient, community-centric solutions that contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

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.

Social

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.

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.

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