Aimed to raise awareness about the ecological significance of mangroves and promote their restoration and conservation, ICAR-CCARI and Forest Department Goa initiative of Mangrove Plantation Programme witnessed more than 400 mangrove saplings being planted at Divar island.
On the occasion of World Mangrove Day, the mangrove plantation event was graced by the presence of Santosh Kumar Reddy, IFS, Deputy Conservator of Forests, South Goa, who commended the collaborative efforts undertaken by ICAR-CCARI and the Forest Department in advancing mangrove conservation and ecosystem restoration.
The primary aim of the programme was to protect the island’s 2 km stretch of bundh from the effects of storms, tides, and other natural calamities, and this initiative was a part of the first phase of this vision.
More than 400 mangrove saplings were planted during the programme, significantly contributing to the enhancement of the local mangrove habitat. Forest Department officials, ICAR-CCARI staff, and several stakeholders including villagers, students, and volunteers actively participated in the plantation activity.
Interactive discussions were held on the ecological importance of mangroves, focussing on their role in protecting coastal communities from erosion and extreme weather events, serving as breeding and nursery grounds for fish and other aquatic species, and the need for strengthening community-based mangrove stewardship.
Special emphasis was placed on engaging local youth and school students in future plantation and awareness activities to cultivate long-term ecological consciousness. As a part of the long-term strategy, a large-scale mangrove afforestation plan for Divar Island bundhs is being developed, with a proposal to plant over 40,000 mangrove saplings across 14 hectares.
This initiative aims to stabilise bundhs, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen the island’s climate resilience.
