Local Goa News

Friday, May 20, 2016

Notify Mandrem, Morjim, Agonda, Galgibaga beaches as sand dune parks: GCZMA

PANAJI: Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has proposed to the government to designate / notify the beach stretches of Mandrem, Morjim, Agonda and Galgibaga as sand dune parks in order to protect and conserve the dunes.
The proposal was submitted by the expert member of GCZMA Dr Antonio Mascarenhas during a meeting held last month. If the dunes are notified, Goa will become the first state to do so.
The CRZ 2011 notification has some special environmental considerations for Goa. Four beach stretches, Mandrem and Morjim in north Goa, and Agonda and Galgibaga in south Goa, have been classified and designated as turtle-nesting sites and protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Hence, developmental activities in the turtle-breeding areas are prohibited and so it is said that these beach stretches would be ideal for restoration and conservation of sand dunes.
It was noted during the meeting that efforts for conservation of natural coastal ecosystems have never been thought about, not only in Goa but in the country in general. A proposal of sand dune park would be a first ever effort towards showcasing natural coastal dune systems, it was pointed.
“Since these four beach stretches have a legally designated status, it would be worthwhile to, as well, consider / notify the same as sand dune parks. Human interference should not be permitted at these sites. A proposal of this kind would be a first ever effort towards showcasing natural coastal dune systems. This scheme does not involve any major financial commitment, except for plantation programme and fencing for protection of dune flora,” it was informed during the meeting.
The members were also briefed on the prolonged benefits of coastal sand dune parks and it was informed that establishment of notified coastal ecosystems would also put Goa in the forefront of the efforts towards conservation of (degraded) coastal sand dunes. Natural dune parks can also serve as natural nurseries / laboratories to understand the role and functions of sandy coasts and its vegetation. Such landscapes can serve as field demonstration units and coastal botanical gardens for public in general and school students in particular, it was highlighted.
It was also proposed to designate the 3-km long Caranzalem – Miramar beach front as a sand dune park. It was pointed that this stretch is well placed as far as NIO is concerned.

NT NETWORK Goa News

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