Panaji: Environmentalists and volunteers planted around 300 mangrove propagules at Cortalim in memory of Fr Bolmax Pereira to honour his mission of conserving Goa’s fragile coastal ecosystem.Participants said the plantation drive was also an effort to continue helping preserve these ecologically sensitive habitats.“Over the past several years, Fr Pereira had spearheaded efforts to plant thousands of mangrove propagules along the Cortalim riverbank, recognising mangroves as one of nature’s most effective defences against soil erosion,” attendees said.Speaking on the occasion, Goencho Ekvott general secretary, Olencio Simoes said, “Mangroves serve as natural breakwaters, reducing nearly 66% of tidal wave energy before it reaches the shoreline.
CJP Jantar Mantar Protest Updates
They also act as biodiversity hotspots, providing breeding and nursery grounds for several marine species.He urged govt to extend greater protection to the mangrove-rich areas of Goa through amendments to the existing Tree Preservation Act.“At present, the law requires three tree saplings to be planted for every tree that is felled. This provision is outdated. Considering climate change, increasing ocean temperatures and the urgent need to restore green cover, the Act should be amended to mandate the planting of ten saplings at the same site for every tree that is cut,” he added.
