Panaji: The Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) will establish a centre for achieving biodiversity conservation through livelihood intervention at Chopdem in Pernem after state govt approved the transfer of over 3 lakh sqm of land.Under the project, the board plans to plant native and medicinal species to promote conservation-based livelihoods for local communities.A GSBB member said the board’s plantation of 50 mango varieties at Verna inspired it to undertake similar projects that combine biodiversity conservation with livelihood generation.“The objective is conservation while also taking up commercial plantations such as jackfruit, among others,” the member said.The North Goa collector had proposed the transfer of 3 lakh sqm of govt land under Survey No. 18/0 at Chopdem to the GSBB for setting up the centre. The land is owned by Goa govt.The proposal was initially rejected as the land was being considered for the construction of a Revenue Bhavan and implementation of the 20-point programme.The GSBB later sought reconsideration, stating that the matter was discussed at a board meeting where the chief minister suggested transferring the land to the board for plantation activities and the establishment of the centre for achieving biodiversity conservation through livelihood intervention.The chief minister subsequently approved the request, following which the proposal was processed for transfer of the land through book adjustment.GSBB has also developed the ‘GoVan’ brand under its biodiversity conservation through livelihood interventions project. The initiative aims to create a direct link between bioresource owners and consumers while promoting sustainable, non-destructive harvesting of minor forest produce. It also focuses on authentic sourcing and supply, developing formulations based on traditional knowledge, validating processes, and creating an inclusive, community-based model for implementation.
