Goa's first green festival calls for sustainable eco-tourism

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

'Echoes of Earth: Ensemble of the Wild' was held in Panjim on January 5, 2024. The event focused on the importance of sustainable eco-tourism and also put the spotlight on the eco-sensitive Western Ghats.

WORDS THAT MATTER

The discussion panel featured Nirmal Kulkarni (herpetologist), Rajendra Kerkar (member of the Goa State Wildlife Advisory Board) Paresh Porob (Range Forest Office) and Benhail Antao (wildlife rescuer).

RESPECT MATTERS

According to wildlife rescuer, Benhail Antao, respect for ecological diversity means responsibility towards the environment.

PLEASE DON'T LITTER

General Secretary of Mhadei Bachao Abhiyan Goa, Rajendra Kerkar, emphasised that ecotourists need to be respectful of the spaces in which they are entering, avoid littering and adhere to the local customs.

RESPONSIBLE TOURISTS

Herpetologist and wildlife photographer, Nirmal Kulkarni, said that responsible ecotourism in Goa is possible only if carried out with small groups of people and the formulation of appropriate guidelines.

CATCH 'EM YOUNG

Range Forest Officer, Paresh Porob, said that children need to be told about the majesty of the natural world -- elephants, leopards, tigers, sloth bears and even fungi -- so that they develop a desire to protect Goa’s ecology.

WEALTH OUT OF WASTE

Among other things, the event also featured an art installation of hornbills crafted from upcycled and recycled materials.

NEXT: Monthly doses of merriment in Goa