We have destroyed a huge part of the forest by digging the hills for mining business and we are ignorant about the benefits of the greenery, according to the Internationally-renowned conservationist and development specialist Dr Balakrishna Pisupati, Goa government should invest in green (environment, ecology, biodiversity) and blue (marine environment) economy, which is now considered as the most successful economy globally, with the coastal State having a forest cover with an economic value of around Rs 4430 crore.
What does that mean? It means that the investment in the forest cover and Marine Environment will make Goa green and blue instead of converting the forests into a mining zone.
According to the specialist, the total economic value of the forest cover is around 4430 crores and till date, only 16.6 crores has been invested into the green and blue economies.
Blessed with the perfect coastal climate and beaches, Goa is rightly called the “Tourist’s Paradise”. The laid-back atmosphere and the unique culture of this place make it even more desirable amongst the domestic and international tourists. We need not go into details about what this tiny state offers for fun. This state is a whole package for people looking to escape their routine and dive into a different world.
What many think of Goa is only related to parties and beaches. But this state has much more than what meets the eye. Apart from the marvellous architectural pieces from the Portuguese era, Goa has one of the most scenic greenery around.
Goa is ranked among the fifth state in terms of forest cover- covering almost 60 per cent of the land and the first state among the other coastal states. Goa is blessed with a variety of species of plants and birds. Besides this, Goa is also known for its beaches and rivers. The economic value of the forest is high in the state and the tourism department is still venturing into the potential of this “Green Economy” and “Blue Economy”.
According to Herald Goa, Internationally-renowned conservationist and development specialist Dr Balakrishna Pisupati has advised the Goa government to invest in green (environment, ecology, biodiversity) and blue (marine environment) economy, which is now considered as the most successful economy globally, with the coastal State having a forest cover with an economic value of around Rs 4430 crores.
According to him, around 40 per cent of the global economy is based on biodiversity and its products and processes. Goa has potential in this area and needs to explore it, he advised. Asking the Goan Government to invest and tap into the potential, he said: “As per the economic survey, the economic value of Goa’s forest is around Rs 4430 crore; however, total investment towards it has been limited to only Rs 16.6 crore.”
The Expert also educated about the job-related opportunities that can be reaped from investing in this sector and spoke on the development of the organic market in recent times. He said “Globally, 23 million people have found employment in the renewable energy sector. Look at China, USA. We are also doing our bit but not at the required level.”
According to Times of India, The Goa state biodiversity board had organized the event for ministers and MLAs at the state secretariat after the first day of the assembly session. Pisupati took on this event to advise the Government about this issue, “Today, biodiversity is a multi-billion dollar industry in the world. The top-most companies are making use of biomimicking,” he said, adding that it is an industry which will give slow but sure income with the promise of steady growth.
It is also important to sensitize the locals and tourists of these natural resources and take measures to protect and conserve it. Pisupati also spoke about changing the attitude and behaviours of people about such issues and suggested the MLAs to take up the responsibility to conserve the biodiversity of this state.
