Awareness Programme on 'People's Biodiversity Register' for the City of Panaji

TERI, Goa, in partnership with Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) and Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP), organized an awareness and sensitization workshop on 'People's Biodiversity Register' (PBR) of Panaji City under the project 'People's Biodiversity Register and City Biodiversity Index for the City of Panaji' supported by GSIDC and technically facilitated by TERI. The workshop was conducted on December 15, 2016, at Dr KB Hedgewar Higher Secondary School Hall, Mala, Panaji with an aim to spread awareness about the significance of the PBR and the involvement of local people in its development.

Hon'ble MLA of Panaji City, Shri Sidharth Kuncalienker, graced the occasion as the chief guest. Shri Dipak Dessai, Commissioner, CCP, expressed deep interest in the study of PBR and emphasized how essential the involvement of local people and institutions is to its development. Shri Swayandipta Pal Chaudhari, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd., apprised the audience on the Prime Minister's Smart City Initiative and the steps taken by Panaji City in this regard.

This was followed by an informative lecture on the importance of PBR which was delivered by Ms Sneha Bhonsle, an official of Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB). Post this, Shri Parag Rangnekar, Expert Member, GSBB spoke on Urban Biodiversity, and briefed the gathering about the importance of various faunal species and their use as indicators of environmental health.

The workshop was well attended by the Students of Goa University, and other colleges from Panaji. Dr Fraddry D'Souza, Fellow; Ms Asha Giriyan, Fellow; and Ms Christina de Souza, Project Associate represented TERI.