Field-Level Workshop on Ecosystem Services of Wetlands Organized at Nanda Lake, Goa’s Ramsar Site

27 July 2026, Goa

The Goa State Wetland Authority (GSWA), in collaboration with the ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa, organized a field-level workshop on “Ecosystem Services of Wetlands” at Nanda Lake, Goa’s Ramsar Site, today. The programme aimed to enhance awareness among stakeholders about the ecological, economic, and socio-cultural significance of wetlands and promote their conservation and sustainable management.

The programme was graced by Shri Nilesh Cabral, MLA, Curchorem Constituency, as the Chief Guest; Dr Parveen Kumar, Director, ICAR-CCARI, as the Guest of Honour; Shri Sanjay Anant Patil, Padma Shri Awardee farmer, as the Special Guest; and Dr Pradip Sarmokadam, Member Secretary, GSWA. Shri Vishwas Sawant Desai, Ward Councillor; Smt Kavita Gauns Desai, Sarpanch, Xeldem; and the Administrator, Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council, also attended the programme as special invitees.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Nilesh Cabral emphasized the ecological importance of wetlands and the critical role of Ramsar Sites in conserving biodiversity and sustaining ecosystem services. 
Dr Parveen Kumar highlighted the significance of the Ramsar Convention and called upon students, teachers, farmers, local communities, and other stakeholders to actively participate in the conservation and sustainable management of Nanda Lake.

Dr Pradip Sarmokadam stressed the need for systematic recognition and documentation of wetland biodiversity and ecosystem services as a scientific basis for developing integrated wetland management plans.

The technical programme commenced with a plantation activity, followed by technology exhibitions showcasing innovations and technologies developed by ICAR-CCARI in the areas of agriculture, livestock, and fisheries, along with products developed by the Goa State Biodiversity Board.

Interactive sessions with farmers and other stakeholders facilitated knowledge exchange on sustainable agriculture, fisheries development, wetland conservation, and livelihood enhancement.
A fish ranching activity was also conducted at Nanda Lake to demonstrate the potential of fish stock enhancement for strengthening inland fisheries, supporting aquatic biodiversity, and improving wetland productivity. The programme concluded with the distribution of plants to encourage environmental stewardship and strengthen community participation in wetland conservation.

The workshop witnessed the participation of 110 stakeholders, including 60 women and 50 men, comprising farmers, students, teachers, scientists, government officials, local representatives, and other stakeholders. The programme underscored the importance of collaborative, community-driven approaches for the conservation and sustainable management of wetlands and their ecosystem services.

(Source: ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa)