The conservation of the environment is not possible for the Government only which needs the participation of people. The role of community is pivotal in this endeavour stated the Union Minister for Tourism, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Shripad Naik at a function organized to celebrate World Environment Day at Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Chorao, in Tiswadi Taluka today. The function was organized by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Government of India under Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Income (MISHTI) Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) initiative in collaboration with the Department of Forests Goa State. The theme of the celebration was Beat Plastic Pollution Healthy Mangroves Wealthy Cost.
The Union Minister speaking further said that we are experiencing climate change which has adverse effects on human existence. The mangroves are an important part of our ecosystem. It plays an important role in the environment as mangroves provide natural infrastructure to help protect nearby populated areas by reducing erosion and absorbing storm surge impacts during extreme weather events such as hurricanes. Their dense roots help bind and build soils. They are also important to the ecosystem too. Therefore he urged the people to cooperate with the Government as their responsibility in preserving for better health and survival.
MLA, Mayem Constituency Shri Premendra Shet who was guest of honour who stressed on the importance of conservation of environment. Mangroves, he said, act as the first line of defence against cyclones and rising seas. They also support coastal communities in multiple ways. Therefore the preservation of mangroves and our environment at large is of very great significance.
The Union Minister earlier along with MLA Mayem Constituency Shri Premendra Shet both planted saplings of Mangrove trees to mark the celebration of World Environment Day.