Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister (CM) of Goa, released India’s first village biodiversity atlas, the Mayem Biodiversity Atlas, on August 16, 2023, at Mahamaya Devalaya Mandap in Mayem village (Bicholim Town) in North Goa district.
A Landmark Initiative to Preserve and Showcase Biodiversity Riches
Pramod Sawant, the Chief Minister of Goa, marked a significant step in India’s conservation journey by releasing the country’s inaugural village biodiversity atlas, the Mayem Biodiversity Atlas, on August 16, 2023.
The atlas launch event took place at the Mahamaya Devalaya Mandap in Mayem village, situated in North Goa’s Bicholim Town.
This pioneering atlas offers a comprehensive glimpse into the diverse flora, fauna, and cultural heritage of Mayem village, with broader implications for the entire state’s biodiversity preservation efforts.
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A Deep Dive into Mayem’s Ecological Tapestry
Crafted as a 250-page compendium, the Mayem Biodiversity Atlas stands as a testament to the intricate biodiversity residing within Mayem village.
It emerges from the meticulously compiled People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR), a collaborative endeavor of the village Biodiversity Management Committee led by Sakharam Pednekar.
Beyond cataloging the village’s biological treasures, the atlas extends its reach to chronicle the socio-cultural narrative of Mayem village, reaching back through the annals of history to the 12th century.
This immersive exploration underscores the inextricable links between biodiversity, economy, culture, and the very essence of village life.
A Glimpse into a Broader Vision
Chief Minister Sawant’s visionary announcement during the launch event outlined a dynamic plan to roll out biodiversity atlases for all of Goa’s 191 village panchayats.
This ambitious strategy forms an integral part of the state government’s concerted drive to instill widespread awareness about biodiversity’s pivotal role and the imperative to safeguard it.
It is a stride toward fostering a collective sense of responsibility for nurturing the natural heritage that Goa holds dear.
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Fostering Collaborative Guardianship
Promising tangible support, Chief Minister Sawant reassured the village panchayats of the government’s commitment to bolstering their efforts in biodiversity preservation.
This assurance aligns seamlessly with the collaborative ethos that underscored the atlas’s creation, a joint initiative involving the Mayem Vaigunim Gram Panchayat, Biodiversity Management Committee, Mayem Vaigunim, and Mayem Panlot Sangh.
In his appeal to the youth, the Chief Minister extends a heartfelt invitation to engage actively in safeguarding and celebrating the rich tapestry of life that defines Goa’s landscapes.
Conclusion
The unveiling of the Mayem Biodiversity Atlas stands as an emblem of Goa’s dedication to conservation, education, and collaborative stewardship. As it enriches knowledge, shapes policies, and inspires action, this atlas embodies the spirit of preserving India’s remarkable biodiversity for generations to come.
Key Points for Competitive Exams
▪ India’s First Biodiversity village ‘Atlas’ of Mayem released in Goa
▪ The atlas was released in collaboration with the Mayem Vaigunim Gram Panchayat, Biodiversity Management Committee, Mayem Vaigunim, and Mayem Panlot Sangh.
▪ The atlas is a valuable resource for researchers, students, and anyone interested in learning more about the biodiversity of Mayem village.
▪ The release of the atlas is a significant milestone in Goa’s efforts to protect its biodiversity.
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▪ The state government’s plan to release biodiversity atlases for all 191 village panchayats is a bold and ambitious initiative.
▪ The CM’s assurance of providing necessary assistance to the village panchayats is a welcome step.
▪ The CM’s appeal to the youth to come forward and contribute to the protection of biodiversity is important and timely.
