World Bank sanctions Rs 3 crore(approximately) for Goa to develop India’s first sand dune parks as the World Bank (WB) has approved a proposal drafted by the Goa state biodiversity board for the same.
- The idea of parks to preserve sand dunes was first mooted by former National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) scientist and ex-member of the Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) Antonio Mascaren who has been now appointed as the principal investigator for the project, with Dr. Pradip Sarmokadam acting as the co-investigator.
- As of now Mandrem, Miramar, Agonda Morjim and Galibaga are identified for sand dune parks. More beaches can be added in the list in future. Morjim and Galibaga beaches are known for their turtle-nesting site.
Key Points:
–National Green Tribunal (NGT) has also directed the Public Works Department (PWD), Goa and other concerned authorities to take immediate remedial measures for the restoration and regeneration of the sand dune ecosystem.
–Sand Dune Parks will create awareness among locals and tourists on the importance of preserving the sand dune through thematic and interpretation centres.
–There will also be constructions of bridges, which will reduce the chances of the sand dune vegetation being walked over.
–There will also be setting up of nurseries of sand dune vegetation.
About Sand dunes:
Sand dunes are the first line of defense from natural calamities like tsunami, storms or high winds, which hit the coast. They also act as sand banks to maintain the sedimentary and dynamic equilibrium of the dune beach ecosystem.
Recent Related News:
i.World Bank in its latest edition of the Global Economic Prospect (GEP) released in June 2020 projected a decline in Nepal’s growth to 1.8% due to exports and a drop in tourism (China and India contribute to one-third of the tourism sector).
ii.World Bank in its April 2020 Economic Update for East Asia and Pacific (EAP) titled “East Asia and Pacific in the Time of COVID-19” has stated that if the economic situation become worsen further due to COVID- 19 consequences then the poverty is estimated to increase by about 11 million people in the EAP region.
About World Bank:
President – David Robert Malpass
Headquarters – Washington D.C., United States (US)
