Seeking blessings for Guru Pournima

I did seek blessings from my mentors and teachers today morning on occasion of Guru Pournima just the way I do every year. And then realisation dawned upon me that I did miss out on paying my respects to nature itself and its denizens who have taught me much…and continue to do so every single moment. I will pay my respects in my own way to nature too. You should too!!

And herping for the monsoons of 2014 has begun. Hoping our work here in the Northern Western Ghats and that of our colleagues and co researchers contributes to conservation science and awareness and goes beyond academics.  Image by Shilpa Avate

Chorla Ghats 'Do not Litter' campaign 2014

The beginning of the Do not litter Chorla Ghats campaign organised by Parye Patrakar Sangh had a good response- more importantly because like minded people from the media, Government officers from Forest Dept, Police and Excise, concerned MLA's and local youth leaders, environment activists and nature lovers from all walks of life stopped and supported our cause and understood the need for conservation of the Chorla Ghats region.Thank you Nilesh Shetkar Gopinath Gawas and Raghoba Lau Pednekar for organising this. let us keep the momentum in the weeks to come.

I appeal to our supporters, patrons, friends and well wishers…and all those who value wildlife, verdant forests and free flowing fresh water streams…to speak up, intervene, act and voice your opinion against littering of forest habitats in your neighbourhood green patch, a forest nearby or a Protected Area.

 Remember, every piece of unwanted litter, garbage,discarded plastic and broken glass bottle adds to the irreversible damage caused to area where it is done. 
This monsoons, let us not just be mute spectators, let us act to make a difference.

Promoting eco conscious tourism in Goa in its true sense

The government has been talking of promoting hinterland tourism recently, but most of the plans seem to revolve around concrete, building infrastructure and development. This approach is rather contrary to the entire concept of eco or hinterland tourism.

The concept as we all know is low-key eco conscious promotion of spots for natural or cultural and historical value. This is the essence of eco tourism and needs to be followed. Use of natural low impact materials, involvement and capacity building of local community and highlighting of landscapes and sites of natural interest for education and relaxation to discerning eco tourists are key factors. The Govt needs to use expertise within the state for promoting new areas for hinterland and eco tourism as these areas are also within the Protected area network and need careful planning. The need of the hour is to firstly understand that hinterland or eco tourism is a niche form of tourism and cannot be executed and practiced by the regular system and norms that Goa’s mass tourism follows.

The Government must bring on board all existing eco tourism entrepreneurs by firstly identifying them and then creating a network that can further develop skill sets as well as promote the concept in Goa in its true sense.

Nirmal Kulkarni received the Lokmat Gaurav Award for environment 2014.

 I received the Lokmat Gaurav Award 2014 for Environment category yesterday at the hands of Shri Vishnu Surya Wagh, MLA and eminent writer, poet and orator at a function held at Kala Academy Goa. This award is truly a ‘people’s choice’ award and I take this opportunity to thank one and all for their support and votes and more importantly for your trust in my work and that of my team. Last but not the least I thank my family and my team for being there by my side through thick and thin always.

Mangroves in Goa

Mangrove habitats on a Goan afternoon are bliss to watch for the bird life as well as mammal and reptile diversity they support and sustain. I find it astonishing to say the least and acknowledge their silent yeomen service. They also act as nurseries and breeding grounds for fish and other marine fauna and as barriers against storms and cyclones. Conservation of Mangrove habitats is thus a necessity for the state as well as the country.