Goa State Wetland Authority

Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) is the Nodal Agency for GSWA, situated in the premises of Department of Science, Technology and Environment, Saligao, Bardez- Goa.
The Authority work under the Chairmanship of Hon. Minister for Environment, Shri. Nilesh Cabral, Director Environment, Shri. Dashrath Redkar as the Member Secretary of GSWA and Dr. Pradip Sarmokadam, Member Secretary, Goa State Biodiversity Board as the Head of Nodal Agency for GSWA.

The Goa State Wetland Authority is acting on the following lines to achieve its goal:

• Prepare a list of all wetlands in the State of Goa, which are to be identified and notified under Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.
• Develop a comprehensive list of activities to be Prohibited, regulated and permitted within the notified wetlands and their zone of influence
• Define strategies for conservation and wise use of wetlands within their jurisdiction; wise use being a principle for managing these wetland ecosystems which incorporates sustainable uses (such as capture fisheries at subsistence level or harvest of aquatic plants) as being compatible with conservation, if ecosystem functions (such as water storage, groundwater recharge, flood buffering) and values (such as recreation and cultural) are maintained or enhanced.
• Review integrated management plan for each of the notified wetlands and within these plans consider continuation and support to traditional uses of wetlands and pre-existing rights which are harmonized with ecological character of wetlands
• In cases wherein lands with private tenancy rights fall within boundary of notified wetlands or wetlands complex, recommend mechanisms for maintenance of ecological character through promotional activities are conducted.
• Issue necessary directions for conservation and sustainable management of wetlands to the respective implementing agencies
• Undertake measures for enhancing awareness within stakeholders and local communities on values and functions of wetlands.