India’s First Sand Dune Park to Come Up in Goa

Goa is set to be home to the country’s first sand dune park. The World Bank accepted the proposal of the Biodiversity Board of the state and has sanctioned a sum of 3 crores for the project.

These sand dune parks, interpretations, and stretches will further boost tourism in the state. Owing to its long coastline bordering the Arabian Sea, Goa has a wonderful sand dune ecosystem. Even the National Green Tribunal had urged the Public Works Department of Goa and other relevant authorities of the state to take immediate measures to restore and regenerate the sand dune ecosystem of the state.

This project will have a two-way benefit. It will benefit both the economics of the state as well as play a constructive role in creating awareness about the sand dune ecosystem. The state has finally started on a plan of action to tap into the tourism potential that will be provided by the only sand dune parks in the subcontinent.

Bridges made of eco-sensitive materials will be employed in the construction of bridges under the project. This will protect the sand dune vegetation from being trampled by tourists walking over it. The interpretation and thematic centers will educate the visitors about the importance of the sand dune ecosystem and the need to conserve them.

Nurseries of sand dune vegetation will be set up. Vegetation will be restored where it has been eroded on the beach stretches. This move follows the efforts of the state to shift towards an eco-friendly tourism approach.

Source: OT