NT Reporter
Panaji
The Goa government is committed to protecting water (jal), forests (jungle) and land (jameen) and will not hesitate to bring reforms to safeguard them further, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said after inaugurating the first Goa Forest Diversity Festival 2026 at Art Park, Campal.
Commending the Goa Forest Development Corporation for organising the first-of-its-kind forest diversity festival, Sawant said that protecting water, forests and land is not only the responsibility of the government, but also that of citizens.
“With this initiative, tourists will be encouraged to experience Goa’s forests, waterfalls and forest biodiversity. This is an effort of the government to promote Goa beyond beaches and hinterland tourism,” he said.
Sawant said that his government will bring reforms through legislation to ensure that Goa’s water, forests and land are preserved. He also commended the efforts of the corporation for promoting Goan traditional food and the cuisine of tribal communities and other forest dwellers.
“Promotion of clean energy and the preservation of forests should go hand in hand,” said Union Minister Shripad Naik, while Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane said that innovative ideas are needed to promote Goa at a global level.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said that the Goa Forest Development Corporation and the Tourism Department should work collaboratively on such initiatives to convey the message of regenerative tourism.
The initiative not only promotes forest diversity but also empowers women, said Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanawade.
“The festival aims to bring forests closer to people not just through statistics, but through art and stories,” said chairperson of the Goa Forest Development Corporation and Poriem MLA Deviya Rane.
She said that the forest kitchen is the soul of the festival and reminds people that cuisine reflects sustainable living practices passed down through generations.
The festival will continue till January 19.
