A handbook raising awareness on the ecological and cultural significance of Urban Khazans in Goa was officially released on 12 Aug by Dr. Suresh Kunkalikar, Principal & Dean of Goa College of Agriculture and Dr. Bhushan Bhave, Principal of Vidya Prabodhini College.
Urban khazans are unique, traditional coastal ecosystems found in Goa, India, characterized by their intricate network of embankments, sluice gates, and tidal ponds. These ancient systems, managed by local communities for centuries, serve multiple purposes such as agriculture, aquaculture, and salt production, while also acting as natural flood defenses. Khazans are vital for maintaining biodiversity, supporting livelihoods, and enhancing climate resilience by mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events. However, urbanization and environmental degradation threaten their existence, making conservation and sustainable development of these areas crucial for preserving both ecological balance and cultural heritage in the region.
ICLEI South Asia’s biodiversity conservation project, supported by Azim Premji University, aims to sustainably develop the Urban Khazan’s in Goa.