Need of 'Green' Tourism in Goa

Today Goa’s tourism is basically stressed upon the coastal tourism and very less importance is given to Eco tourism. There is a need to develop Eco tourism not just because it will generate employment as well as revenue for Goa but also it will help in changing the “dirty” image of Goa. Usually tourists see Goa as land of beaches but there is a need that this image should change and tourists should also know the “real” beauty of Goa. There are many areas in Goa which can be used as Eco tourism hubs.  Goa is situated in one of the hot-spots of world i.e. the areas which are full of different species of flora and fauna. Goa is full of biodiversity. 33% of Goa’s land is covered with forest areas. We have six wildlife sanctuaries and one National park situated in Goa. Other than that we have so many springs and rivers where tourists rarely go and explore such places. So these are the areas which can be developed under the Eco tourism. Goa should promote such serene places with careful management rather than just stressing on coastal areas. These areas which remain unseen by the tourists should be developed as the tourist spots by taking into account that the beauty isn't spoiled.

 At present there are resorts in these kinds of areas but tourists seem to least aware about them. They don’t make business as the shacks on the beaches do or we can say the five star resorts on the coastlines do. There is a need that these areas should get proper infrastructural facilities. Some of the areas that can be mentioned where Eco tourism can be developed are explained as under:

Mhadei River also known as Mandovi covers the major talukas of Goa. There are different heritage sites on the banks of mandovi where different historical as well as natural monuments are situated but very few people know about these areas. For example the sacred groves in the Sattari taluka near the Mhadei River. All the five highest mountain peaks are situated in Sattari taluka. Sosogad, the highest peak in Goa is situated in this taluka which can be developed as a trekking and moutaneering site. These are a few examples but there are many such places which can be turned into 'green tourism' areas.