As part of Climate Week India, a Youth Climate Unconference will be held at the Goa State Central Library in Panaji, alongside an exhibition on the Goa State Climate Action Plan
CHRISTINE MACHADO
It is the youth who will inherit the Goa of tomorrow and thus have a pivotal role in paving the path toward a greener, cleaner state. With this aim, Circlewallas and Act for Goa are hosting a Youth Climate Unconference on September 14 at 10 a.m. at the Goa State Central Library, Panaji.
The event, open to youth aged 17 to 25, is part of a series of activities organised during Climate Week India, a nationwide movement taking place from September 7 to 14.
Speaking about how it all came about, co-founder and co-director of Act for Goa, Joanna Pyres, says the organisation is a collaborative platform bringing together residents and experts. and organisations to create a greener future for Goa. Based on their previous work with young people, they realised it was vital to give this age group a space to be heard. “Young adults have ideas, concerns, hopes, and dreams, but they often lack a platform to express them, and no one is really asking for their opinion,” she notes.
When the coordinators of Climate Week India reached out to Act for Goa for collaboration, they decided to create a platform where the youth’s perspectives on climate change could be shared.
Explaining the concept of an ‘unconference’, Pyres, who has extensive international experience in sustainable development, says the term refers to a conference where the agenda is set by participants. “At a traditional conference, you mostly listen to experts and if you’re lucky, you may get to ask a question. At an unconference, it’s a democratic discussion where everyone participates. Everyone is an expert here,” she explains.
By the end of the event, participants will reflect on what progress should look like in Goa and share their vision for the state. “Through this engagement, we aim to capture the perceptions of the youth and use this data to guide policy and planning,” says Pyres. She adds that various colleges have been invited to participate and that youth facilitators are being trained to support the event.
In addition to the unconference, the venue will host a week-long exhibition dedicated to the Goa State Climate Action Plan. Organised in partnership with the Goa State Biodiversity Board, Goa State Climate Change Cell, and the Goa College of Art and coordinated by Act for Goa, the exhibition aims to raise public awareness about the state’s climate priorities, risks, and opportunities for a green transition.
“We have been working with the Goa State Biodiversity Board to create awareness about the Climate Action Plan on social media. To simplify its contents and make the key messages accessible, especially for young people, we decided to create this exhibition,” says Pyres.
Together with students from the Goa College of Art, Act for Goa is designing exhibition boards that highlight Goa-specific climate risks and outline steps to make the state more resilient. “While people are aware of climate change in general, it often feels abstract,” Pyres explains.
She illustrates this with an example: “Vegetation on beaches holds sand dunes together, preventing salty water from seeping into the water table. When people clear this vegetation for a ‘clean’ beach, it causes erosion of the dunes, leading to salinisation of groundwater. This then forces people to spend money on water because it becomes inaccessible. We want to show how small, everyday actions can have larger consequences and costs.”
Following the exhibition in Panaji, the organisers hope to take it to villages and towns across Goa to further raise awareness. “We urge people to come and get a snapshot of Goa’s climate context without having to read the full document,” says Pyres.
Featured Events
The Amateur Dramatics & Music Society is presenting a workshop production of a musical play, ‘The Pot of Gold,’ from June 30 to September 30, 5 to 6.30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, at Dona Paula. Details: 98819 01269
Museum of Goa (MOG), Pilerne, is organising ‘Bake A Brownie,’ a hands-on baking workshop where kids will mix, bake and decorate their very own brownies on September 14, 4 p.m. onwards.
Gills n Greens is organising a hands-on beginner’s workshop on ‘How to Grow Oyster Mushrooms at Home’ at Samarth Krupa Hall, opp ESI Hospital, Margao, on September 20, from 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Pre-registration compulsory. Details: 9168511543 / 7887671254.
The Museum of Christian Art, (MoCA), Old Goa, is organising the third edition of ‘Tales Beyond Time’, an elocution competition for ages 14 to 21, by MoCA in collaboration with the Goa State Chapter of INTACH, celebrating World Tourism Day on September 26 at 4 p.m. Registrations close on September 4. Details: 8308805399
Featured Blog
Fontainhas – Goa’s Latin Quarter
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Whirlpools, crocodiles, and more. Find out what the life of a fisherman is like.
A cool breeze blows and the water laps gently against the river bank. A man walks towards the river carrying his floating net. He gets into the boat and uses his strong arms to expertly row to the desired spot to cast the net for catching fish. SHERYL GONSALVES | NT GOGOANOW This happy-go-lucky Goan is Prakash. He goes fishing 2-3 times a week as it is one of his ways of earning a living. During his childhood, he had a tough life as his parents struggled to feed him and his seven siblings. From a young age, he was a keen learner. Just by watching different people at work, he was able to pick up various other trades like carpentry and vegetable cultivation. He has observed that during the summer there is more fish to catch. According to him, the months of April, May, and June are the best months to fish. During the rainy season, he avoids fishing as the river waters get choppy. In the past few years, fishing has become a bit tougher for him because of crocodiles and seals. Seals move very quickly to steal the fish they catch and even come to bite them. […]
Azulejos- Tiles, Thoughts and Art
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Chorizos- The King of Sausages
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An eco-farm with thrills and adventure for the first time in Goa
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Traditional sweets of Goa
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A sneak-peek into life in Goa decades ago
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Who says a lockdown should be boring?
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When a fashion designer is in lockdown…
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In-conversation with Subodh Kerkar – Life during Lockdown
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A talk with a lady who creates Beauty out of Waste
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A simpler life is better ~ Literati Bookshop Founder
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A tribute to the cashew
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Beaches in Goa with less crowd
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‘Rediscover Goa’ with Airbnb and experience the true beauty of the sunshine state
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Backpacking Guide: Old Goa
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Tour Goa in a helicopter!
Who knew flying high had so many benefits? Hawk Soaring Aerospace Pvt Ltd has started premium helicopter services in Goa for the first time. Here are the services they offer: Executive Charters Relish the flexibility of your schedule and achieve more on your business trips through exclusive day-trip charters! Interstate Transfers Reduce distances and do more on your workday or holiday as you smoothly travel across interstate borders! Airport Transfers Reduce travel time and avoid traffic jams as you fly from Mopa and Dabolim airports to your resort in air-conditioned comfort! Customised Heli Tours Delight in fascinating vistas and a Hawk’s eye view of Goa and explore places such as Hampi, Kolhapur and Shirdi like never before! Joy Ride (Per Person) *8000/-only Feel the adrenaline rush as you glide through the sky in an exhilarating 10-minute joyride across the State in the classic Agusta 119! (Time Slot: 11 am -12 pm, 3 pm – 4 pm.)
Delightful Summer Fruits of Goa
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An unforgettable culinary journey
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The marigold man of Goa
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Goa-based musician ‘Discokid’ to perform at Serendipity Arts Festival 2023
Among the eight exceptional music artists handpicked for the B-side Music Production Residency programme, ‘Discokid’, a Goa-based musician will be performing at the Serendipity Arts Festival 2023. The 11-day workshop concluded in Olaulim recently and was organised by the Serendipity Arts Foundation. The eight artists namely Dzerouengmit Lepcha, Fatima Hakeen (Discokid), Lenix Lobo, Hasan Shahrukh, Govi, Ashel Unger, Rushaki Ghosh and Medhaj Dempo, delved deep into the intricacies of music production using Ableton Live, a digital audio workstation during the residency, which formally culminated on October 20. The residency was mentored by industry experts, including Jay Pei, Megha Balani, SHFT and Puneesh Suri. Fatima Hakeen aka ‘Discokid’ is a musician and producer based out of Goa and has been featured in well-known online music shows like Mixmag Goa and Worldwide FM. Over the eleven-day intensive program, the participants explored a myriad of techniques, from working with audio clips and MIDI basics to advanced production methods, honing their skills and collectively broadening their creative horizons. “Each participant brings a unique flavour to the table: from Dzerouengmit Lepcha’s soulful melodies to Discokid’s groovy beats, Lenix Lobo’s experimental sounds and Govi’s fusion of Carnatic vocals with indie and alternative genres. Hasan Shahrukh, with his expertise in […]
Glow of Epiphyllum – Brahma Kamal flowers of Goa
Recently, I came across a news story about a record-breaking bloom of 28 Brahma Kamal flowers in Goa. The spectacular sight of its prolific blossoms in the video took me on a trip down memory lane. We, too, had this beautiful plant in our garden, lovingly tended by my grandmother. Commonly referred to as ‘Bramhakamal’ in Goa and likely across the country, this plant is scientifically known as Epiphyllum Oxypetalum. Belonging to the Cactaceae family, it is an exotic plant native to the rainforests of Central and South America. Interestingly, it has no botanical connection to the true Bramhakamal species, scientifically named Saussurea obvallata, which is found and revered in Uttarakhand and the Himalayan regions. The slight resemblance between Epiphyllum Oxypetalum and the original Bramhakamal may explain the confusion between the two. Also known as the Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus or Queen of the Night, this flower truly lives up to its regal title. In our garden, this plant held a special place in my heart. Its slightly puffed, elongated leaves distinguished it from the other greenery. The celestial blooms appeared rarely, usually between July and September. One of the most unique aspects of this flower is how it unfurls its […]
Festa do Povo: Festival to Showcase Goan Heritage, Food, & Culture
The well-known community festival, Festa do Povo, returns to Panaji again, to promote Goan culture and heritage. The festival is coordinated through community involvement, with assistance from the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) and Imagine Panaji, along the pedestrian walkway lined with mangroves at Patto Plaza near the Spaces building. Residents from various wards in the city, who reside in heritage homes and blocks, participate in the festival’s planning. What food can you expect here? It ranges from Goan-Portuguese to Hindu Saraswat to Muslim dishes, cooked by local home chefs, Panaji restaurants, and even international chefs. The food section of the festival showcases Goa’s rich culinary diversity across various religious communities. Additionally, a special Feni bar and beverage station featuring local drinks will enhance the festive atmosphere. Day one (December 14) will feature traditional Shigmo dances and children’s craft activities curated by Bookworm, a -book store for children. Participants can enjoy a variety of performances, including the Kaustubha Ballet, the beloved Stuti Choir, the traditional dekhni dance, and enchanting melodies by the Sound of Music. On the second day, December 15, there will be brass band performances, percussion displays, and carol singing by students from Nirmala School. This […]
A literary wonderland
The Goa Book Fair & Children’s Literature Festival is all set to bring together book lovers and storytellers RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT KURIOCITY Imagine a place where children can enjoy stories, meet their favourite authors, and explore books that spark their curiosity. That’s exactly what they’ll get at the Goa Book Fair & Children’s Literature Festival, scheduled from February 27 to March 3. A new addition to the annual Goa Book Fair, which has been running for two years, the Children’s Literature Festival is organised by The Dogears Bookshop, Margao, in collaboration with Publishing Next. According to co-founder of The Dogears Bookshop and the festival Leonard J Fernandes, it aims to create a dedicated space where children can engage with books, interact with authors, and develop a love for reading. He believes children remain drawn to good stories and engaging illustrations. “They’re selective about what they read and often influenced by their friends’ choices. They prefer books that engage them, which they can relate to and understand,” he says. Further, he stresses the importance of children’s literature in developing a love for reading. “Studies show that reading a wide range of books helps children think critically, research better, and spot […]
