Conservation of biodiversity through scientifically validated and well participated people’s biodiversity registers (PBRS) in Goa, India

Abstract

Traditional Knowledge possessed by indigenous communities is acquired through generations. Goa has 197 urban and rural local bodies and has constituted Biodiversity Management Committees as per guidance of Goa State Biodiversity Board. Documentation of native biodiversity and bioresources in PBRs involves local people and Technical Support Groups. Biodiversity Management Committee documents the resources of village, histo - socio- cultural and natural habitats that has rare, endangered plants, ecological habitat versatility likelakes, springs, management technology of regulating the Khazan lands, agro-pisci ecological systems, age old unique hydro-geological set up created by local techniques for surface water management.PBR’S are validated by three tier validation system i.e. Biodiversity Management Committee, Village Panchayats in Gram Sabhas and Thematic Expert Committee for PBR Validation constituted by Goa State Biodiversity Board. This is unique participative process in world that involves scientific validation of systematic documentation carried out by the owners of bioresources. The paper discusses a case study of Curtorim village of Goa where local people have documented the bioresources. The outcome of PBR validation process has resulted in declaration of flagship species in villages, promotion of traditionally grown rice varieties by giving brand name with the initiative of Goa State Biodiversity Board, reviving the age old cultures etc.