Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, May 31: Record-high sea levels, driven by rising temperatures, increased rainfall, and urbanization, are threatening Goa’s fragile mangrove ecosystems and khazan lands, warns the draft Goa State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.

The first-of-its-kind plan, prepared by the Goa State Biodiversity Board, has been released for public feedback until July 22.

According to the report, sea levels along Goa’s coast have been rising at an average of 1.45mm per year (±0.46mm/year) between 1969 and 2013. This equates to roughly 0.48 feet of sea level rise over a century, endangering coastal habitats.

The report highlights a 68% increase in mean annual rainfall from 1901 to 2018, accompanied by a rise in inter-annual rainfall variability since the 1970s. Additionally, Goa’s mean annual temperature has increased by over 1°C since the early 20th century.

The Arabian Sea, meanwhile, has emerged as a new hotspot for cyclonic activity, with a significant uptick in both the frequency and severity of storms since 1995. From 1980 to 2020, the Arabian Sea witnessed a fivefold increase in “most intense cyclones,” while the frequency of cyclonic storms surged by 52% between 2001 and 2019.

These combined factors pose a major threat to Goa’s unique coastal ecosystems. The study warns that mangroves — crucial for biodiversity and coastal protection — may become less productive and could lose saline-intolerant species. This would impact habitats for crocodiles, birds, and other wildlife.

Khazan lands, which are traditional, low-lying coastal wetlands, are also at risk of degradation from higher sea levels and cyclonic impacts.

The draft plan calls for urgent attention to protect and manage these vulnerable ecosystems.