Biodiversity in Goa through the world of philately

Dr M R Ramesh Kumar

The International Day for Biodiversity (IDB) is celebrated every year on May 22. This universal observance commemorates the adoption of the text of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on May 22, 1992 and provides a unique opportunity to foster wide support for the Convention, its Protocols and related action frameworks. The theme of Biodiversity Day 2024: ‘Be part of the Plan’. The forest cover of Goa is about 1424 sq.kms.(549.81 sq.miles). Part of one of the Biodiversity Hotspots of the world namely the Western Ghats lies in Goa. Goa’s main horticulture produce includes coconut, cashew, mango, jackfruit and pineapples. Rice is the main crop of Goa. Along with Rice, Ragi and pulses are also grown in Goa. Goa’s State animal is the Gaur (Indian bison) and state bird is the Ruby Throated Yellow Bulbul (Black Crested Bulbul). The state tree of Goa is the Matti (Terminalia eliptica). The state of Goa has one National Park, Mollem National Park and six wildlife Sanctuaries which includes Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, one bird sanctuary, the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, located on the island of Chorao.

BEES: As a part of the International Bee Day, on May 20, a set of three Picture Postcards were released by the Department of Posts, Goa Postal Division, Goa along with a special cancellation. Pollination is a vital ecosystem function and service. Bees and other pollinators are critical for agriculture, ecological balance and biodiversity conservation. Nearly 90 percent of the world's wild flowering plant species depend on pollinators.

Apis cerana indica, the Indian honey bee, is a subspecies of Asiatic honey bee. It is one of the predominant bees found and domesticated in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand and mainland Asia. Relatively non-aggressive and rarely exhibiting swarming behaviour, it is ideal for beekeeping.

Apis dorsata, the rock bee or giant honey bee, is a honey bee of South and Southeast Asia. They are typically around 17–20 mm long and nests are mainly built in exposed places far off the ground, like on tree limbs, under cliff overhangs, and under buildings.

Ceylalictus is a genus of bees belonging to the family Halicitidae. Type Species is Ceylalictus horni (Strand, 1913), which was originally described as Halictus horni. The genus has almost cosmopolitan distribution (except America).

A Special World Bee Day with the Panaji Head Post Office special cancellation is shown on a Geographical stamp which was released in 2023 during the Amritpex 2023 held in New Delhi.

ODOP Products

Coconut

The Ministry of Food Processing Industries has formally notified Coconut based products for South Goa under the One District One Product component (ODOP) of Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME). Coconut is especially high in Manganese which is essential for bone health and metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and Cholesterol. They are also rich in copper and iron that helps form red blood cells, as well as Selenium, an important protein that protects our cells. There are nearly 20 value added products being processed in the state of Goa. A special cover on the ODOP for South Goa which was released by the Department of Posts, Goa on October 11, 2022.

Jackfruit

The Ministry of Food Processing Industries has formally notified Jackfruit based products for North Goa under the One District One Product component (ODOP) of Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME). The Jackfruit is recognised as a superfood world over and is a perfect alternative for those who want to follow vegetarian or vegan diets. Flour made from jackfruit seeds contains high levels of protein, calcium, phosphorus and iron. There are more than 9 value added products manufactured from the state of Goa. A special cover on the ODOP for South Goa which was released by the Department of Posts, Goa on October 11, 2022.

State Symbols of Goa

The special cover which was released by the Department of Posts, consists of Matti, Gaur (state animal), Ruby Throated yellow Bulbul (State Bulbul), and Malabar Tree Nymph (State Butterfly). Medicinal Plants of Tulsi, Haridra, Sarpagandha and Ghritkumari were issued on October 28, 1997 in Se-Tenant format (both horizontal and vertical forms).

Tulsi: Tusli is a plant worshipped from time immemorial. Its leaves and their juice are used systematically in catarrh and bronchitis and are useful in the treatment of ringworm and other skin diseases, when applied locally. It is found in the state of Goa.

Geographical Indications: A geographical indication (GI) tag is used for an agricultural, natural or a manufactured product (handicraft and industrial goods) originating from a definite geographical territory. Typically, such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness, which is essentially attributable to the place of its origin.

Geographical indications (GI) refer to a type of intellectual property (IP) protection which identifies goods with a geographical region. The GI tagging is attributed in such a manner that quality, reputation and other salient features of the commodity are linked to the location of origin. The GI tag for a product can be used only by legitimate users and the residents of the territory of origin. GI tags may be obtained for agricultural products, handicrafts, textiles, manufactured goods, foodstuffs etc. The given GI tag may be in the form of a geographical name or a figurative representation or a combination of these two. The tag assigned to a product should convey its geographical origin. GI plays an important role in promoting the conservation of biodiversity among the 

rural populations. 

Goa Cashew Feni: A special cover on Goa Cashew Feni was released on August 12, 2021.