Team Herald
MARGAO: Environmentalists are calling for a shift in perspective regarding the recent high sea tide levels (HTL) on beaches of Goa. They argue that instead of attributing these events to so-called unusual weather patterns, the focus should be on adapting to what they see as a new normal in coastal conditions.
“We need to accept that the operating seasons for coastal activities have changed, potentially for good. Each year, we’re seeing marine and coastal activities starting later than they used to. It’s time to move away from framing these as unexpected events and recognize this unpredictability as our new reality,” one environmental expert stated.
Other environmentalists stress the importance of building capacities for risk mapping and adaptation among shack operators and other tourism stakeholders. They advocate for sharing proper data with these groups to help them prepare for and mitigate potential risks.
They also pointed out how various pre-booked tourism related activities on beaches and the coastline have seen cancellation this month due to the weather concerns, with some reconsidering marine activities altogether. They felt that a shift in public perception is seen as a crucial factor that needs to be incorporated into future tourism planning.
“It's not just about immediate safety. We’re seeing a potential long-term impact on tourism patterns. This unpredictability needs to be factored into how we approach coastal tourism moving forward. It’s about building resilience and adapting our practices to ensure both safety and sustainability in the face of changing environmental conditions,” another environmentalist added.