Be the New-Age Responsible Tourist and Show Some Love to Goa!

Shocking, right? Unfortunately, this is the sheer reality of many pristine beaches in Goa! With the distinction of being a tourist-favourite destination, Goa is fast becoming famous for its on-the-brink-of-being-seriously-damaged ecology due to tourist activities. Isn’t it high time to buckle up and save #GorgeousGoa from complete devastation? Absolutely, yes!

The Troubled Zones in Goa

Let’s check-out the red spots where responsible tourism is the need of the hour.

1. ​Aguada Fort is a popular tourist destination of Goa, and a trip to the fort is inevitably followed by a trip to Sinquerim Bay for dolphin spotting! But, did you know, that the stress of a large number of motor-boats hovering on the water is taking a toll on the popular Humpback dolphins, who have been recently classified as ‘endangered’ from ‘near-threatened’? The constant intrusion by tourist boats is largely responsible for hampering the mating and socializing patterns of these dolphins. Although the government and local bodies are trying to sensitize the fishermen who ferry the tourists about the behaviour patterns of these dolphins, the gaps are still huge! But, you can make a difference as tourists! Advice the boatmen to reduce noise or better yet, turn off the engine altogether when near the dolphin pods. Also, ensure that no dolphins are chased and suggest keeping a safe distance from the pod, so that you can enjoy the dolphins in action without disturbing them. 

2. Among the hidden gems of South Goa, the pristine Agonda and Galgibaga beaches deserve a special mention. These beaches are the hatching sites for the Olive Ridley turtles, which are already classified as ‘vulnerable’ as of now, and sadly, without responsible tourism, we might soon have another tragic addition to the endangered species’ list! The turtles swim up to the beach during the breeding season to lay eggs, which incidentally clashes with the peak season in Goa, leading to the exploitation of their exploitation. As an attempt towards conservation, loud music, camera flashes and any sort of construction on these beaches, other than for conservation purposes have been banned. Locals have been sensitized and some even volunteer for a night watch to care for the turtles. However, the need for tourists to be more responsible is inevitable! Hence, on your next Goa vacation, make sure not to disturb their natural habitat by crossing over to the restricted zones, or using camera flashes which might hamper the breeding process. Also, avoid littering, since plastic and garbage are destructive for baby turtles.

3. Just a boat ride away from the Calangute-Candolim beach belt, Grande Island is a popular recreational diving spot, where the precious coral reefs are adversely affected by tourist activities. A large amount of plastic and other forms of garbage have often been found here – disposed off into the ocean. And, with the boats sometimes using the reefs as anchors, the vibrant corals are losing their beauty with each passing day. Though the government has taken a lot of actions to adhere to international standards of snorkelling and diving, mostly it is up to you as a tourist, to make some serious changes for visible results. Refrain from littering the ocean with plastic and do not spill unused food or drinks as well, since the chemical reactions can lead to irreparable damage to the corals.

4. Mangrove forests have been known as nature’s defenders, and Goa being a tourist hotspot, needs mangroves more than others – to safeguard its fragile beaches and natural vistas. These mangroves are home to fascinating wildlife species as well! Although the government is putting in efforts to safeguard these mangroves, tourists unfortunately damage these with careless disposal of garbage and contamination. Ever wondered, how our favourite beaches would look after a severe flash flood? Yes, without these mangroves, they won’t stand a chance! Here’s how you can do your bit – cut down on your plastic usage, and take a tour of these lush green beauties, without any littering. Also, abide by any restrictions levied by the Government. 

What else can you do as a responsible tourist in Goa?

Well, here’s a list for starters…

• Say Yes to following government laws

Do not trespass on protected areas. Collect permits wherever needed and seek permission before using cameras or any other electronic devices in protected zones.

• Self-education is the key

Yes! Learn about the biodiversity of the region you’re going to visit. Have a clear idea of the specific wildlife behaviours – for example, whether camera flashes or loud noises act as triggers for certain animals. You can also reach out to responsible tourism boards, which provides information on endangered species’ behaviours.

• Say no to retail exploitation

Never be a facilitator of ecologically disturbing behaviour like stocking up on coral-made goods or curios and souvenirs made from endangered and protected species.

Soak in the flavour of Goa without barging on its fragile biodiversity. Be a new-age responsible tourist – leave just your footprints and nothing else, wherever you travel to!