Introduction
Goa, recognised as a World Biodiversity Hotspot, is known for its natural boundaries that enhance its ecological value. The Western Ghats, covering 16% of the state, significantly contribute to its biodiversity. According to the 2021 India State of Forest Report, Goa ranks third in forest quality in India. The state has a 160 km coastline and seven major rivers, creating a complex estuarine system. About 69% of Goa is affected by monsoonal rainfall, enriching its ecology. With 27 km² of mangrove canopy and abundant mineral wealth in the Western Ghats, environmental monitoring remains crucial, as highlighted by the Gadgil and Kasturirangan panel reports.
Goa University (GU) has taken a leading role in preserving and studying the region’s natural environment, aligning its efforts with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). GU has established an Environmental Science discipline focusing on marine biodiversity and collaborates with ISRO for improving environmental resource management. Leveraging its location along the Arabian Sea, GU contributes significantly to marine sciences, including marine biotechnology, microbiology and coastal ecology, while addressing key SDGs related to climate action, water conservation, and biodiversity.
GU has been designated as a National Resource Centre (NRC) in Marine Science by the Ministry of Education, India, strengthening its leadership in the field. It develops advanced curricula, offers online learning resources, provides expert guidance through faculty development programs, generates research-based learning materials, and uses ICT platforms like SWAYAM to make high-quality marine science education accessible. Key courses include Introduction to Marine Science, Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, Climate Change and Oceanography, Marine Biodiversity and Conservation Strategies, and Remote Sensing and GIS Applications in Marine Science.
Strategic Importance of Marine Research and Dedicated Research Laboratories
Goa’s strategic location makes it ideal for studying coastal ecosystems and marine biodiversity. GU has positioned itself as a leader in marine sciences, with dedicated research facilities like a remote sensing laboratory, aerosol observatory and meteorology tower. The university also conducts collaborative initiatives and extensive field studies using coastal and ocean research vessels, emphasising its commitment to regional and global sustainability. GU houses state-of-the-art laboratories and programs as follows:
- Marine Science: This discipline brings together experts in oceanography, marine biology, environmental science, and remote sensing/GIS, including a Trevor Platt Memorial Scholar from IOCCG, fostering a diverse and comprehensive marine science curriculum.
- Marine Biotechnology: This discipline focuses on marine biotechnology innovations, exploring marine organisms for pharmaceutical and industrial applications in fields like bio-prospecting, marine pharmacology, and blue biotechnology.
- Remote Sensing Laboratory and Aerosol Observatory: Established with ISRO’s grants, this laboratory focuses on marine resource management and coastal sustainability. Supported by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Naval Research Board, and SPL-VSSC, it hosts national programs like ARFINET and NOBLE. In 2023, the laboratory launched the Visible-Light Extinction with Depth Analysis (VEDA) for coastal water simulations. Collaborations with NIO (Goa) and NCPOR provide access to advanced research vessels and marine biodiversity resources, contributing to oceanographic surveys under MoES.
Collaborative Research and International Partnerships:
- National Institute of Oceanography, Goa: A key oceanographic and climate change study partner.
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR-CMFRI): Collaborative research on fisheries and aquaculture.
- Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS): An institution of MoES for multidisciplinary collaborations on earth system science components.
- National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research: An institution of MoES for collaborative research in ocean-atmosphere coupled studies in polar regions.
- Space Physics Laboratory (SPL) of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), ISRO: Partnership for conducting national programmes, i.e., ARFINET and NOBLE, for marine sustainability and coastal air pollution.
Success Stories
- National Space Science Symposium (NSSS) of ISRO: NSSS-2024 at Dr. Shyama Prasad Indoor Mukherjee Stadium was inaugurated by Goa Governor Shri P.S. Sreedharan Pillai with keynote lectures by ISRO Chairman Shri S. Somanath, Dr. Shailesh Nayak, Dr. Madhavan Rajeevan, and Shri A.S. Kiran Kumar concerning space exploration, climate change, and lunar missions. NSSS-2024 featured plenary sessions on Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan, Aditya-L1 and space-based oceanography, and 711 scientific presentations across six themes. A student session engaged 51 students from 15 states in discussions with space pioneers. Public lectures were live-streamed, fostering interest in space science and technology among researchers and students.
- Community Engagement Through Marine Farming and Fisheries: Marine research at GU has significantly benefited Goans, particularly those engaged in fisheries, providing them with scientific insights into sustainable fishing practices, marine resource conservation, and climate-resilient livelihood strategies.
GU conducted a joint scientific workshop on "Marine Farming–Opportunity towards entrepreneurship, self-employment and sustainable rural development (Mari-Sustain)" under IGSTC held at Leibniz-Centre for Tropical Research (ZMT), Bremen, Germany from 23-25 August, 2022, with a total funding of EURO32119=00.
- Alumni as Marine Entrepreneurs: Following alumni are established entrepreneurs: Dr. Sandhya Tiwari, Bellarine Tech Bio, CEO and Managing Director; Dr. Raghavendra Gaud Vaggu, EMPE Diagnostics Global, CEO; Dr. Suresh Anaganti, L2P Research Labs, CEO; Ajoy Rajendraprasad Shaw, Plateaux Vintners Private Limited, Founder; Swapnil Ballal, Plateaux Vintners Private Limited, Founder; Satyakam Chakrabarty, TikTern Co-Founder; Dr. Arjun Adhikari, Trilochana Aerospace and Defence Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Scientific Advisor, etc.
Way ahead
- Ecosystem modelling leading to development of digital twin has been identified as a major institutional research thrust area, wherein science faculty at GU are encouraged to collaborate on interdisciplinary research in marine studies. In this regard, with the MoU signed with Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, Germany, GU aims to develop predictive models for coastal ecosystem dynamics, climate resilience and marine biodiversity conservation, contributing significantly to Goa’s economy.
- Goa University Research Park Unit (GURU) aims to develop innovative food products and supplements derived from local agricultural and marine resources like: mushroom-based supplements, whey protein powders, energy bars, cookies, fish-based items like pickles and oils, and seaweed offerings. By partnering with local businesses and Women Self-Help Groups, GURU will create a marketing network to promote sustainable and nutritious products. This initiative supports economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social empowerment while showcasing the region’s biodiversity and agricultural potential.
