------------------------------------------------------ Welcome to the FRIDAY BALCAO Read the Balcao Synopsis on the website http://www.goadesc.org/balcao/ ------------------------------------------------------
Dear Cybergaokars on GoaNet, Friday Balcao the fortnightly discussion event to be held on 12th August will focus on getting Wildlife laws & the Forest Department closer to the people in Goa. Most recently elephants in the North and some months ago is was the leopards in the South of Goa that have been in the news over their visits to peoples farms and residences. When the Forest Department puts out notices about turtles, mushrooms and frogs there is always misunderstanding amongst the general public. There has been a decrease in the forest cover in Goa as well as the number of trees being felled in the towns have substantially increased. Many new laws have been introduced and many amendments made to the existing ones with regards the Forest Department, however the people still continue to remain ignorant. Why have leopards and monkeys come in conflict with residents in the villages ? Do people know that snakes need not be killed and the Forest Department can be contacted for assistance ? Do people know the procedure to be followed to get a licence for felling a tree ? Is the Citizens Charter of the Forest Department available in a village Panchayat and Municipal Council ? What role can Service Clubs and NGO's play in making the Forest & wildlife laws known to people ? How can Educational Institutions in partnership with the Forest Department help to increase the green cover of Goa ? What collaboration can be undertaken by Panchayats and the Municipal Councils with the Forest Department to increase the awareness amongst the citizens ? The Balcao discussion will cover these questions and also evolve an agenda for action by citizens on the issue. Friday Balcao will be from 4pm to 6pm at the Goa Desc Resource Centre No.11 Liberty Apartments Feira Alta, Mapusa and is open to members of the public. We invite you to express your viewpoint by attending the Friday Balcao event but if you cannot attend, then please send your views and action plan suggestions by post to FRIDAY BALCAO Post Box 78, Mapusa 403 507 or by email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Those of you who would like to receive the regular invitation to Friday Balcao and a one page synopsis of the fortnightly session can subscribe for the same by sending Rs.100/- to cover printing and mailing costs. best wishes, Roland Martins ======================================= GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE Documentation + Education + Solidarity 11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goadesc.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy ======================================= -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.338 / Virus Database: 267.10.3/66 - Release Date: 8/8/2005