Filling Costal Policy gaps in Goa: A Multistakeholder Approach

Title: International Conference on Sustainable and Inclusive Urban Development in Global South

Presentation Topic – Filling Costal Policy gaps in Goa: A Multistakeholder Approach
Presenter – Amar Kulkarni
Author – Amar Kulkarni, Tahir Noronha and Sarita Fernandes

 

This study examines the complex relationship between coastal policy, local stakeholders, and ecosystem management in India, focusing on the case of Morjim in North Goa—an important nesting site for Olive Ridley Sea Turtles. It highlights governance failures in implementing the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) policy, such as misidentified ecological features and widespread violations due to delayed planning and weak enforcement.

 

The paper proposes a Coastal Resilience Index (CRI) as a practical tool to assess environmental risks and guide sustainable development. By incorporating ecological, social, and regulatory parameters, the CRI aims to help administrators and developers make informed decisions that balance conservation with economic interests, offering a model for other vulnerable coastal regions across India.