World Wildlife Fund (WWF) India launches Goa's first biodiversity and cultural map

Key facts

• World Wildlife Fund (WWF) India has developed the first biodiversity and cultural features map of Goa to be used as an educational tool in schools.
• The map features 48 commonly found species in Goa, covering birds, mammals, reptiles, sea animals, mangroves, and insects.
• Cultural aspects represented on the map include Kaavi art, the dressing of Kunbi women, the folk dance of Ghoddemodni, and the practice of crocodile worship known as manngetapnni.
• The map was created by artist Sudarshan Shaw using a folk indica art style to interest students.
• The initiative is integrated with the National Education Policy (NEP), under which WWF has trained approximately 450 teachers in government and government-aided schools starting from Class VI.
• The map was released by Stephen Alter at the Goa Art and Literature Festival.