On January 23, 2025, the Department of Chemistry organized a Save Wetland Campaign at Ambulor Lake, Verna. Dr. Celia Braganza Coordinated the campaign. The event was attended by second-year chemistry students, accompanied by faculty and staff members. Rev. Dr. Bolmax Pereira was the guest speaker for the day.
He emphasized the importance of wetlands as dynamic ecosystems that sustain flora, fauna, and human life. He highlighted the use of traditional methods to conserve water, such as the “loose gates” at the lake that regulate water levels, and explained how water from the hills replenishes underground aquifers. He passionately described Goa as “H2O,” calling it “Hills to Ocean”. He encouraged the participants to observe their surroundings, as observation is the heart of science.
Dr. Bolmax also addressed the threats posed to wetlands by unregulated development, stressing that conservation requires constant effort and small contributions, which collectively create significant impact. Cleaning the lake’s surroundings, he said, might seem like a small act but is vital for its preservation.
After his motivating session, the students were energized, and took a pledge to save the wetland. They voluntarily took-up lakeside cleaning drive, collecting dry waste viz. plastic bottles, cups, plastic packets. Thus making it a meaningful contribution to the Save Wetland Campaign.
This campaign was a powerful reminder of how interconnected we are with nature. Small actions like cleaning the lakeside can spark greater change in preserving our ecosystems.