The Department of Business Administration, Don Bosco College, Panjim, organised an insightful Environmental Studies session titled “Where Rivers Meet the Roots: The Mangroves of Goa” on 7 September 2026. The session was conceptualised and organised by students of FYBBA with the objective of creating awareness about the ecological significance of mangrove ecosystems and the need for their conservation.
The session featured Mr. Ferdin Sylvester, Co-founder and Director of OneEarth Foundation, as the key speaker. He engaged the students with valuable insights into mangroves, their unique characteristics and their importance to the environment.
The session introduced students to mangroves as dynamic ecosystems that connect rivers, land and the sea. The discussion highlighted their role as natural barriers against coastal erosion and flooding, breeding and nursery grounds for several species, habitats supporting biodiversity, and important ecosystems for carbon sequestration and climate-change mitigation.
The students were introduced to several fascinating organisms associated with mangrove ecosystems, including the mudskipper, fiddler crab, mud lobster and mangrove snapper. The discussion also highlighted the unique adaptations of mangrove-associated organisms and the interdependence between different species within the ecosystem. The handwritten session notes particularly emphasised the mudskipper, fiddler crab and mud lobster and their relationship with the mangrove environment.
An important message emerging from the session was that climate change is a collective challenge and cooperation is essential. The session encouraged students to understand that ecosystems demonstrate interconnectedness and that humans too, need to cooperate and work collectively to address environmental challenges.
Students were encouraged to look beyond mangroves as merely vegetation along waterways and appreciate them as biodiversity nurseries, natural coastal defenders and important carbon sinks.
The session concluded with a renewed commitment towards environmental responsibility and conservation. The programme concluded with an inspiring message: “When we protect our mangroves, we protect our shores, our biodiversity, and the future we share.”