All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union (AGSSRFU) has written to the authorities concerned conveying its objections to the Blue Flag accreditation proposed for Siridao beach.
They highlighted concerns about the exclusion of fishing communities from the decision-making process, the potential threat to their livelihoods, and the violation of international fishing jurisprudence.
Additionally, they have emphasised upon the need for beach cleanliness and safety, suggesting a focus on addressing existing issues rather than catering exclusively to tourism. The letter requests the Tourism Department to reconsider its plans and involve local communities in decision-making regarding coastal areas.
“At our meeting, we examined this issue of Siridao beach from a fishing perspective and decided to initiate suitable moves. We hereby request your office to abort your plans to designate Siridao beach as Blue Flag certified destination for exclusive tourist enjoyment and stop your practice of excluding
local fishing communities from the decision-making process concerning Goa’s coastal and riparian geographies,” said Shaila D’Mello, Union President
“The purpose of getting Denmark standards of beaches is known as Blue Flag certification for the portion of Siridao beach is for catering to the exclusive tourism purpose. After interaction with gillnet fishers on Siridao beach it is revealed that none were consulted by your office before taking the Blue Flag decision. This way of decision-making that excludes and dispenses fishing communities from governance is a political tragedy,” said Laximan Mangueshkar, Union Secretary.
“The method of decision-making adopted by your office with regards to Blue Flag certification for Siridao beach threatens to expel fishing communities at Siridao from the fishing-based livelihoods currently practiced at Siridao beach. This we totally object to. Brief history of Blue Flag certification of Goa’s Beaches reveals that Velsao and Miramar fishermen had already rejected the same during past years for creating threats to fishing occupations by intruding on to fishing boat spaces,” Mangueshkar added.
“We request your office to maintain the cleanliness of all the beaches in Goa. Current status of beaches in Goa including Siridao beach is pathetic. Beaches are littered with plastics and broken glass pieces. Due to wrong touristic publicity to Goa on its liberal liquor policy several groups of people are seen visiting beaches, consuming alcohol and afterwards break the bottles on the beach itself creating health and safety issue for everyone working and visiting the beaches,” said D’Mello