A Study of Traditionally Managed Khazan Ecosystems of Ponda Taluka, Goa

Abstract

Khazan lands are reclaimed mangrove areas found in the state of Goa where eco -friendly farming, aquaculture features were practiced by villagers more than work thousands of years. Present study related to khazan ecosystems was carried out by selecting five villages that aims to document the ethnobotanical knowledge involved structure; management strategies; ecological and economical activities; livelihood support received by local people; community participation in protecting khazan ecosystems. Surveys and interviews were carried in five villages from Ponda taluka, from the state Goa. Data were collected through open semi structured interviews with the informants. It was recorded that the structure of khazan ecosystem comprise of estuaries, backwaters, mangrove areas, outer and inner embankments, sluice gates and poiem (depression). This Primitive khazan technology comprises of sluice gates made from wood of Terminalia tomentosa, canoes used in fishing are crafted from wood of Mangifera indica. Villagers managed khazans by forming associations called Bous, by growing traditional salt tolerant rice varieties like korgut, by protecting mangroves, following rituals like offering choru and bali, Mange Thapni (unique way crocodile conservation) for protecting khazans. In all 15 different types of crop plants, 11 true mangroves and 6 mangrove associates were recovered from study sites. Khazan lands have been traditionally source of livelihood for locals.  They grow salt tolerant rice varieties, carry out aquaculture activities by equitably sharing the resources. This age old technology needs to be preserved as environmental degradation, change in land-use patterns, tourism, and overexploitation have left many khazans marshy and fallow. This study represents a useful inventory of how these endemic ecosystems were managed and to spread this knowledge.