The state of Goa is likely one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Being a former Portuguese Colony, it is well-known for historical sites, churches and architecture. Erstwhile Goa was known for its charm, the slow pace of life and beautiful, quaint villages. It also happens to be a biodiversity hotspot, a place with a wealth of different ecosystems such as laterite plateaus, western ghats, traditional Kazaan lands, coastal and intertidal habitats. 

Over time, the landscape of Goa has changed drastically. The mining industry, though declared illegal by the Supreme Court in 2018, has significantly degraded the environment since it began in 1949. Illegal sand mining and the existence of coal ports has exacerbated the situation. The number of tourists visiting the state has also increased exponentially- 1.3 core tourists compared to the 15 lakh residents of the state. This rise in tourism brought with it issues of overcrowding, pollution, and unsustainable development.