One doesn't need to look far to spot a windmill in the gusty regions of Navarra in Spain. The same could be the case with Goa. A pioneering region in renewable energy specially wind energy, Navarra leads Europe in its use of renewable energy technology. Goa could now be the region that pioneers this technology in India in the interest of sustainable tourism.
Goa Tourism is keen on establishing links with the town to study its success in renewable energy, waste management and environment friendly tourism practices. A team from Goa including Tourism Director Swapnil Naik and Director of Science and Technology Michael D’souza, will be visiting the Spanish region soon to activate the process.
The department of tourism also plans to collaborate with Spanish town Navarra, situated at the northernmost tip of Spain to promote cross-regional tourism and eco-friendly tourism initiatives. Navarra which is the birth place of St. Francis Xavier, has shown keen interest in Goa due to its emotional ties with the tourist destination.
The Spanish region which spreads across the magnificent Pyrenees range of mountains to the serene plains of the Ebro river valley in the south attracts tourists from across the world and is known for rural and eco-tourism.
A pioneering region in renewable energy specially wind energy, Navarra leads Europe in its use of renewable energy technology. The region generates over 60% of its electricity through renewable energy, mainly utilizing natural sources such as the wind, water and the sun. The region now plans not only to cover the entire electricity consumption needs of the region through renewable energy, but also export the process to benefit other regions and countries.
Said, Swapnil Naik, Director Tourism, Government of Goa on the impending visit to Spain, “Navarra has created a successful model which integrates tourism and renewable energy. The region has pioneered the use of renewable energy and leads the rest of the European cities in its successful use of the technology. We hope to get an insight into the policies and implementation process which will aid in rolling out similar energy measures in Goa too.”
Goa also seeks to study Navarra’s garbage management methods which will help reign in the increasing garbage problems in the state. Said Swapnil Naik, “Navarra has set up biomass plants, turbines and wind mills which successfully harness renewable energy. Generating energy from garbage could be an excellent method of managing and recycling garbage to produce energy, and will be of great use to Goa"