Holy Cross Chapel Promotes Ecological Responsibility Through Seed Bomb Workshop

Chinchinim, Goa, June 29, 2026: Reinforcing the Church's commitment to environmental stewardship, the Holy Cross Chapel Catechetical Association, Sucaldem, Chinchinim, in collaboration with the Diocesan Commission for Ecology, organised a Seed Bomb Demonstration for catechism students on June 27 as part of its Green Day pre-activity under the ongoing Green Initiative.

The programme sought to inspire children to become responsible custodians of God's creation by combining ecological awareness with practical action. Through an engaging hands-on workshop, students learned how simple conservation practices can contribute to restoring the environment.

The demonstration was conducted by WWF–World Wide Fund for Nature resource persons Aditya Kakodkar, a nature conservation and ocean science expert with 19 years of experience, and Lisha Da Costa. They introduced the students to the science of seed germination and explained the process of preparing seed bombs using clay, soil, compost, and native seeds. The resource persons highlighted how the protective clay coating preserves the seeds until the arrival of the monsoon, creating favourable conditions for germination.

Following the demonstration, the students actively participated in preparing seed bombs while identifying native plant species best suited to Goa's ecological conditions. By the end of the workshop, they had collectively produced more than 100 seed bombs, which will be dispersed across barren land, hill slopes, and open spaces during the monsoon to promote natural regeneration and biodiversity.

Addressing the participants, Fr. Clive Diniz, Assistant Parish Priest, reflected on the ecological vision of Laudato Si', urging the children to recognise their responsibility to care for God's creation. Encouraging each student to take personal ownership of at least one seed bomb, he called on them to cultivate a lifelong commitment to protecting trees, soil, water, and the natural environment.

Besides equipping students with practical skills in seed bomb preparation as an affordable reforestation method, the programme also deepened their understanding of native biodiversity and fostered a stronger sense of environmental responsibility.

Capturing the spirit of the initiative, one student remarked, "We are planting for a future we may not see, but others will," reflecting the hope and selfless commitment that underpinned the day's activities.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks to the resource persons, Fr. Clive Diniz, catechism teachers, parents, and students for their enthusiastic participation and collective efforts in making the environmental initiative a meaningful success.

By Mabel Menezes