Area likely to be declared biodiversity heritage site PANJIM: It’s once again a ‘no’ from the Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) to the proposed marina project at Sancoale. The area is expected to be declared a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) to curtail environment unfriendly projects. A fresh site inspection by a team of experts headed by GSBB member secretary Dr Nitin Sawant on Monday morning again authenticated the site as ‘rich in biodiversity and any new project will seriously affect the ecology being the eco-sensitive area’. “The Board in the past too had expressed a similar view. The Sancoale bay is an ecologically sensitive area and is a breeding ground for some endangered species. It is a biodiversity hot spot,” sources said. The inspection was carried out following an application from Yacht Haven Goa Marina seeking the Board’s approval for setting up a marina. The Goa Investment Promotion Board has given its in-principle nod for the marina project. The project is drawing strong opposition from the local community that fears for its livelihood if the marina project materializes. Local MLA Alina Saldanha, who is the environment minister, has also raised objections to the project. Along with GSBB, the other competent authority – Goa State Pollution Control Board – has also said 'no' to the marina pending a feasibility study of all river bodies in the State.