The Great Nicobar Mega Project and Its Impact
The ₹72,000-crore project includes an international cruise terminal and shipbreaking yard, threatening local ecology.
The project disregards indigenous communities’ rights, especially regarding the islands' ecological importance.
The government’s move to create wildlife sanctuaries ignores the traditional management of these areas by indigenous communities.
a coral sanctuary at Meroë Island, a megapode sanctuary at Menchal Island, and a leatherback turtle sanctuary on Little Nicobar Island
Indigenous Communities’ Rights and Conservation
Indigenous Payuh communities have protected Meroë and Menchal Islands for centuries using spiritual and traditional practices.
These islands are vital for their survival, with resource use governed by spiritual beliefs to ensure sustainability.
The A&N administration's decision to designate these islands as sanctuaries was made without consultation, violating indigenous land rights.
Environmental and Ecological Concerns
The sanctuaries, especially for coral reefs and megapode birds, are seen as poorly justified, with low biodiversity in these areas.
The Great Nicobar project threatens biodiversity, including 8-10 lakh trees, coral reefs, and endangered species like Leatherback turtles.
Indigenous settlements, especially the Shompen, are at risk of displacement and loss of traditional lands and livelihood.
Global Context and Indigenous Rights
Indigenous peoples protect 80% of the world’s biodiversity despite constituting only 6% of the global population.
These communities are crucial stewards of the environment, and their knowledge must be valued over top-down conservation policies.
The international community must support and empower indigenous groups to safeguard their ancestral lands and protect global biodiversity.
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