Location and Description:
The southern expanse of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, off Little Nicobar's shores, encompasses seven tiny islands.
Classified as "uninhabited" in government records but integral to indigenous communities.
Known as Piruii and Pingaeyak to the Payuh, indigenous southern Nicobarese peoples.
Traditional Management and Spiritual Beliefs:
Menchal and Meroë are spiritually revered and protected by the indigenous Nicobarese.
Managed by community elders and individual caretakers, these islands uphold traditional beliefs and ensure sustainability.
Imposition of Wildlife Sanctuaries:
In May 2022, the A&N administration announced plans to establish wildlife sanctuaries on Menchal, Meroë, and Little Nicobar islands.
The administration disregarded indigenous land ownership and did not consult the Nicobarese community.
Controversy Over Sanctuary Selection:
The selection of Menchal and Meroë for conservation reserves is questioned due to their actual biodiversity.
Critics suggest a connection between the sanctuary announcement and the denotification of the Galathea Bay Wildlife Sanctuary for a mega project.
Environmental and Social Concerns:
The mega project threatens extensive environmental damage and uprooting of indigenous communities.
The unilateral decision disregards the islands' significance to the indigenous population and their ancestral rights.
Global Indigenous Rights Violations:
Worldwide, governments violate indigenous peoples' rights under various pretexts, including development and conservation.
Indigenous territories hold 80% of global biodiversity, emphasizing the importance of respecting their stewardship.
Call for Support and Empowerment:
Supporting indigenous stewardship is crucial for preserving ancestral territories and biodiversity.
Advocates for justice argue for empowering indigenous communities rather than exploiting their lands and resources.
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