Issues associated with the establishment of new wildlife sanctuaries in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Source: The post issues associated with the establishment of new wildlife sanctuaries in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has been created, based on the article “Empower the guardians of the earth, do not rob them” published in “The Hindu” on 22nd April 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.

News: The article discusses how the Andaman and Nicobar administration plans to establish wildlife sanctuaries on islands traditionally managed and inhabited by the indigenous southern Nicobarese people. This decision ignores their rights and disregards the ecological and social impacts.

What are the proposed sanctuaries and their implications?

Coral Sanctuary on Meroë Island: The government plans to establish a coral sanctuary here. However, there are concerns about the real diversity and abundance of corals on the island, which makes the basis for such a sanctuary questionable.

Megapode Sanctuary on Menchal Island: This proposed sanctuary is meant to protect the endemic Megapode birds. But the island reportedly only supports a pair or two of these birds, casting doubt on the effectiveness of this conservation effort.

Leatherback Turtle Sanctuary on Little Nicobar Island: The administration wants to create a sanctuary for leatherback turtles. Yet, they did not consult the indigenous Nicobarese people, who traditionally use the island, thereby ignoring their rights and cultural practices.

What are the issues associated with the establishment of new wildlife sanctuaries in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

Lack of Consultation: Lack of Consultation: The Andaman and Nicobar administration did not consult the indigenous southern Nicobarese people before announcing the wildlife sanctuaries, despite these communities traditionally managing the islands.

Misrepresentation of Biodiversity: The administration claims conservation needs for coral reefs and Megapode birds on Meroë and Menchal Islands, but local biodiversity data shows limited presence of these species.

Contradictory Actions: While establishing sanctuaries for conservation, another significant nearby area, the Galathea Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, was denotified for a ₹72,000-crore development project, threatening extensive environmental damage.

Displacement of Indigenous People: The establishment of these sanctuaries’ risks displacing indigenous communities, disregarding their ancestral ties and sustainable practices on these lands.

Why is it important to support indigenous stewardship?

Cultural Guardians: Indigenous peoples, like the southern Nicobarese, have traditionally managed their islands sustainably. They protect natural resources through spiritual and community-based practices.

Biodiversity Preservation: Globally, indigenous territories cover about 22% of the Earth’s surface and contain 80% of its biodiversity. Supporting indigenous stewardship like that of the Nicobarese is crucial for maintaining this biodiversity.

Avoiding Ecological Damage: The disregard for indigenous rights in conservation efforts can lead to severe ecological disruptions. For example, arbitrary sanctuary decisions threaten existing biodiversity and undermine the traditional ecological knowledge of the indigenous people.

Question for practice:

Examine the implications of the Andaman and Nicobar administration’s plan to establish wildlife sanctuaries.