From
SANE NEWS, July 2004
Defending the Guardians: Thoughts on Jarawa Policy
By Madhusree Mukerjee
Through circumstances brought about by the efforts of a dedicated few, the
government and the people of India are in a position to implement an
enlightened, 21st-century policy on the Andaman aboriginals. The task is
truly difficult, for not only must such a policy be well implemented, it
must first be found. Very few precedents exist for dealing with a group as
vulnerable as the Jarawa, and no one has all the answers. Perhaps the only
rule to guide us is the following: we must be very sensitive to the
possibility of doing harm even as we try to do good.
At the recent court-ordered seminar in Port Blair, a few of us submitted a
set of suggestions, entitled An Alternative Framework for Jarawa Policy.
The proposal came out of discussions with experienced administrators and
anthropologists. It did not prescribe what the ultimate fate of the
Andamanese should be; it did, however, make several concrete suggestions
for improving their situation now. The authorities made a verbal
commitment to implementing this proposal—yet, now that the formal
proceedings have emerged, they have made short shrift of some key
elements. I would like therefore to inform the Andaman public on the
thinking that guided us.
The first point, implementing Inner-Line regulations on the Andamans and
Nicobars, as recommended by the Supreme Court, does not need much
explanation. Two centuries ago, the Andamans supported at most ten
thousand aboriginals. Today it is home to five lakhs, some say six lakhs,
of settlers who are maintained by enormous subsidies paid by mainland
India. Local resources such as water are already failing, and unless
further immigration is stopped now, people might have to be forcibly
repatriated to the mainland within the decade. The Andaman administration
has tacitly acknowledged that the population is excessive by offering
vacation to government personnel during times of water shortage. Yet the
authorities have been dragging their feet in this matter… do they
expect
Indian taxpayers to pay for ships to ferry water to the Andamans?
The Supreme Court also ordered that sections of the Andaman Trunk Road
through the Jarawa forest be closed. Experts agree that this measure is
essential to stopping harmful, even deadly, contact between the Jarawa and
outsiders. Political opposition has made closure difficult, but I trust
that Andaman residents will get to see that it would do little actual
damage to their interests. For instance, closing this road could give
Mayabunder and Diglipur a chance to develop infrastructure such as better
port facilities and hospitals. I hope too that the administration will
follow through on its promise to restore to the Jarawa Reserve those
forests on the eastern side of the ATR that were denotified in 1979. That
will increase the chances that the forest will indeed recover, so that it
can better recharge the ground water table.
It is also imperative, now that the Jarawa have laid down their arms, for
the administration to sincerely assume the task of protecting the Jarawa
forest by vigorous policing and prosecution. This 25-million-year-old rain
forest is not only a uniquely beautiful and rich ecosystem—guarded
until
recently by the Jarawa, with their very lives—but its survival is
essential to the viability of the Andaman Islands themselves. Forest
health is key to maintaining water resources and also to preserving
adjoining coral reefs, which are smothered by clay when trees are cut
down. The reefs in the Jarawa reserve are among the healthiest on the
islands, and have so far defied the worldwide death of corals from global
warming. (Note that coral reefs and sea grasses are nurseries for oceanic
species and benefit fishery operations, even those at a great distance.)
In order to survive even a decade or two longer, the reefs and grasses
will need to be treated like the fragile treasures that they are, and
protected from additional stresses. Poaching in Jarawa and Onge forests,
beaches and waters must come to an immediate halt. The various agencies
currently involved in policing the borders of the tribal reserves should
ideally be brought under a single integrated body charged with stopping
all intrusions, by land or water, into the Jarawa, Onge and other
reserves. Such a body will need to be empowered, not only with jeeps,
boats and other facilities, but also with the ability to root out
corruption and incompetence within its ranks. It will need to be run by
persons who bring inspiration and dedication toward accomplishing the task
at hand.
Of great importance is another job: creating a vigorous and inspired
organization to replace the Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti. The AAJVS
has failed to provide quality service to the aboriginal groups. Personnel
who are untrained and uninspired have been dispatched to what they
consider punishment postings, with no supervision. It is hardly surprising
that abuses result, and “welfare” personnel can be found pushing
alcohol
and molesting minors, not to mention lining their pockets, with impunity.
Note that different departments are currently responsible for deputing
personnel to tribal areas: the teacher, the compounder, the welfare worker
all answer to different supervisors. (In addition, deputees from a number
of other departments such as Fisheries, Agriculture or Public Works are
invariably to be found in tribal reserves, as also are relatives and
friends of authorized personnel.) If someone’s performance is
seriously
flawed, he or she is at most transferred and another person deputed almost
at random. This system offers no accountability. To make matters worse,
there is no supervision, with senior personnel of the AAJVS as well as the
Department of Tribal Welfare all being deskbound in Port Bair. If someone
in authority does visit, it is with a lot of advance warning, so that
problems—such as light-skinned children on Strait Island—are
hidden away
during the trip.
For instance, take a situation that developed in 1998. A social worker on
Strait Island was accused, by all the Great Andamanese adults, of
fathering the baby of a thirteen-year-old. Note that this is a criminal
offence, technically rape; it is even creepier when the offender is a
welfare worker and the victim is a child entrusted to his care. The case
was ultimately dropped because the girl, presumably under pressure, named
other men as possible fathers. The accused social worker was dispatched to
a distant settlement, where the harm he did would truly be out of sight.
A dynamic, concerned welfare system would match the DNA of the child with
that of the accused, establishing the matter of paternity. This test can
easily be done by Dr. Biswanath Sarkar of the Anthropological Survey of
India in Kolkata. And here is a more radical suggestion: take DNA samples
of all the Great Andamanese children ten years old or less, and compare
these with the DNA of social workers, plantation workers, compounders and
other personnel who have spent long stretches on the settlements. That
would immediately unearth some of the worst offenders in the system. The
names of the children should be kept secret, but the fathers should, at
the very least, be fired.
Like other government departments, the AAJVS is expected to generate
employment. But that violates one of the basic principles of our proposal,
minimality. More outsiders interacting with aboriginals invariably means
more abuse; therefore, the number of personnel at any settlement should be
kept to an absolute minimum. Another principle that the AAJVS ignores is
sensitivity. Personnel are dispatched to tribal settlements with no
training whatsoever, and no appreciation of tribal customs. In 1998, I
found the compounder at Dugong Creek, a pleasant young man who would, with
proper training, be very useful in his post, instead telling the Onge not
to use their traditional clay paint on their bodies. These clay
decorations have ritual and medicinal significance to the Onge, apart from
being far more beautiful than the rags they are generally to be found in.
It should be compulsory for all personnel dispatched to tribal settlements
to first take courses from anthropologists on the history and customs of
the people they are paid to serve.
Finally, to ensure accountability, all personnel serving the Onge, Jarawa,
Great Andamanese and Shompen must answer to the same person, who will be
empowered to hire, train, supervise and fire them. This senior individual
will have to be dynamic, for the job will involve travel within the
islands, and committed to doing his or her task superbly. He or she should
be answerable to a concerned executive council, whose members are
themselves required to make unannounced site visits to assess the
performance of the system and to make necessary corrections. The current
governing board, at 16 members, is too large to be effective, and adding
or subtracting a few members will scarcely make a difference. The
executive council should contain five members, a number large enough to
contain adequate expertise but not so large that it is unwieldy. Moreover,
the executive council should be guided in its decisions by an advisory
body made of independent experts, which will formulate a long-term vision
for the Jarawa and other aboriginal groups.
Other, and deeper, structural changes will be necessary to making the
AAJVS effective. For instance, the executive council should ideally be
headed by an advocate for the Andamanese. Let me explain why, by referring
to the period that India spent under colonial rule. When the British came
to India, it was a rich country, and by the time they left, it was a poor
country. This was partly because the rulers demanded enormous taxes from
poor farmers, so that they had no savings and in times of drought died in
the millions of starvation. Yet, India had several Viceroys who were
decent men, concerned about the suffering of Indians. Almost invariably,
their efforts to reform the system were axed in London, by the Secretary
of State for India. The Secretary of State was, in turn, simply doing his
job, which was to look after British interests; indeed, he could scarcely
have kept his position if he did otherwise.
I bring this up because our relationship with the Andamanese is similar,
in many respects, to the relationship the British had with us: we are
outsiders with enormous power over them and their fate. To make sure that
we do not do them great harm, or at least more harm than they have already
suffered, we need to think about how we can use this power.
The AAJVS, for instance, is currently run by a governing body headed by
the Lieutenant Governor. It goes without saying that the LG is supposed to
serve the interests of Indians. His position, with regard to the Andamans,
is like that of the British Secretary of State for India—in every
decision, he must respect the interests of the politically powerful
community. And traditionally, the LG, whoever he might be, has done very
little to protect aboriginal interests. He has looked the other way as
poachers depleted Onge and Jarawa resources, and tolerated the many abuses
perpetrated on tribals by employees of the AAJVS. Indeed, one can expect
little else, given that the LG’s primary allegiance is not to the
tribals.
Yet, surely an agency such as the AAJVS, which exists with the avowed
intent of serving aboriginals, should be putting their welfare first. How
can we ensure that this happens? Ideally, the answer would be to put
someone in charge of the AAJVS who does not answer to political masters,
and so can truly serve as an advocate for the Andamanese. It is hard to
see the Andaman administration accepting a secondary role, however,
especially when it is paying the bills. So the solution we propose is that
the executive council overseeing the AAJVS should include the LG, but not
as a chairman—simply as convener who will call meetings. And the
executive
council should have a majority of non-official members, say three out of
five, to ensure that at least in this very small, limited realm, tribal
interests have a chance of winning out.
Else, will there ever even be an Andamanese historian to scrutinize these
decades and judge our policies?
Last but not least, the administration, with the active help of the
Anthropological Survey of India, needs to undertake a sensitization
program among communities living on the edges of the Jarawa, Onge and
possibly also the Shompen reserves, so that the more powerful community
becomes reluctant to appropriate tribal resources. Social censure, backed
up by effective policing, can go a long way toward stopping poaching and
other activities that harm tribal interests. Such an education program may
be as simple as inviting anthropologists and other knowledgeable persons
to speak at Kadamtala, Tirur, Hut Bay and other locations, while giving
locals a chance to express their own grievances as well. Needless to say,
other government personnel, especially those in departments (such as
Forest) that have traditionally exploited Jarawa resources, can also
benefit from such an education program.
Some people may complain that we are spending too much effort trying to
save fewer than five hundred aboriginals. I believe, though, that the fate
of the archipelago is tied to the fate of the aboriginals—in their
hearts
resides the soul of the Andamans. If they wither, so will the islands.
Just think of what will happen if the Jarawa die off, or become physically
and morally enfeebled: their forests and beaches will be trucked away and
the Andamans will become unliveable, for lack of water if nothing else.
Another piece of this beautiful world will turn to dust. It is to the
interest of everyone living on the Andaman Islands to rally to the cause
of defending its original guardians. And we, as a people who have
experienced the worst of colonizations, need, for the peace of our own
minds, not to be brutal colonizers ourselves.
Madhusree is a freelance journalist and is also the author of the now
famous book “The land of naked people”.
C/o Kalpavriksh
Apt. 5, Sri Dutta Krupa
908 Deccan Gymkhana,
Pune 411004
Tel: 020 - 25654239 / 25675450
Fax: 25654239
Dear Friends,
The Andaman Express has reported on August 27, 2004, that the A&N
Administration incurred an expense of Rs. 15 lakhs for the four page Tourism
supplement that appeared along with The Hindu on August 15, 2004.
pankaj
C/o Kalpavriksh
Apt. 5, Sri Dutta Krupa
908 Deccan Gymkhana,
Pune 411004
Tel: 020 - 25654239 / 25675450
Fax: 25654239
You are welcome to use any part of the analysis that Rick Anex and I
wrote regarding tourism in the Andamans. I believe it is now posted
on-line.
Best,
Stephanie
-----Original Message-----
From: Roy Laifungbam [mailto:laifungbam@...]
Sent: Saturday, August 28, 2004 8:47 AM
To: andamanicobar@...
Subject: Re: [andamanicobar] Where to from here?
Agreed, and needs to be widely shared. Let's go...riverlinks does this
and it has been a very useful tool!
Roy
----- Original Message -----
From: wilnet
To: andamanicobar@...
Sent: Friday, August 27, 2004 4:50 PM
Subject: RE: [andamanicobar] Where to from here?
Dear Pankaj,
Hope you have seen the special supplement brought out by Hindu on A&N.
It
seems that tourism is going to catch up with our islands very soon,
may be
or may not be the way we would like it to happen. But of course we,
all the
concerned people are in the right track. I join neema pathak to
strongly
suggest a compilation of the e-discussion, with editing and
re-orientation.
madhu
-----Original Message-----
From: neema pathak [mailto:natrails@...]
Sent: Wednesday, August 18, 2004 10:41 AM
To: andamanicobar@...
Subject: Re: [andamanicobar] Where to from here?
Hi Pankaj,
The idea about some focused discussions and compiling some of the very
useful discussions that have happened on this e-group is very good.
Few days
ago there was this exhibition in Pune to encourage tourism in the
islands.
Last Sundays Hindu carried a whole supplement on promoting tourism in
the
islands. When I was reading it, all the discussion that has happened
on this
list about tourism in the islands came alive to me. I very strongly
felt
that it would be very useful to consolidate that discussion and
publish/distribute using the same forums that are being used to
promote
tourism in the islands.
These promotions do talk about "eco-tourism" but the issues of waste
management, resource use, in these small islands need to reach a much
wider
public.
Neema
----- Original Message -----
From: Pankaj <pankaj@...>
To: <andamanicobar@...>
Sent: Tuesday, August 17, 2004 3:29 PM
Subject: Re: [andamanicobar] Where to from here?
> Dear Friends,
> There have been some interesting mails in the last couple of weeks
that
are
> actually about this andamanicobar egroup itself. There was one by
Bijoy
> asking for a more focussed discussion on certain topics, a list of
which
he
> has indicated for all of us to use. I do think that it is a damn
good idea
> and needed as well.
> The other mail was from Col Cherian asking how many people on this
group
are
> from the islands. This too is a very interesting and important
question,
and
> may I dare say that this number would indeed be small. What might be
useful
> is if members here who are from the islands, did send in a mail
> acknowledging this and also giving a couple of lines about
themselves.
> Reaching out to the people in the islands in indeed very important
and the
> greater the participation we get from there, the better it is. I
have
tried
> to get in touch with a number of individuals and institutions in the
islands
> who do have access to emails and have send all of them invitations
to
join.
> The response has not been very encouraging. There is also the
possibility
> that a lot of people who might be interested and have access to
email
> (that's important) may not know about this group either. Help,
therefore
is
> welcome from all the present members on this group.
>
> Let me here also go back to the suggestions made my Bijoy.
> When the idea of creating this egroup first came up, our main aim
was to
> create a forum of interested people who would remain informed and
regularly
> updated on issues in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. It was also
hoped that
> this general body of information and opinion could then lead to spin
offs
> with different people,with more specific interests getting into some
greater
> detail within a specific context. The group has indeed been a very
> stimulating and informative forum, with the membership now crossing
400
> individuals. So in a sense the initial objective of setting up the
group
is
> on the way of being achieved. here is where Bijoy's suggestion also
becomes
> very relevant, but it would depend on interest and initiative of the
400
> members of even a certain part of it.
>
> It might now be the right time where some sub discussion groups
might need
> to be created where certain specific issues alone are dealt with.
What we
> would need are a few individuals to take the initiative on this,
based on
> their interests and let the discussion spin off on those lines. I
can
offer
> to help and coordinate a few of these, but taking on everything will
make
> things rather difficult for me.
>
> What might also help is if there is some effort to look at all the
emails
> that have been floated on this group and club them broadly according
to
the
> topic they deal with. A synthesis for particular topics could then
be
tried,
> which could become the basis for further and more specific
discussion. I
> have been trying to catalouge all the mails in these categories and
could
> help out with those who might be interested in taking this up.
>
> Lets see how we can take this forward.
> pankaj
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: C.R Bijoy <rights@...>
> To: <andamanicobar@...>
> Sent: Saturday, August 07, 2004 2:45 PM
> Subject: [andamanicobar] Where to from here?
>
>
> >
> > This group consists of honourable people who are "enlightened",
> > "concerned" but "privileged", searching to comprehend the issue of
saving
> > both the "pristine" forests and peoples in A&N. However, most of
the
> > debates have NOT been based on an arrived at minimum framework
with
which
> > one can sufficiently
> > understand the A&N situation with specific reference to these
people and
> > the territories to which they BELONG to in a (read 'their')
"particular"
> > way that most others in A&N and outside including all of US cannot
claim
> > to be due to historical reasons.
> >
> > Most often members of this group have been concerned about their
own
> > personal interests, concerns, opinions, passions etc rather than
the
> > concrete situation of the object/s which/who are under scrutiny.
The
> > postings are nevertheless been highly valuable and informative,
> > insightful, fascinating and often deeply passionate. Perhaps the
time
has
> > come to consolidate. ........
> >
> > Sumant's observations/proposition is therefore timely...contains a
> > comprehensive framework, given the basis for a direction...CAN WE
STICK
TO
> > THIS AND THINK AHEAD..CONSOLIDATE IDEAS THUS FAR
> >
> > Keeping this perspective/framework,
> > * what laws and components of the laws (as well as rules &
regulations
> > pertaining to them) that are directly applicable and operational
in A&N
as
> > a whole are inconsistent;
> >
> > * what programmes/activities in A&N are inconsistent;
> >
> > * What are the changes in policies, programmes, laws, rules etc
that are
> > to be changed?
> >
> > * what strategy/strategies are required to push forward these
changes?
> >
> > * By whom, where and when are these to be operationalised?
> >
> > These are the challenges before the members of this group.
> >
> > - bijoy
> >
>
>
------------------------------------------------------------------------
--
> ------
> > > Dear Mr Raj,
> > >
> > > The point I want to make is that some people seem to think
tourism is
> > > the solution for such places as the andamans. People come, see
nature
> > > and go. simple isn't it? I mean, clean and eco friendly and all
that.
> > > But then you have to provide infrastructure. People have to stay
> > > somewhere and well, defecate and throw beer bottles around etc.
etc.
> > > Then this pristine place which is not so pristine anymore, gets
> > > garbage, plastic bottles (jarawas have started using them too).
As
> > > far as the Jarawas and "community tourism" are concerned it
boggles
> > > my mind to even think about it. Obviously we are not considering
the
> > > the Jarawas' frame of reference. I mean why should the jarawa do
it?
> > > Someone who has everything he needs right around him. If he
wants one
> > > fish he doesn't kill ten. I guess we have to educate him about
how to
> > > be greedy. And after all what is this tourism being promoted
for?
> > > Obviously some one wants to make money. Agreed, the local
economy
> > > needs money to run. If there are people who are responsible and
can
> > > ensure "safe tourism" (I don't know what that means), maybe it
can be
> > > done. But we are so notorious at breaking rules that the whole
thing
> > > seems dicidedly disastrous. In this regard, please refer to
article
> > > no 124. Someone wanted the jarawas to be part of "pristine
nature"
> > > etc etc. This is the kind of ignorant thinking which has killed
the
> > > aboriginals. For gods sake, these are people, not monkeys and
the
> > > Andamans are not a Zoo. The lesson we haven't learnt is that
these
> > > people are dying out due to dieases introduced by us. At least
let
> > > them make an informed choice. The sentinalese have done so. They
see
> > > airplanes and ships but have no intention of "joining the
> > > mainstream". They probably consider their stream as THE
mainstream.
> > > Would you like to join? The inevitable integration will follow,
by
> > > which time hopefully, they have developed sufficient resistance.
You
> > > say "it takes generations to create a responsible tourist" that
is
> > > all the more reason to stay away. Please read Madhusree
Mukherjee's
> > > book on the subject. Please try to understand that the Tribals
of the
> > > Andamans are not your tribals on main land. No doubt the tribals
on
> > > main land are facing the same problems viz. loss of identity,
culture
> > > etc etc. No doubt NGOs here are doing excellent work. But why
has it
> > > become necessary for the NGOs to help them in the first place,
it is
> > > because the "dominant cultures" have stolen their land and means
of
> > > livelyhood. Spare the Jarawas that. They are not malnourished,
in
> > > fact lots of outsiders look malnourished in comparison. The
Ongies
> > > are well on their way to extinction, so now one more island will
be
> > > open for exploitaion and destruction. It is just a matter of
time.
> > >
> > > Look at the American Indians and see what "community tourism"
has
> > > done to them.
> > >
> > > So what we should do is shut down the ATR, fence off the Jarawa
> > > areas. Stop all contacts unless they want it. Keep "doing"
tourism in
> > > other selected Islands. But LEAVE THE TRIBALS ALONE. The Jarawa
does
> > > not need any NGO to come and help. If they want it let them ask.
In
> > > the meanwhile we should ask them for some help, in understanding
> > > nature, medicines, birth control and some lessons on
civilisation
> > > would do us good for a start.
> > >
> > > I think all this talk of "community tourism" is nothing but a
way of
> > > making money. Imagine a Jarawa guide. What would he show you?
His
> > > hut? woman, child? Then what happens? You pay him, with what?
Money?
> > > To him a 500 rupee note is as good as kitchen midden trash.
> > >
> > > Please do not promote "community tourism" in any way.
> > >
> > > What more can I say
> > >
> > >
> > > Regards,
> > >
> > > Sumant
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
Yahoo! Groups Links
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Yahoo! Groups Links
a.. To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/andamanicobar/
b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
andamanicobar-unsubscribe@...
c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
Service.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Yahoo! Groups Links
Hi Neema,
I presented the Andamans to the Marathi public at Bhonsala Military
school at Nasik during May this year. It was a multimedia
presentation with video clips which I had myself shot. The response
was not too good since I think I pitched it a little too seriously
and the topic was the tribals of the islands. I dont know about
tourism in the islands because I am not too enthu about it,
considering the dismal record of implimentation of laws. But I guess
it is better to have informed tourists than otherwise.
Sumant
Dear Friends,
The Hindu on August 15, 2004, had carried a 4 page supplement on tourism
promotion in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Given below is the weblink of the same, for those who did not see the printed
version.
It was sent in by Sudarshan and thanks to him for that.
Pankaj Sekhsaria
Subject: Explore the Emerald islands : Andaman & Nicobar, The Hindu
,Sunday,August 15, 2004
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/features/andaman/index.htm
Sudarshan Rodriguez
Flat 2B, Adithya Apartments
38 Balakrishna Road,
Valmiki Nagar,Thiruvanmiyur ,
Chennai-600 041
Tamilnadu, India.
Phone:+91 44 5201 9470
You are not what you do , you do what you are
One should not have a job, career or profession- only a hobby, passion and a
cause.
..........No more turning away
From the coldness inside
Just a world that we all must share
It's not enough just to stand and stare"
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Agreed, and needs to be widely shared. Let's go...riverlinks does this and it
has been a very useful tool!
Roy
----- Original Message -----
From: wilnet
To: andamanicobar@...
Sent: Friday, August 27, 2004 4:50 PM
Subject: RE: [andamanicobar] Where to from here?
Dear Pankaj,
Hope you have seen the special supplement brought out by Hindu on A&N. It
seems that tourism is going to catch up with our islands very soon, may be
or may not be the way we would like it to happen. But of course we, all the
concerned people are in the right track. I join neema pathak to strongly
suggest a compilation of the e-discussion, with editing and re-orientation.
madhu
-----Original Message-----
From: neema pathak [mailto:natrails@...]
Sent: Wednesday, August 18, 2004 10:41 AM
To: andamanicobar@...
Subject: Re: [andamanicobar] Where to from here?
Hi Pankaj,
The idea about some focused discussions and compiling some of the very
useful discussions that have happened on this e-group is very good. Few days
ago there was this exhibition in Pune to encourage tourism in the islands.
Last Sundays Hindu carried a whole supplement on promoting tourism in the
islands. When I was reading it, all the discussion that has happened on this
list about tourism in the islands came alive to me. I very strongly felt
that it would be very useful to consolidate that discussion and
publish/distribute using the same forums that are being used to promote
tourism in the islands.
These promotions do talk about "eco-tourism" but the issues of waste
management, resource use, in these small islands need to reach a much wider
public.
Neema
----- Original Message -----
From: Pankaj <pankaj@...>
To: <andamanicobar@...>
Sent: Tuesday, August 17, 2004 3:29 PM
Subject: Re: [andamanicobar] Where to from here?
> Dear Friends,
> There have been some interesting mails in the last couple of weeks that
are
> actually about this andamanicobar egroup itself. There was one by Bijoy
> asking for a more focussed discussion on certain topics, a list of which
he
> has indicated for all of us to use. I do think that it is a damn good idea
> and needed as well.
> The other mail was from Col Cherian asking how many people on this group
are
> from the islands. This too is a very interesting and important question,
and
> may I dare say that this number would indeed be small. What might be
useful
> is if members here who are from the islands, did send in a mail
> acknowledging this and also giving a couple of lines about themselves.
> Reaching out to the people in the islands in indeed very important and the
> greater the participation we get from there, the better it is. I have
tried
> to get in touch with a number of individuals and institutions in the
islands
> who do have access to emails and have send all of them invitations to
join.
> The response has not been very encouraging. There is also the possibility
> that a lot of people who might be interested and have access to email
> (that's important) may not know about this group either. Help, therefore
is
> welcome from all the present members on this group.
>
> Let me here also go back to the suggestions made my Bijoy.
> When the idea of creating this egroup first came up, our main aim was to
> create a forum of interested people who would remain informed and
regularly
> updated on issues in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. It was also hoped that
> this general body of information and opinion could then lead to spin offs
> with different people,with more specific interests getting into some
greater
> detail within a specific context. The group has indeed been a very
> stimulating and informative forum, with the membership now crossing 400
> individuals. So in a sense the initial objective of setting up the group
is
> on the way of being achieved. here is where Bijoy's suggestion also
becomes
> very relevant, but it would depend on interest and initiative of the 400
> members of even a certain part of it.
>
> It might now be the right time where some sub discussion groups might need
> to be created where certain specific issues alone are dealt with. What we
> would need are a few individuals to take the initiative on this, based on
> their interests and let the discussion spin off on those lines. I can
offer
> to help and coordinate a few of these, but taking on everything will make
> things rather difficult for me.
>
> What might also help is if there is some effort to look at all the emails
> that have been floated on this group and club them broadly according to
the
> topic they deal with. A synthesis for particular topics could then be
tried,
> which could become the basis for further and more specific discussion. I
> have been trying to catalouge all the mails in these categories and could
> help out with those who might be interested in taking this up.
>
> Lets see how we can take this forward.
> pankaj
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: C.R Bijoy <rights@...>
> To: <andamanicobar@...>
> Sent: Saturday, August 07, 2004 2:45 PM
> Subject: [andamanicobar] Where to from here?
>
>
> >
> > This group consists of honourable people who are "enlightened",
> > "concerned" but "privileged", searching to comprehend the issue of
saving
> > both the "pristine" forests and peoples in A&N. However, most of the
> > debates have NOT been based on an arrived at minimum framework with
which
> > one can sufficiently
> > understand the A&N situation with specific reference to these people and
> > the territories to which they BELONG to in a (read 'their') "particular"
> > way that most others in A&N and outside including all of US cannot claim
> > to be due to historical reasons.
> >
> > Most often members of this group have been concerned about their own
> > personal interests, concerns, opinions, passions etc rather than the
> > concrete situation of the object/s which/who are under scrutiny. The
> > postings are nevertheless been highly valuable and informative,
> > insightful, fascinating and often deeply passionate. Perhaps the time
has
> > come to consolidate. ........
> >
> > Sumant's observations/proposition is therefore timely...contains a
> > comprehensive framework, given the basis for a direction...CAN WE STICK
TO
> > THIS AND THINK AHEAD..CONSOLIDATE IDEAS THUS FAR
> >
> > Keeping this perspective/framework,
> > * what laws and components of the laws (as well as rules & regulations
> > pertaining to them) that are directly applicable and operational in A&N
as
> > a whole are inconsistent;
> >
> > * what programmes/activities in A&N are inconsistent;
> >
> > * What are the changes in policies, programmes, laws, rules etc that are
> > to be changed?
> >
> > * what strategy/strategies are required to push forward these changes?
> >
> > * By whom, where and when are these to be operationalised?
> >
> > These are the challenges before the members of this group.
> >
> > - bijoy
> >
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
> ------
> > > Dear Mr Raj,
> > >
> > > The point I want to make is that some people seem to think tourism is
> > > the solution for such places as the andamans. People come, see nature
> > > and go. simple isn't it? I mean, clean and eco friendly and all that.
> > > But then you have to provide infrastructure. People have to stay
> > > somewhere and well, defecate and throw beer bottles around etc. etc.
> > > Then this pristine place which is not so pristine anymore, gets
> > > garbage, plastic bottles (jarawas have started using them too). As
> > > far as the Jarawas and "community tourism" are concerned it boggles
> > > my mind to even think about it. Obviously we are not considering the
> > > the Jarawas' frame of reference. I mean why should the jarawa do it?
> > > Someone who has everything he needs right around him. If he wants one
> > > fish he doesn't kill ten. I guess we have to educate him about how to
> > > be greedy. And after all what is this tourism being promoted for?
> > > Obviously some one wants to make money. Agreed, the local economy
> > > needs money to run. If there are people who are responsible and can
> > > ensure "safe tourism" (I don't know what that means), maybe it can be
> > > done. But we are so notorious at breaking rules that the whole thing
> > > seems dicidedly disastrous. In this regard, please refer to article
> > > no 124. Someone wanted the jarawas to be part of "pristine nature"
> > > etc etc. This is the kind of ignorant thinking which has killed the
> > > aboriginals. For gods sake, these are people, not monkeys and the
> > > Andamans are not a Zoo. The lesson we haven't learnt is that these
> > > people are dying out due to dieases introduced by us. At least let
> > > them make an informed choice. The sentinalese have done so. They see
> > > airplanes and ships but have no intention of "joining the
> > > mainstream". They probably consider their stream as THE mainstream.
> > > Would you like to join? The inevitable integration will follow, by
> > > which time hopefully, they have developed sufficient resistance. You
> > > say "it takes generations to create a responsible tourist" that is
> > > all the more reason to stay away. Please read Madhusree Mukherjee's
> > > book on the subject. Please try to understand that the Tribals of the
> > > Andamans are not your tribals on main land. No doubt the tribals on
> > > main land are facing the same problems viz. loss of identity, culture
> > > etc etc. No doubt NGOs here are doing excellent work. But why has it
> > > become necessary for the NGOs to help them in the first place, it is
> > > because the "dominant cultures" have stolen their land and means of
> > > livelyhood. Spare the Jarawas that. They are not malnourished, in
> > > fact lots of outsiders look malnourished in comparison. The Ongies
> > > are well on their way to extinction, so now one more island will be
> > > open for exploitaion and destruction. It is just a matter of time.
> > >
> > > Look at the American Indians and see what "community tourism" has
> > > done to them.
> > >
> > > So what we should do is shut down the ATR, fence off the Jarawa
> > > areas. Stop all contacts unless they want it. Keep "doing" tourism in
> > > other selected Islands. But LEAVE THE TRIBALS ALONE. The Jarawa does
> > > not need any NGO to come and help. If they want it let them ask. In
> > > the meanwhile we should ask them for some help, in understanding
> > > nature, medicines, birth control and some lessons on civilisation
> > > would do us good for a start.
> > >
> > > I think all this talk of "community tourism" is nothing but a way of
> > > making money. Imagine a Jarawa guide. What would he show you? His
> > > hut? woman, child? Then what happens? You pay him, with what? Money?
> > > To him a 500 rupee note is as good as kitchen midden trash.
> > >
> > > Please do not promote "community tourism" in any way.
> > >
> > > What more can I say
> > >
> > >
> > > Regards,
> > >
> > > Sumant
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
Yahoo! Groups Links
---
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Yahoo! Groups Links
a.. To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/andamanicobar/
b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
andamanicobar-unsubscribe@...
c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Dear Pankaj,
Hope you have seen the special supplement brought out by Hindu on A&N. It
seems that tourism is going to catch up with our islands very soon, may be
or may not be the way we would like it to happen. But of course we, all the
concerned people are in the right track. I join neema pathak to strongly
suggest a compilation of the e-discussion, with editing and re-orientation.
madhu
-----Original Message-----
From: neema pathak [mailto:natrails@...]
Sent: Wednesday, August 18, 2004 10:41 AM
To: andamanicobar@...
Subject: Re: [andamanicobar] Where to from here?
Hi Pankaj,
The idea about some focused discussions and compiling some of the very
useful discussions that have happened on this e-group is very good. Few days
ago there was this exhibition in Pune to encourage tourism in the islands.
Last Sundays Hindu carried a whole supplement on promoting tourism in the
islands. When I was reading it, all the discussion that has happened on this
list about tourism in the islands came alive to me. I very strongly felt
that it would be very useful to consolidate that discussion and
publish/distribute using the same forums that are being used to promote
tourism in the islands.
These promotions do talk about "eco-tourism" but the issues of waste
management, resource use, in these small islands need to reach a much wider
public.
Neema
----- Original Message -----
From: Pankaj <pankaj@...>
To: <andamanicobar@...>
Sent: Tuesday, August 17, 2004 3:29 PM
Subject: Re: [andamanicobar] Where to from here?
> Dear Friends,
> There have been some interesting mails in the last couple of weeks that
are
> actually about this andamanicobar egroup itself. There was one by Bijoy
> asking for a more focussed discussion on certain topics, a list of which
he
> has indicated for all of us to use. I do think that it is a damn good idea
> and needed as well.
> The other mail was from Col Cherian asking how many people on this group
are
> from the islands. This too is a very interesting and important question,
and
> may I dare say that this number would indeed be small. What might be
useful
> is if members here who are from the islands, did send in a mail
> acknowledging this and also giving a couple of lines about themselves.
> Reaching out to the people in the islands in indeed very important and the
> greater the participation we get from there, the better it is. I have
tried
> to get in touch with a number of individuals and institutions in the
islands
> who do have access to emails and have send all of them invitations to
join.
> The response has not been very encouraging. There is also the possibility
> that a lot of people who might be interested and have access to email
> (that's important) may not know about this group either. Help, therefore
is
> welcome from all the present members on this group.
>
> Let me here also go back to the suggestions made my Bijoy.
> When the idea of creating this egroup first came up, our main aim was to
> create a forum of interested people who would remain informed and
regularly
> updated on issues in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. It was also hoped that
> this general body of information and opinion could then lead to spin offs
> with different people,with more specific interests getting into some
greater
> detail within a specific context. The group has indeed been a very
> stimulating and informative forum, with the membership now crossing 400
> individuals. So in a sense the initial objective of setting up the group
is
> on the way of being achieved. here is where Bijoy's suggestion also
becomes
> very relevant, but it would depend on interest and initiative of the 400
> members of even a certain part of it.
>
> It might now be the right time where some sub discussion groups might need
> to be created where certain specific issues alone are dealt with. What we
> would need are a few individuals to take the initiative on this, based on
> their interests and let the discussion spin off on those lines. I can
offer
> to help and coordinate a few of these, but taking on everything will make
> things rather difficult for me.
>
> What might also help is if there is some effort to look at all the emails
> that have been floated on this group and club them broadly according to
the
> topic they deal with. A synthesis for particular topics could then be
tried,
> which could become the basis for further and more specific discussion. I
> have been trying to catalouge all the mails in these categories and could
> help out with those who might be interested in taking this up.
>
> Lets see how we can take this forward.
> pankaj
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: C.R Bijoy <rights@...>
> To: <andamanicobar@...>
> Sent: Saturday, August 07, 2004 2:45 PM
> Subject: [andamanicobar] Where to from here?
>
>
> >
> > This group consists of honourable people who are "enlightened",
> > "concerned" but "privileged", searching to comprehend the issue of
saving
> > both the "pristine" forests and peoples in A&N. However, most of the
> > debates have NOT been based on an arrived at minimum framework with
which
> > one can sufficiently
> > understand the A&N situation with specific reference to these people and
> > the territories to which they BELONG to in a (read 'their') "particular"
> > way that most others in A&N and outside including all of US cannot claim
> > to be due to historical reasons.
> >
> > Most often members of this group have been concerned about their own
> > personal interests, concerns, opinions, passions etc rather than the
> > concrete situation of the object/s which/who are under scrutiny. The
> > postings are nevertheless been highly valuable and informative,
> > insightful, fascinating and often deeply passionate. Perhaps the time
has
> > come to consolidate. ........
> >
> > Sumant's observations/proposition is therefore timely...contains a
> > comprehensive framework, given the basis for a direction...CAN WE STICK
TO
> > THIS AND THINK AHEAD..CONSOLIDATE IDEAS THUS FAR
> >
> > Keeping this perspective/framework,
> > * what laws and components of the laws (as well as rules & regulations
> > pertaining to them) that are directly applicable and operational in A&N
as
> > a whole are inconsistent;
> >
> > * what programmes/activities in A&N are inconsistent;
> >
> > * What are the changes in policies, programmes, laws, rules etc that are
> > to be changed?
> >
> > * what strategy/strategies are required to push forward these changes?
> >
> > * By whom, where and when are these to be operationalised?
> >
> > These are the challenges before the members of this group.
> >
> > - bijoy
> >
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
> ------
> > > Dear Mr Raj,
> > >
> > > The point I want to make is that some people seem to think tourism is
> > > the solution for such places as the andamans. People come, see nature
> > > and go. simple isn't it? I mean, clean and eco friendly and all that.
> > > But then you have to provide infrastructure. People have to stay
> > > somewhere and well, defecate and throw beer bottles around etc. etc.
> > > Then this pristine place which is not so pristine anymore, gets
> > > garbage, plastic bottles (jarawas have started using them too). As
> > > far as the Jarawas and "community tourism" are concerned it boggles
> > > my mind to even think about it. Obviously we are not considering the
> > > the Jarawas' frame of reference. I mean why should the jarawa do it?
> > > Someone who has everything he needs right around him. If he wants one
> > > fish he doesn't kill ten. I guess we have to educate him about how to
> > > be greedy. And after all what is this tourism being promoted for?
> > > Obviously some one wants to make money. Agreed, the local economy
> > > needs money to run. If there are people who are responsible and can
> > > ensure "safe tourism" (I don't know what that means), maybe it can be
> > > done. But we are so notorious at breaking rules that the whole thing
> > > seems dicidedly disastrous. In this regard, please refer to article
> > > no 124. Someone wanted the jarawas to be part of "pristine nature"
> > > etc etc. This is the kind of ignorant thinking which has killed the
> > > aboriginals. For gods sake, these are people, not monkeys and the
> > > Andamans are not a Zoo. The lesson we haven't learnt is that these
> > > people are dying out due to dieases introduced by us. At least let
> > > them make an informed choice. The sentinalese have done so. They see
> > > airplanes and ships but have no intention of "joining the
> > > mainstream". They probably consider their stream as THE mainstream.
> > > Would you like to join? The inevitable integration will follow, by
> > > which time hopefully, they have developed sufficient resistance. You
> > > say "it takes generations to create a responsible tourist" that is
> > > all the more reason to stay away. Please read Madhusree Mukherjee's
> > > book on the subject. Please try to understand that the Tribals of the
> > > Andamans are not your tribals on main land. No doubt the tribals on
> > > main land are facing the same problems viz. loss of identity, culture
> > > etc etc. No doubt NGOs here are doing excellent work. But why has it
> > > become necessary for the NGOs to help them in the first place, it is
> > > because the "dominant cultures" have stolen their land and means of
> > > livelyhood. Spare the Jarawas that. They are not malnourished, in
> > > fact lots of outsiders look malnourished in comparison. The Ongies
> > > are well on their way to extinction, so now one more island will be
> > > open for exploitaion and destruction. It is just a matter of time.
> > >
> > > Look at the American Indians and see what "community tourism" has
> > > done to them.
> > >
> > > So what we should do is shut down the ATR, fence off the Jarawa
> > > areas. Stop all contacts unless they want it. Keep "doing" tourism in
> > > other selected Islands. But LEAVE THE TRIBALS ALONE. The Jarawa does
> > > not need any NGO to come and help. If they want it let them ask. In
> > > the meanwhile we should ask them for some help, in understanding
> > > nature, medicines, birth control and some lessons on civilisation
> > > would do us good for a start.
> > >
> > > I think all this talk of "community tourism" is nothing but a way of
> > > making money. Imagine a Jarawa guide. What would he show you? His
> > > hut? woman, child? Then what happens? You pay him, with what? Money?
> > > To him a 500 rupee note is as good as kitchen midden trash.
> > >
> > > Please do not promote "community tourism" in any way.
> > >
> > > What more can I say
> > >
> > >
> > > Regards,
> > >
> > > Sumant
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
Yahoo! Groups Links
---
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Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.715 / Virus Database: 471 - Release Date: 04/07/04
---
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Version: 6.0.715 / Virus Database: 471 - Release Date: 04/07/04
THE DAILY TELEGRAMS
August 19, 2004
Primitive tribes issues discussed
Port Blair, Aug. 18.
Various issues connected with the primitive tribes of A&N Islands were
discussed in detail during the meeting of the reconstituted Executive
Council and General Body of AAJVS which met under the Chairmanship of the
Lt. Governor, Prof. Ram Kapse last Monday.
The meeting was also attended by the Chief Secretary, Development
Commissioner, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Adhyaksh, Zilla
Parishad and experts in Anthropology among others. The annual report of the
AAJVS for the year 2003-2004 was placed before the General Body meeting
C/o Kalpavriksh
Apt. 5, Sri Dutta Krupa
908 Deccan Gymkhana,
Pune 411004
Tel: 020 - 25654239 / 25675450
Fax: 25654239
THE DAILY TELEGRAMS
August 24, 2004
Lt. Governor visits Andamanese Tribal Settlement at Strait Island
Port Blair, Aug. 23.
The Lt. Governor visited the Andamanese Tribal Settlement at Strait
Island yesterday.
The Lt. Governor met Great Andamanese tribals and their children in the
community hall followed by a small cultural programme by the school
children. Lt. Governor also presented gifts to the Andamanese during the
occasion.
The Lt. Governor was accompanied by Smt Smita Kapse, First Lady of A&N
Islands and the senior officers of the Administration including Chief
Secretary, PCCF, Development Commissioner, Commissioner (Public Works and
Shipping), Secretary (TW), Secretary (Edn), Superintendent of Police (Dist),
C.E (APWD), Director (IP&T), Superintendent Engineer (APWD), Director
(Shipping Services), Director (TW), Executive Secretary, AAJVS among others.
Lt. Governor along with officers inspected the Primary School, Medical
Sub-Centre, Houses of Andamanese, Power House etc. and listened to the
requirements of the tribals. The Lt. Governor also enquired from the Govt.
servants stationed at Strait Island about the various activities of their
respective Department/agencies. Lt. Governor returned to Port Blair in the
evening after the visit, an official release said here today.
C/o Kalpavriksh
Apt. 5, Sri Dutta Krupa
908 Deccan Gymkhana,
Pune 411004
Tel: 020 - 25654239 / 25675450
Fax: 25654239
THE DAILY TELEGRAMS
August 21, 2004
Island Development Trng. Institute established
Port Blair, Aug. 20.
The Andaman & Nicobar Administration has set up an Island Development
& Training Institute as recommended by Prof. Shekhar Singh Commission. The
major objectives and functions of the Institute are to conduct and promote
research in all sectors of management of Island and coastal eco- systems
especially applied research of direct relevance to planning and management.
The Institute shall assist, institute and carry out research projects
related to management of island and coastal eco-systems and also assist, in
formulation of policies, measures and legislations for conservation of
environment. It shall create a data, bank on island and coastal eco-systems
for sharing of information with other institutions, academia and scientific
community and will also provide facilities for higher studies besides
awarding research grants, fellowships, scholarships, etc. lt shall develop
and conduct courses in management of island and coastal eco-systems for the
in-service personnel of the Administration in specialized subjects.
The Institute has been registered as a Society under the Registration of
Societies Act, 1860 and it shall function for the time being from the
headquarters of the Department of Environment & Forests. Shri S.S.Choudhury,
Chief Conservator of Forests has been appointed as the Director ex-officio
and Shri A. Anbarasu, Secretary (Administrative Reforms & Training) has been
appointed as the Associate Director ex-officio, of the Institute, a DCF (HQ)
press release said here.
C/o Kalpavriksh
Apt. 5, Sri Dutta Krupa
908 Deccan Gymkhana,
Pune 411004
Tel: 020 - 25654239 / 25675450
Fax: 25654239
Hi Pankaj,
The idea about some focused discussions and compiling some of the very
useful discussions that have happened on this e-group is very good. Few days
ago there was this exhibition in Pune to encourage tourism in the islands.
Last Sundays Hindu carried a whole supplement on promoting tourism in the
islands. When I was reading it, all the discussion that has happened on this
list about tourism in the islands came alive to me. I very strongly felt
that it would be very useful to consolidate that discussion and
publish/distribute using the same forums that are being used to promote
tourism in the islands.
These promotions do talk about "eco-tourism" but the issues of waste
management, resource use, in these small islands need to reach a much wider
public.
Neema
----- Original Message -----
From: Pankaj <pankaj@...>
To: <andamanicobar@...>
Sent: Tuesday, August 17, 2004 3:29 PM
Subject: Re: [andamanicobar] Where to from here?
> Dear Friends,
> There have been some interesting mails in the last couple of weeks that
are
> actually about this andamanicobar egroup itself. There was one by Bijoy
> asking for a more focussed discussion on certain topics, a list of which
he
> has indicated for all of us to use. I do think that it is a damn good idea
> and needed as well.
> The other mail was from Col Cherian asking how many people on this group
are
> from the islands. This too is a very interesting and important question,
and
> may I dare say that this number would indeed be small. What might be
useful
> is if members here who are from the islands, did send in a mail
> acknowledging this and also giving a couple of lines about themselves.
> Reaching out to the people in the islands in indeed very important and the
> greater the participation we get from there, the better it is. I have
tried
> to get in touch with a number of individuals and institutions in the
islands
> who do have access to emails and have send all of them invitations to
join.
> The response has not been very encouraging. There is also the possibility
> that a lot of people who might be interested and have access to email
> (that's important) may not know about this group either. Help, therefore
is
> welcome from all the present members on this group.
>
> Let me here also go back to the suggestions made my Bijoy.
> When the idea of creating this egroup first came up, our main aim was to
> create a forum of interested people who would remain informed and
regularly
> updated on issues in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. It was also hoped that
> this general body of information and opinion could then lead to spin offs
> with different people,with more specific interests getting into some
greater
> detail within a specific context. The group has indeed been a very
> stimulating and informative forum, with the membership now crossing 400
> individuals. So in a sense the initial objective of setting up the group
is
> on the way of being achieved. here is where Bijoy's suggestion also
becomes
> very relevant, but it would depend on interest and initiative of the 400
> members of even a certain part of it.
>
> It might now be the right time where some sub discussion groups might need
> to be created where certain specific issues alone are dealt with. What we
> would need are a few individuals to take the initiative on this, based on
> their interests and let the discussion spin off on those lines. I can
offer
> to help and coordinate a few of these, but taking on everything will make
> things rather difficult for me.
>
> What might also help is if there is some effort to look at all the emails
> that have been floated on this group and club them broadly according to
the
> topic they deal with. A synthesis for particular topics could then be
tried,
> which could become the basis for further and more specific discussion. I
> have been trying to catalouge all the mails in these categories and could
> help out with those who might be interested in taking this up.
>
> Lets see how we can take this forward.
> pankaj
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: C.R Bijoy <rights@...>
> To: <andamanicobar@...>
> Sent: Saturday, August 07, 2004 2:45 PM
> Subject: [andamanicobar] Where to from here?
>
>
> >
> > This group consists of honourable people who are "enlightened",
> > "concerned" but "privileged", searching to comprehend the issue of
saving
> > both the "pristine" forests and peoples in A&N. However, most of the
> > debates have NOT been based on an arrived at minimum framework with
which
> > one can sufficiently
> > understand the A&N situation with specific reference to these people and
> > the territories to which they BELONG to in a (read 'their') "particular"
> > way that most others in A&N and outside including all of US cannot claim
> > to be due to historical reasons.
> >
> > Most often members of this group have been concerned about their own
> > personal interests, concerns, opinions, passions etc rather than the
> > concrete situation of the object/s which/who are under scrutiny. The
> > postings are nevertheless been highly valuable and informative,
> > insightful, fascinating and often deeply passionate. Perhaps the time
has
> > come to consolidate. ........
> >
> > Sumant's observations/proposition is therefore timely...contains a
> > comprehensive framework, given the basis for a direction...CAN WE STICK
TO
> > THIS AND THINK AHEAD..CONSOLIDATE IDEAS THUS FAR
> >
> > Keeping this perspective/framework,
> > * what laws and components of the laws (as well as rules & regulations
> > pertaining to them) that are directly applicable and operational in A&N
as
> > a whole are inconsistent;
> >
> > * what programmes/activities in A&N are inconsistent;
> >
> > * What are the changes in policies, programmes, laws, rules etc that are
> > to be changed?
> >
> > * what strategy/strategies are required to push forward these changes?
> >
> > * By whom, where and when are these to be operationalised?
> >
> > These are the challenges before the members of this group.
> >
> > - bijoy
> >
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
> ------
> > > Dear Mr Raj,
> > >
> > > The point I want to make is that some people seem to think tourism is
> > > the solution for such places as the andamans. People come, see nature
> > > and go. simple isn't it? I mean, clean and eco friendly and all that.
> > > But then you have to provide infrastructure. People have to stay
> > > somewhere and well, defecate and throw beer bottles around etc. etc.
> > > Then this pristine place which is not so pristine anymore, gets
> > > garbage, plastic bottles (jarawas have started using them too). As
> > > far as the Jarawas and "community tourism" are concerned it boggles
> > > my mind to even think about it. Obviously we are not considering the
> > > the Jarawas' frame of reference. I mean why should the jarawa do it?
> > > Someone who has everything he needs right around him. If he wants one
> > > fish he doesn't kill ten. I guess we have to educate him about how to
> > > be greedy. And after all what is this tourism being promoted for?
> > > Obviously some one wants to make money. Agreed, the local economy
> > > needs money to run. If there are people who are responsible and can
> > > ensure "safe tourism" (I don't know what that means), maybe it can be
> > > done. But we are so notorious at breaking rules that the whole thing
> > > seems dicidedly disastrous. In this regard, please refer to article
> > > no 124. Someone wanted the jarawas to be part of "pristine nature"
> > > etc etc. This is the kind of ignorant thinking which has killed the
> > > aboriginals. For gods sake, these are people, not monkeys and the
> > > Andamans are not a Zoo. The lesson we haven't learnt is that these
> > > people are dying out due to dieases introduced by us. At least let
> > > them make an informed choice. The sentinalese have done so. They see
> > > airplanes and ships but have no intention of "joining the
> > > mainstream". They probably consider their stream as THE mainstream.
> > > Would you like to join? The inevitable integration will follow, by
> > > which time hopefully, they have developed sufficient resistance. You
> > > say "it takes generations to create a responsible tourist" that is
> > > all the more reason to stay away. Please read Madhusree Mukherjee's
> > > book on the subject. Please try to understand that the Tribals of the
> > > Andamans are not your tribals on main land. No doubt the tribals on
> > > main land are facing the same problems viz. loss of identity, culture
> > > etc etc. No doubt NGOs here are doing excellent work. But why has it
> > > become necessary for the NGOs to help them in the first place, it is
> > > because the "dominant cultures" have stolen their land and means of
> > > livelyhood. Spare the Jarawas that. They are not malnourished, in
> > > fact lots of outsiders look malnourished in comparison. The Ongies
> > > are well on their way to extinction, so now one more island will be
> > > open for exploitaion and destruction. It is just a matter of time.
> > >
> > > Look at the American Indians and see what "community tourism" has
> > > done to them.
> > >
> > > So what we should do is shut down the ATR, fence off the Jarawa
> > > areas. Stop all contacts unless they want it. Keep "doing" tourism in
> > > other selected Islands. But LEAVE THE TRIBALS ALONE. The Jarawa does
> > > not need any NGO to come and help. If they want it let them ask. In
> > > the meanwhile we should ask them for some help, in understanding
> > > nature, medicines, birth control and some lessons on civilisation
> > > would do us good for a start.
> > >
> > > I think all this talk of "community tourism" is nothing but a way of
> > > making money. Imagine a Jarawa guide. What would he show you? His
> > > hut? woman, child? Then what happens? You pay him, with what? Money?
> > > To him a 500 rupee note is as good as kitchen midden trash.
> > >
> > > Please do not promote "community tourism" in any way.
> > >
> > > What more can I say
> > >
> > >
> > > Regards,
> > >
> > > Sumant
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
Dear All,
I agree with Sumant that not allowing only a certain class of people not
to avail of facilities to visit the islands is not a good idea. What we
need is to create awareness material that is easily available for the
tourists on what they can do and not do when on the island. As rightly
said it should not be expensive, easily available to all, developed in a
reader friendly way, and in as many languages as possible other than
English. An informed visitor is likely to ensure that the don'ts are not
done while on the island rather than some one who does not know. The
damage is done whether a person commits a mistake knowingly or
unknowingly and we must reduce the chances of this.
I do not know of the ground situation at A&N, this might be totally
irrelevant...could we think of rating the
agencies/organizations/operators that interact or bring tourists based
on their level of environment friendliness. This would encourage these
agencies to strive to work for environment friendly activities as a USP
for them being different. There is a growing group of people today keen
on doing their little bit for conservation and protection of the
environment, thought indirectly at times.
Regards,
Sunil
-----Original Message-----
From: sumant_jo@... [mailto:sumant_jo@...]
Sent: Wednesday, August 18, 2004 12:53 PM
To: andamanicobar@...
Subject: [andamanicobar] Re: Types of tourists
Dear all,
Firstly about this idea of LTC for government being stopped,
well "why only government servants? what about private sector LTC?"
will be the first question. I think the idea is completely
unworkable, given the nature of our Babus and their ways of breaking
rules. In any case it is besides the point. It won't stop people
visiting.
This booklet idea is more like it. Now we are talking action. Instead
of it being forced onto people, it is better if we made it available
free of cost for every tourist going to the Andamans. So it will be
expensive. So persuade the airline people to chip in. Let it be
issued with every airline and ship ticket. It need not be too large
or comprehensive. I suggest the the following format: -
(a) Basic data on the Andamans like number of islands, a little about
geography with a little map.
(b) A little about flora and fauna, number of species.
(c) Some history in terms of the islanders, the British and Japanese
period.
(d) Ecological problems faced.
(e) Dos and Donts.
I shall do this myself and also contact a lady (Mrs Aparna Singh, tel
no. 03192-233827)in Port Blair who is the education coordinator for
the ANET (andaman nicobar environmental team) and has probably
already got the material for the booklet.
Actually there are many little things which can be done from the eco
point of view. For eg. A little inexpensive raft can be devised for
tourists to use when going coral watching. it consists of a simple
wooden frame supported on four sides with old inflated tubes. Most
Indian tourists have no experience of snorkelling and are downright
scared of going into the water. I have seen 'guides' at Jolly Buoy
taking people with tubes around their chest for coral watching. These
chaps actually walk on the coral. The rafts can be made Compulsory.
Sumant
Yahoo! Groups Links
Dear all,
Firstly about this idea of LTC for government being stopped,
well "why only government servants? what about private sector LTC?"
will be the first question. I think the idea is completely
unworkable, given the nature of our Babus and their ways of breaking
rules. In any case it is besides the point. It won't stop people
visiting.
This booklet idea is more like it. Now we are talking action. Instead
of it being forced onto people, it is better if we made it available
free of cost for every tourist going to the Andamans. So it will be
expensive. So persuade the airline people to chip in. Let it be
issued with every airline and ship ticket. It need not be too large
or comprehensive. I suggest the the following format: -
(a) Basic data on the Andamans like number of islands, a little about
geography with a little map.
(b) A little about flora and fauna, number of species.
(c) Some history in terms of the islanders, the British and Japanese
period.
(d) Ecological problems faced.
(e) Dos and Donts.
I shall do this myself and also contact a lady (Mrs Aparna Singh, tel
no. 03192-233827)in Port Blair who is the education coordinator for
the ANET (andaman nicobar environmental team) and has probably
already got the material for the booklet.
Actually there are many little things which can be done from the eco
point of view. For eg. A little inexpensive raft can be devised for
tourists to use when going coral watching. it consists of a simple
wooden frame supported on four sides with old inflated tubes. Most
Indian tourists have no experience of snorkelling and are downright
scared of going into the water. I have seen 'guides' at Jolly Buoy
taking people with tubes around their chest for coral watching. These
chaps actually walk on the coral. The rafts can be made Compulsory.
Sumant
Dear Pankaj
In reply to your email below:
Been in the Andamans since January 2002. Spend more about 200 days a year there.
Interested in tourism and organic farming of high value agriculture in the
Andamans & the 'greening' of development efforts in these fields. Personally
involved in tourism ventures: resort and charter flight.
Would be especially keen to see a structure eveloving wherein:
1. There are clear guidelines for tourism
2. These guidelines are being strictly implemented. No point in me complying
with CRZ if my competitors build on the waterline. This, perhaps is where NGO's
have a big role to play. Similarly with issues relating to employment for
locals/not encouraging migration through outsourcing jobs etc: we are self
regulating at the moment because there is no competition. What happens if
tommorrow i have to compete with someone who staffs from the mainland or even
thailand? I may be forced to do the same to compete in order to match the
quality of staff. Beats the whole purpose of tourism in A&N as a less
environmentaly damaging vehicle to tackle unemployment. Self regulation is a
good start but not the whole solution. Need a legal framework - which is being
ENFORCED - that ensures environmental and social issues are adequately dealt
with.
This is possible if the administration, NGOs and private sector entrepreneurs
are willing to cooperate.
Samit
On Tue, 17 Aug 2004 Pankaj wrote :
>Dear Friends,
>There have been some interesting mails in the last couple of weeks that are
>actually about this andamanicobar egroup itself. There was one by Bijoy
>asking for a more focussed discussion on certain topics, a list of which he
>has indicated for all of us to use. I do think that it is a damn good idea
>and needed as well.
>The other mail was from Col Cherian asking how many people on this group are
> from the islands. This too is a very interesting and important question, and
>may I dare say that this number would indeed be small. What might be useful
>is if members here who are from the islands, did send in a mail
>acknowledging this and also giving a couple of lines about themselves.
>Reaching out to the people in the islands in indeed very important and the
>greater the participation we get from there, the better it is. I have tried
>to get in touch with a number of individuals and institutions in the islands
>who do have access to emails and have send all of them invitations to join.
>The response has not been very encouraging. There is also the possibility
>that a lot of people who might be interested and have access to email
>(that's important) may not know about this group either. Help, therefore is
>welcome from all the present members on this group.
>
>Let me here also go back to the suggestions made my Bijoy.
>When the idea of creating this egroup first came up, our main aim was to
>create a forum of interested people who would remain informed and regularly
>updated on issues in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. It was also hoped that
>this general body of information and opinion could then lead to spin offs
>with different people,with more specific interests getting into some greater
>detail within a specific context. The group has indeed been a very
>stimulating and informative forum, with the membership now crossing 400
>individuals. So in a sense the initial objective of setting up the group is
>on the way of being achieved. here is where Bijoy's suggestion also becomes
>very relevant, but it would depend on interest and initiative of the 400
>members of even a certain part of it.
>
>It might now be the right time where some sub discussion groups might need
>to be created where certain specific issues alone are dealt with. What we
>would need are a few individuals to take the initiative on this, based on
>their interests and let the discussion spin off on those lines. I can offer
>to help and coordinate a few of these, but taking on everything will make
>things rather difficult for me.
>
>What might also help is if there is some effort to look at all the emails
>that have been floated on this group and club them broadly according to the
>topic they deal with. A synthesis for particular topics could then be tried,
>which could become the basis for further and more specific discussion. I
>have been trying to catalouge all the mails in these categories and could
>help out with those who might be interested in taking this up.
>
>Lets see how we can take this forward.
>pankaj
>
>----- Original Message -----
> From: C.R Bijoy <rights@...>
>To: <andamanicobar@...>
>Sent: Saturday, August 07, 2004 2:45 PM
>Subject: [andamanicobar] Where to from here?
>
>
> >
> > This group consists of honourable people who are "enlightened",
> > "concerned" but "privileged", searching to comprehend the issue of saving
> > both the "pristine" forests and peoples in A&N. However, most of the
> > debates have NOT been based on an arrived at minimum framework with which
> > one can sufficiently
> > understand the A&N situation with specific reference to these people and
> > the territories to which they BELONG to in a (read 'their') "particular"
> > way that most others in A&N and outside including all of US cannot claim
> > to be due to historical reasons.
> >
> > Most often members of this group have been concerned about their own
> > personal interests, concerns, opinions, passions etc rather than the
> > concrete situation of the object/s which/who are under scrutiny. The
> > postings are nevertheless been highly valuable and informative,
> > insightful, fascinating and often deeply passionate. Perhaps the time has
> > come to consolidate. ........
> >
> > Sumant's observations/proposition is therefore timely...contains a
> > comprehensive framework, given the basis for a direction...CAN WE STICK TO
> > THIS AND THINK AHEAD..CONSOLIDATE IDEAS THUS FAR
> >
> > Keeping this perspective/framework,
> > * what laws and components of the laws (as well as rules & regulations
> > pertaining to them) that are directly applicable and operational in A&N as
> > a whole are inconsistent;
> >
> > * what programmes/activities in A&N are inconsistent;
> >
> > * What are the changes in policies, programmes, laws, rules etc that are
> > to be changed?
> >
> > * what strategy/strategies are required to push forward these changes?
> >
> > * By whom, where and when are these to be operationalised?
> >
> > These are the challenges before the members of this group.
> >
> > - bijoy
> >
> > --------------------------------------------------------------------------
>------
> > > Dear Mr Raj,
> > >
> > > The point I want to make is that some people seem to think tourism is
> > > the solution for such places as the andamans. People come, see nature
> > > and go. simple isn't it? I mean, clean and eco friendly and all that.
> > > But then you have to provide infrastructure. People have to stay
> > > somewhere and well, defecate and throw beer bottles around etc. etc.
> > > Then this pristine place which is not so pristine anymore, gets
> > > garbage, plastic bottles (jarawas have started using them too). As
> > > far as the Jarawas and "community tourism" are concerned it boggles
> > > my mind to even think about it. Obviously we are not considering the
> > > the Jarawas' frame of reference. I mean why should the jarawa do it?
> > > Someone who has everything he needs right around him. If he wants one
> > > fish he doesn't kill ten. I guess we have to educate him about how to
> > > be greedy. And after all what is this tourism being promoted for?
> > > Obviously some one wants to make money. Agreed, the local economy
> > > needs money to run. If there are people who are responsible and can
> > > ensure "safe tourism" (I don't know what that means), maybe it can be
> > > done. But we are so notorious at breaking rules that the whole thing
> > > seems dicidedly disastrous. In this regard, please refer to article
> > > no 124. Someone wanted the jarawas to be part of "pristine nature"
> > > etc etc. This is the kind of ignorant thinking which has killed the
> > > aboriginals. For gods sake, these are people, not monkeys and the
> > > Andamans are not a Zoo. The lesson we haven't learnt is that these
> > > people are dying out due to dieases introduced by us. At least let
> > > them make an informed choice. The sentinalese have done so. They see
> > > airplanes and ships but have no intention of "joining the
> > > mainstream". They probably consider their stream as THE mainstream.
> > > Would you like to join? The inevitable integration will follow, by
> > > which time hopefully, they have developed sufficient resistance. You
> > > say "it takes generations to create a responsible tourist" that is
> > > all the more reason to stay away. Please read Madhusree Mukherjee's
> > > book on the subject. Please try to understand that the Tribals of the
> > > Andamans are not your tribals on main land. No doubt the tribals on
> > > main land are facing the same problems viz. loss of identity, culture
> > > etc etc. No doubt NGOs here are doing excellent work. But why has it
> > > become necessary for the NGOs to help them in the first place, it is
> > > because the "dominant cultures" have stolen their land and means of
> > > livelyhood. Spare the Jarawas that. They are not malnourished, in
> > > fact lots of outsiders look malnourished in comparison. The Ongies
> > > are well on their way to extinction, so now one more island will be
> > > open for exploitaion and destruction. It is just a matter of time.
> > >
> > > Look at the American Indians and see what "community tourism" has
> > > done to them.
> > >
> > > So what we should do is shut down the ATR, fence off the Jarawa
> > > areas. Stop all contacts unless they want it. Keep "doing" tourism in
> > > other selected Islands. But LEAVE THE TRIBALS ALONE. The Jarawa does
> > > not need any NGO to come and help. If they want it let them ask. In
> > > the meanwhile we should ask them for some help, in understanding
> > > nature, medicines, birth control and some lessons on civilisation
> > > would do us good for a start.
> > >
> > > I think all this talk of "community tourism" is nothing but a way of
> > > making money. Imagine a Jarawa guide. What would he show you? His
> > > hut? woman, child? Then what happens? You pay him, with what? Money?
> > > To him a 500 rupee note is as good as kitchen midden trash.
> > >
> > > Please do not promote "community tourism" in any way.
> > >
> > > What more can I say
> > >
> > >
> > > Regards,
> > >
> > > Sumant
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Dear Pankaj,
I think clubbing members in a sub group for more specific discussion is a good
idea but I was wondering if it is possible for us to go beyond that. Cant we
get a gist of whar other groups are discussing delivered to our addresses
later? regards tapas
On Tue, 17 Aug 2004 Pankaj wrote :
>Dear Friends,
>There have been some interesting mails in the last couple of weeks that are
>actually about this andamanicobar egroup itself. There was one by Bijoy
>asking for a more focussed discussion on certain topics, a list of which he
>has indicated for all of us to use. I do think that it is a damn good idea
>and needed as well.
>The other mail was from Col Cherian asking how many people on this group are
> from the islands. This too is a very interesting and important question, and
>may I dare say that this number would indeed be small. What might be useful
>is if members here who are from the islands, did send in a mail
>acknowledging this and also giving a couple of lines about themselves.
>Reaching out to the people in the islands in indeed very important and the
>greater the participation we get from there, the better it is. I have tried
>to get in touch with a number of individuals and institutions in the islands
>who do have access to emails and have send all of them invitations to join.
>The response has not been very encouraging. There is also the possibility
>that a lot of people who might be interested and have access to email
>(that's important) may not know about this group either. Help, therefore is
>welcome from all the present members on this group.
>
>Let me here also go back to the suggestions made my Bijoy.
>When the idea of creating this egroup first came up, our main aim was to
>create a forum of interested people who would remain informed and regularly
>updated on issues in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. It was also hoped that
>this general body of information and opinion could then lead to spin offs
>with different people,with more specific interests getting into some greater
>detail within a specific context. The group has indeed been a very
>stimulating and informative forum, with the membership now crossing 400
>individuals. So in a sense the initial objective of setting up the group is
>on the way of being achieved. here is where Bijoy's suggestion also becomes
>very relevant, but it would depend on interest and initiative of the 400
>members of even a certain part of it.
>
>It might now be the right time where some sub discussion groups might need
>to be created where certain specific issues alone are dealt with. What we
>would need are a few individuals to take the initiative on this, based on
>their interests and let the discussion spin off on those lines. I can offer
>to help and coordinate a few of these, but taking on everything will make
>things rather difficult for me.
>
>What might also help is if there is some effort to look at all the emails
>that have been floated on this group and club them broadly according to the
>topic they deal with. A synthesis for particular topics could then be tried,
>which could become the basis for further and more specific discussion. I
>have been trying to catalouge all the mails in these categories and could
>help out with those who might be interested in taking this up.
>
>Lets see how we can take this forward.
>pankaj
>
>----- Original Message -----
> From: C.R Bijoy <rights@...>
>To: <andamanicobar@...>
>Sent: Saturday, August 07, 2004 2:45 PM
>Subject: [andamanicobar] Where to from here?
>
>
> >
> > This group consists of honourable people who are "enlightened",
> > "concerned" but "privileged", searching to comprehend the issue of saving
> > both the "pristine" forests and peoples in A&N. However, most of the
> > debates have NOT been based on an arrived at minimum framework with which
> > one can sufficiently
> > understand the A&N situation with specific reference to these people and
> > the territories to which they BELONG to in a (read 'their') "particular"
> > way that most others in A&N and outside including all of US cannot claim
> > to be due to historical reasons.
> >
> > Most often members of this group have been concerned about their own
> > personal interests, concerns, opinions, passions etc rather than the
> > concrete situation of the object/s which/who are under scrutiny. The
> > postings are nevertheless been highly valuable and informative,
> > insightful, fascinating and often deeply passionate. Perhaps the time has
> > come to consolidate. ........
> >
> > Sumant's observations/proposition is therefore timely...contains a
> > comprehensive framework, given the basis for a direction...CAN WE STICK TO
> > THIS AND THINK AHEAD..CONSOLIDATE IDEAS THUS FAR
> >
> > Keeping this perspective/framework,
> > * what laws and components of the laws (as well as rules & regulations
> > pertaining to them) that are directly applicable and operational in A&N as
> > a whole are inconsistent;
> >
> > * what programmes/activities in A&N are inconsistent;
> >
> > * What are the changes in policies, programmes, laws, rules etc that are
> > to be changed?
> >
> > * what strategy/strategies are required to push forward these changes?
> >
> > * By whom, where and when are these to be operationalised?
> >
> > These are the challenges before the members of this group.
> >
> > - bijoy
> >
> > --------------------------------------------------------------------------
>------
> > > Dear Mr Raj,
> > >
> > > The point I want to make is that some people seem to think tourism is
> > > the solution for such places as the andamans. People come, see nature
> > > and go. simple isn't it? I mean, clean and eco friendly and all that.
> > > But then you have to provide infrastructure. People have to stay
> > > somewhere and well, defecate and throw beer bottles around etc. etc.
> > > Then this pristine place which is not so pristine anymore, gets
> > > garbage, plastic bottles (jarawas have started using them too). As
> > > far as the Jarawas and "community tourism" are concerned it boggles
> > > my mind to even think about it. Obviously we are not considering the
> > > the Jarawas' frame of reference. I mean why should the jarawa do it?
> > > Someone who has everything he needs right around him. If he wants one
> > > fish he doesn't kill ten. I guess we have to educate him about how to
> > > be greedy. And after all what is this tourism being promoted for?
> > > Obviously some one wants to make money. Agreed, the local economy
> > > needs money to run. If there are people who are responsible and can
> > > ensure "safe tourism" (I don't know what that means), maybe it can be
> > > done. But we are so notorious at breaking rules that the whole thing
> > > seems dicidedly disastrous. In this regard, please refer to article
> > > no 124. Someone wanted the jarawas to be part of "pristine nature"
> > > etc etc. This is the kind of ignorant thinking which has killed the
> > > aboriginals. For gods sake, these are people, not monkeys and the
> > > Andamans are not a Zoo. The lesson we haven't learnt is that these
> > > people are dying out due to dieases introduced by us. At least let
> > > them make an informed choice. The sentinalese have done so. They see
> > > airplanes and ships but have no intention of "joining the
> > > mainstream". They probably consider their stream as THE mainstream.
> > > Would you like to join? The inevitable integration will follow, by
> > > which time hopefully, they have developed sufficient resistance. You
> > > say "it takes generations to create a responsible tourist" that is
> > > all the more reason to stay away. Please read Madhusree Mukherjee's
> > > book on the subject. Please try to understand that the Tribals of the
> > > Andamans are not your tribals on main land. No doubt the tribals on
> > > main land are facing the same problems viz. loss of identity, culture
> > > etc etc. No doubt NGOs here are doing excellent work. But why has it
> > > become necessary for the NGOs to help them in the first place, it is
> > > because the "dominant cultures" have stolen their land and means of
> > > livelyhood. Spare the Jarawas that. They are not malnourished, in
> > > fact lots of outsiders look malnourished in comparison. The Ongies
> > > are well on their way to extinction, so now one more island will be
> > > open for exploitaion and destruction. It is just a matter of time.
> > >
> > > Look at the American Indians and see what "community tourism" has
> > > done to them.
> > >
> > > So what we should do is shut down the ATR, fence off the Jarawa
> > > areas. Stop all contacts unless they want it. Keep "doing" tourism in
> > > other selected Islands. But LEAVE THE TRIBALS ALONE. The Jarawa does
> > > not need any NGO to come and help. If they want it let them ask. In
> > > the meanwhile we should ask them for some help, in understanding
> > > nature, medicines, birth control and some lessons on civilisation
> > > would do us good for a start.
> > >
> > > I think all this talk of "community tourism" is nothing but a way of
> > > making money. Imagine a Jarawa guide. What would he show you? His
> > > hut? woman, child? Then what happens? You pay him, with what? Money?
> > > To him a 500 rupee note is as good as kitchen midden trash.
> > >
> > > Please do not promote "community tourism" in any way.
> > >
> > > What more can I say
> > >
> > >
> > > Regards,
> > >
> > > Sumant
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Dear Friends,
There have been some interesting mails in the last couple of weeks that are
actually about this andamanicobar egroup itself. There was one by Bijoy
asking for a more focussed discussion on certain topics, a list of which he
has indicated for all of us to use. I do think that it is a damn good idea
and needed as well.
The other mail was from Col Cherian asking how many people on this group are
from the islands. This too is a very interesting and important question, and
may I dare say that this number would indeed be small. What might be useful
is if members here who are from the islands, did send in a mail
acknowledging this and also giving a couple of lines about themselves.
Reaching out to the people in the islands in indeed very important and the
greater the participation we get from there, the better it is. I have tried
to get in touch with a number of individuals and institutions in the islands
who do have access to emails and have send all of them invitations to join.
The response has not been very encouraging. There is also the possibility
that a lot of people who might be interested and have access to email
(that's important) may not know about this group either. Help, therefore is
welcome from all the present members on this group.
Let me here also go back to the suggestions made my Bijoy.
When the idea of creating this egroup first came up, our main aim was to
create a forum of interested people who would remain informed and regularly
updated on issues in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. It was also hoped that
this general body of information and opinion could then lead to spin offs
with different people,with more specific interests getting into some greater
detail within a specific context. The group has indeed been a very
stimulating and informative forum, with the membership now crossing 400
individuals. So in a sense the initial objective of setting up the group is
on the way of being achieved. here is where Bijoy's suggestion also becomes
very relevant, but it would depend on interest and initiative of the 400
members of even a certain part of it.
It might now be the right time where some sub discussion groups might need
to be created where certain specific issues alone are dealt with. What we
would need are a few individuals to take the initiative on this, based on
their interests and let the discussion spin off on those lines. I can offer
to help and coordinate a few of these, but taking on everything will make
things rather difficult for me.
What might also help is if there is some effort to look at all the emails
that have been floated on this group and club them broadly according to the
topic they deal with. A synthesis for particular topics could then be tried,
which could become the basis for further and more specific discussion. I
have been trying to catalouge all the mails in these categories and could
help out with those who might be interested in taking this up.
Lets see how we can take this forward.
pankaj
----- Original Message -----
From: C.R Bijoy <rights@...>
To: <andamanicobar@...>
Sent: Saturday, August 07, 2004 2:45 PM
Subject: [andamanicobar] Where to from here?
>
> This group consists of honourable people who are "enlightened",
> "concerned" but "privileged", searching to comprehend the issue of saving
> both the "pristine" forests and peoples in A&N. However, most of the
> debates have NOT been based on an arrived at minimum framework with which
> one can sufficiently
> understand the A&N situation with specific reference to these people and
> the territories to which they BELONG to in a (read 'their') "particular"
> way that most others in A&N and outside including all of US cannot claim
> to be due to historical reasons.
>
> Most often members of this group have been concerned about their own
> personal interests, concerns, opinions, passions etc rather than the
> concrete situation of the object/s which/who are under scrutiny. The
> postings are nevertheless been highly valuable and informative,
> insightful, fascinating and often deeply passionate. Perhaps the time has
> come to consolidate. ........
>
> Sumant's observations/proposition is therefore timely...contains a
> comprehensive framework, given the basis for a direction...CAN WE STICK TO
> THIS AND THINK AHEAD..CONSOLIDATE IDEAS THUS FAR
>
> Keeping this perspective/framework,
> * what laws and components of the laws (as well as rules & regulations
> pertaining to them) that are directly applicable and operational in A&N as
> a whole are inconsistent;
>
> * what programmes/activities in A&N are inconsistent;
>
> * What are the changes in policies, programmes, laws, rules etc that are
> to be changed?
>
> * what strategy/strategies are required to push forward these changes?
>
> * By whom, where and when are these to be operationalised?
>
> These are the challenges before the members of this group.
>
> - bijoy
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
------
> > Dear Mr Raj,
> >
> > The point I want to make is that some people seem to think tourism is
> > the solution for such places as the andamans. People come, see nature
> > and go. simple isn't it? I mean, clean and eco friendly and all that.
> > But then you have to provide infrastructure. People have to stay
> > somewhere and well, defecate and throw beer bottles around etc. etc.
> > Then this pristine place which is not so pristine anymore, gets
> > garbage, plastic bottles (jarawas have started using them too). As
> > far as the Jarawas and "community tourism" are concerned it boggles
> > my mind to even think about it. Obviously we are not considering the
> > the Jarawas' frame of reference. I mean why should the jarawa do it?
> > Someone who has everything he needs right around him. If he wants one
> > fish he doesn't kill ten. I guess we have to educate him about how to
> > be greedy. And after all what is this tourism being promoted for?
> > Obviously some one wants to make money. Agreed, the local economy
> > needs money to run. If there are people who are responsible and can
> > ensure "safe tourism" (I don't know what that means), maybe it can be
> > done. But we are so notorious at breaking rules that the whole thing
> > seems dicidedly disastrous. In this regard, please refer to article
> > no 124. Someone wanted the jarawas to be part of "pristine nature"
> > etc etc. This is the kind of ignorant thinking which has killed the
> > aboriginals. For gods sake, these are people, not monkeys and the
> > Andamans are not a Zoo. The lesson we haven't learnt is that these
> > people are dying out due to dieases introduced by us. At least let
> > them make an informed choice. The sentinalese have done so. They see
> > airplanes and ships but have no intention of "joining the
> > mainstream". They probably consider their stream as THE mainstream.
> > Would you like to join? The inevitable integration will follow, by
> > which time hopefully, they have developed sufficient resistance. You
> > say "it takes generations to create a responsible tourist" that is
> > all the more reason to stay away. Please read Madhusree Mukherjee's
> > book on the subject. Please try to understand that the Tribals of the
> > Andamans are not your tribals on main land. No doubt the tribals on
> > main land are facing the same problems viz. loss of identity, culture
> > etc etc. No doubt NGOs here are doing excellent work. But why has it
> > become necessary for the NGOs to help them in the first place, it is
> > because the "dominant cultures" have stolen their land and means of
> > livelyhood. Spare the Jarawas that. They are not malnourished, in
> > fact lots of outsiders look malnourished in comparison. The Ongies
> > are well on their way to extinction, so now one more island will be
> > open for exploitaion and destruction. It is just a matter of time.
> >
> > Look at the American Indians and see what "community tourism" has
> > done to them.
> >
> > So what we should do is shut down the ATR, fence off the Jarawa
> > areas. Stop all contacts unless they want it. Keep "doing" tourism in
> > other selected Islands. But LEAVE THE TRIBALS ALONE. The Jarawa does
> > not need any NGO to come and help. If they want it let them ask. In
> > the meanwhile we should ask them for some help, in understanding
> > nature, medicines, birth control and some lessons on civilisation
> > would do us good for a start.
> >
> > I think all this talk of "community tourism" is nothing but a way of
> > making money. Imagine a Jarawa guide. What would he show you? His
> > hut? woman, child? Then what happens? You pay him, with what? Money?
> > To him a 500 rupee note is as good as kitchen midden trash.
> >
> > Please do not promote "community tourism" in any way.
> >
> > What more can I say
> >
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > Sumant
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
I think this is a great idea. Why cant somebody compile an edition? tapas
On Thu, 12 Aug 2004 Samir Mehta wrote :
>
>Not aware if this has been discussed before ...
>
>A few people have suggested that the Leave Travel Allowance given to Govt.
>employees should not be allowed to be utilised for visiting A&N. Apparently a
>sufficient percentage of the tourists are from this category.
>
>If a booklet that informs, educates and makes the tourists aware of the issues,
>concerns and dos &donts is available then one can lobby with the A&N
>Administration to make it compulsory for every tourist to purchase that on
>entry. It may be borne in mind that there are many senior bureaucrats and
Judges
>who also visit the islands regularly as tourists.
>
>Samir
>
>
>
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
An excellent idea. The Andamans lose money on government tourists, because
their room and board is highly subsidised. A few years ago a civil servant
could stay in an AC room at the New Circuit House for Rs. 40 a night, which
can't even pay for the electricity, and I doubt the rates have changed much
since then.
The Director of Tourism and Publicity told me that the government-owned
tourist homes, where a night's stay costs several hundred rupees, lose money
because so often senior civil servants "forget" to pay for their stay. Some
tourist homes, such as the Megapode, are supposedly open to the public but
in truth entirely reserved for senior bureaucrats. For the governing elite,
this luxurious resort comes along with free long-distance phone calls, etc.
Madhusree
----- Original Message -----
From: <andamanicobar@...>
To: <andamanicobar@...>
Sent: Tuesday, August 17, 2004 9:27 AM
Subject: [andamanicobar] Digest Number 168
There are 2 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. Types of tourists
From: "Samir Mehta" <samir@...>
2. SHOOT OUT FOR DRUGS TURNS THE ANDAMAN SEA RED
From: "C.R Bijoy" <rights@...>
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 1
Date: Thu, 12 Aug 2004 15:34:57 +0530
From: "Samir Mehta" <samir@...>
Subject: Types of tourists
Not aware if this has been discussed before ...
A few people have suggested that the Leave Travel Allowance given to Govt.
employees should not be allowed to be utilised for visiting A&N. Apparently
a
sufficient percentage of the tourists are from this category.
If a booklet that informs, educates and makes the tourists aware of the
issues,
concerns and dos &donts is available then one can lobby with the A&N
Administration to make it compulsory for every tourist to purchase that on
entry. It may be borne in mind that there are many senior bureaucrats and
Judges
who also visit the islands regularly as tourists.
Samir
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 2
Date: Mon, 16 Aug 2004 11:37:04 +0530 (IST)
From: "C.R Bijoy" <rights@...>
Subject: SHOOT OUT FOR DRUGS TURNS THE ANDAMAN SEA RED
Subject: SHOOT OUT FOR DRUGS TURNS THE ANDAMAN SEA RED
Date: Sun, 15 Aug 2004 23:07:08 -0600
From: "Kao Wao News" <kaowao@...>
Investigative report on Burma's war and drug
SHOOT OUT FOR DRUGS TURNS THE ANDAMAN SEA RED
(By Banyar Toay: August 15, 2004)
Andaman Sea turned red while drug dealers and smugglers killed each other
during the heavy rains in the monsoon season.
In the first week of July, a contraband ship believed to be carrying
methamphetamines and heroin departed from Rangoon was robbed when about 30
smugglers were killed after a fight for the possession of the drugs in the
Andaman Sea (Martaban Gulf).
Local sources from Ye, Mon State, said about 800 kilograms of heroin were
later seized by the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) authorities
and Military Intelligence Service (MIS) in the Mon coastal village after
the boat's captain and crewmen were killed in the sea.
The SPDC authorities did not officially report the detail of the bloody
sea battle but local villagers said it occurred when the ship's engine
broke down in the middle of the sea and the Captain approached Hnit Karen
village to find some mechanics to repair the boat's engine. The mechanics
secretly plotted with some of the crewmembers and killed the Captain and
other crewmembers, said the source. The SPDC's police later arrested the
gang.
The source from the New Mon State Party said the smugglers killed by local
pirates were from the boat owned by ethnic Kokans in Shan State who live
in Rangoon after the cease-fire agreement with the military junta. The
dealer in Rangoon lost phone contact with the captain and his crew when
the ship approached Hnit Karen, the boss realized that it might be pirated
and informed the Mon State Police Force. The police arrested the killers
along with the booty of drugs when they tried to transport it away from
the village, the source explained. A total of 5 men were arrested and
taken to Moulmine, the capital of Mon Sate.
A huge amount of drugs was spreading throughout the area when the
authorities arrived after the ship owners informed the authority about the
missing ship. The NMSP source said that the mechanic who led the robbery
is a retired SPDC soldier who lives in the village.
The Burmese authorities didn't report the exact amount of heroin seized,
but a Thai-Burma border based Independent Mon News Agency (IMNA) reported
about 850 kilograms, while Khit Pyaing news in (Burmese language) claimed
that about 490 kilograms was seized. Some of the crew, the source added,
who were killed are Mon nationals from Chaung Zon Island near Moulmein
because many fishermen from this community are working in Rangoon's Kyi
Myin Daing port.
The ship was set adrift after it was robbed of the smuggled goods. The
navy confiscated the drifting boat close to Kalar Gote Island with nobody
on board and the engine's tank was empty of gasoline (engine oil), the
islanders said. Kalar Gote Island, in Northern Ye Township comprised of 3
villages, is inhabited with Mon fishermen and farmers.
The other source from Moulmein said that in the second week of July, the
MIS from Rangoon came down to Mon state directly from Rangoon and seized a
ship owned by regional Burma Army commanders in Mon State. "The ship was
carrying smuggled imports such as computer games from Singapore and was
seized near Moulmein," a Mon businessman who has close relation with the
SPDC senior official said. "It is clear that the MI (Intelligence) and
the Tatmadaw (Army) are not getting along these days," he commented.
"South from that area, Tenasserim Division's MIS branch cooperated with a
Mon armed group to patrol the Andaman Sea to monitor the activities of
Thai boats," the source explained.
About ten soldiers led by Nai Azan, a former member of the NMSP, from the
break away group runs an office in Tavoy and were involved in the sea
robbery and kidnapping. The group works with the MI for information and
business interest; deals in the timber trading in the region while
providing the MI with information on the activities of Thai fishermen and
the neighboring country's navy. Their main action is to collect illegal
tax or to launch attacks on illegal Thai fishing boats that operate inside
Burma's marine waters.
Even though it was notorious in the Mon community, the Mon break away
group was chosen to attend the state sponsored National Convention near
Rangoon added the source.
*************************************************************
Posted by
KAO WAO NEWS GROUP
Email: kaowao@..., kaowao@...
Tel: + 66 7 169 0971 (Thailand)
Tel: + 1- 403 - 248 2027 (Canada)
http://www.kaowao.orghttp://www.burmalibrary.org/show.php?cat=1215&lo=d&sl=0
Online Burma Library -- http://www.burmalibrary.org
ABOUT US
Kao-Woo Newsgroup is committed to social justice, peace, and democracy in
Burma. We hope to be able to provide more of an in-depth analysis that
will help to promote lasting peace and change within Burma. Editors,
reporters, writers, and overseas volunteers are dedicated members of the
Mon activist community based in Thailand.
Our motto is working together for lasting peace and change.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: SHOOT OUT FOR DRUGS TURNS THE ANDAMAN SEA RED
Date: Sun, 15 Aug 2004 23:07:08 -0600
From: "Kao Wao News" <kaowao@...>
Investigative report on Burma’s war and drug
SHOOT OUT FOR DRUGS TURNS THE ANDAMAN SEA RED
(By Banyar Toay: August 15, 2004)
Andaman Sea turned red while drug dealers and smugglers killed each other
during the heavy rains in the monsoon season.
In the first week of July, a contraband ship believed to be carrying
methamphetamines and heroin departed from Rangoon was robbed when about 30
smugglers were killed after a fight for the possession of the drugs in the
Andaman Sea (Martaban Gulf).
Local sources from Ye, Mon State, said about 800 kilograms of heroin were
later seized by the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) authorities
and Military Intelligence Service (MIS) in the Mon coastal village after
the boat’s captain and crewmen were killed in the sea.
The SPDC authorities did not officially report the detail of the bloody
sea battle but local villagers said it occurred when the ship’s engine
broke down in the middle of the sea and the Captain approached Hnit Karen
village to find some mechanics to repair the boat’s engine. The mechanics
secretly plotted with some of the crewmembers and killed the Captain and
other crewmembers, said the source. The SPDC’s police later arrested the
gang.
The source from the New Mon State Party said the smugglers killed by local
pirates were from the boat owned by ethnic Kokans in Shan State who live
in Rangoon after the cease-fire agreement with the military junta. The
dealer in Rangoon lost phone contact with the captain and his crew when
the ship approached Hnit Karen, the boss realized that it might be pirated
and informed the Mon State Police Force. The police arrested the killers
along with the booty of drugs when they tried to transport it away from
the village, the source explained. A total of 5 men were arrested and
taken to Moulmine, the capital of Mon Sate.
A huge amount of drugs was spreading throughout the area when the
authorities arrived after the ship owners informed the authority about the
missing ship. The NMSP source said that the mechanic who led the robbery
is a retired SPDC soldier who lives in the village.
The Burmese authorities didn’t report the exact amount of heroin seized,
but a Thai-Burma border based Independent Mon News Agency (IMNA) reported
about 850 kilograms, while Khit Pyaing news in (Burmese language) claimed
that about 490 kilograms was seized. Some of the crew, the source added,
who were killed are Mon nationals from Chaung Zon Island near Moulmein
because many fishermen from this community are working in Rangoon’s Kyi
Myin Daing port.
The ship was set adrift after it was robbed of the smuggled goods. The
navy confiscated the drifting boat close to Kalar Gote Island with nobody
on board and the engine’s tank was empty of gasoline (engine oil), the
islanders said. Kalar Gote Island, in Northern Ye Township comprised of 3
villages, is inhabited with Mon fishermen and farmers.
The other source from Moulmein said that in the second week of July, the
MIS from Rangoon came down to Mon state directly from Rangoon and seized a
ship owned by regional Burma Army commanders in Mon State. “The ship was
carrying smuggled imports such as computer games from Singapore and was
seized near Moulmein,” a Mon businessman who has close relation with the
SPDC senior official said. “It is clear that the MI (Intelligence) and
the Tatmadaw (Army) are not getting along these days,” he commented.
“South from that area, Tenasserim Division’s MIS branch cooperated with a
Mon armed group to patrol the Andaman Sea to monitor the activities of
Thai boats,” the source explained.
About ten soldiers led by Nai Azan, a former member of the NMSP, from the
break away group runs an office in Tavoy and were involved in the sea
robbery and kidnapping. The group works with the MI for information and
business interest; deals in the timber trading in the region while
providing the MI with information on the activities of Thai fishermen and
the neighboring country’s navy. Their main action is to collect illegal
tax or to launch attacks on illegal Thai fishing boats that operate inside
Burma’s marine waters.
Even though it was notorious in the Mon community, the Mon break away
group was chosen to attend the state sponsored National Convention near
Rangoon added the source.
*************************************************************
Posted by
KAO WAO NEWS GROUP
Email: kaowao@..., kaowao@...
Tel: + 66 7 169 0971 (Thailand)
Tel: + 1- 403 - 248 2027 (Canada)
http://www.kaowao.orghttp://www.burmalibrary.org/show.php?cat=1215&lo=d&sl=0
Online Burma Library -- http://www.burmalibrary.org
ABOUT US
Kao-Woo Newsgroup is committed to social justice, peace, and democracy in
Burma. We hope to be able to provide more of an in-depth analysis that
will help to promote lasting peace and change within Burma. Editors,
reporters, writers, and overseas volunteers are dedicated members of the
Mon activist community based in Thailand.
Our motto is working together for lasting peace and change.
Not aware if this has been discussed before ...
A few people have suggested that the Leave Travel Allowance given to Govt.
employees should not be allowed to be utilised for visiting A&N. Apparently a
sufficient percentage of the tourists are from this category.
If a booklet that informs, educates and makes the tourists aware of the issues,
concerns and dos &donts is available then one can lobby with the A&N
Administration to make it compulsory for every tourist to purchase that on
entry. It may be borne in mind that there are many senior bureaucrats and Judges
who also visit the islands regularly as tourists.
Samir
It is a terrible and educative story about garbage but what of the
'solution'? moving the garbage to another island/place is surely just
moving the problem? We all do it to protect certain areas but where can
the buck stop? In India aren't even Delhi's dumps becoming full? should
we not be looking more towards reducing the amount and kind of garbage
generated? Increase and changes in packaging for example must have
hugely increased our garbage; not to mention the ubiquitous plastic bag
that we managed without 20 years ago but now many can't even buy a
vegetable from the cart at the gate without using a bag or two to
transport them a few yards into the house! Surely the problem needs to
be tackled from further back in the chain.
----- Original Message -----
From: Pankaj <pankaj@...>
To: <andamanicobar@...>
Sent: Thursday, August 12, 2004 11:47 AM
Subject: [andamanicobar] Small Islands Voice
> > SMALL ISLANDS VOICE
> >
> > Do you live in a small island?
> > Tell us what you think.
> >
> >
>
************************************************************************
***
> >
> > The question: 'How is garbage managed in other islands?' asked by
Dulph
> > Mitchell from San Andres brought in a 'torrent' of replies, far more
than
> we
> > can post on this forum. People have written in to tell us about
waste
> > management initiatives in islands around the world. We have put all
these
> > responses and the information about the different initiatives on our
> website
> > at http://www.unesco.org/csi/smis/siv/Forum/Comp9garbage.htm so you
can
> read
> > them, at your own leisure.
> >
> > You can learn there about the waste management initiatives in the
Pacific:
> > American Samoa, Savaii, Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati and
Palau; in
> the
> > Indian Ocean: Chumbe Island, Rodrigues and Mauritius; in the
Caribbean:
> The
> > Bahamas, Cuba and St. Lucia; and in the Atlantic: Aran Islands and
Irish
> > Islands.
> >
> > In this final article on the topic of waste management, we hear
about what
> > some island youth are saying. Joseph Wachter, a secondary school
student
> from
> > Rarotonga, Cook Islands writes: On the island of Rarotonga in the
Cook
> Islands
> > (Pacific), garbage is fed to pigs or allowed to decompose, but trash
in
> the
> > form of plastics, aluminum cans, tin cans, rubber tires, etc. has
been a
> big
> > concern for over 25 years. Educating the children in schools about
> recycling
> > and proper disposal of waste has been a priority for
environmentalists
> here
> > for over 20 years, with limited success and awareness of the
problem.
> Older
> > people are much harder to reach. Media of all kinds has been
employed. I
> think
> > it is a gradual process that will eventually be very successful; but
will
> > require years of awareness training. Start now and keep at it.
Contact
> local
> > radio, TV, and press to enlist their help to reach the people. Make
> > presentations at primary and secondary schools and be a good example
in
> your
> > community. My secondary school has a wearable arts competition made
of
> > recycled materials every year.
> >
> > From Hope Town School, The Bahamas (Caribbean), Stephanie, Louison,
> Bronson,
> > Erin, Shannon, Nicole, Vaughn and Louivenson write: We here on this
5 mile
> > long, 1 mile wide island of Hope Town share the same concerns as the
> person
> > from San Andres Island with the garbage problem.
> >
> > We have about 400 full time Bahamian residents on our island. There
are
> > probably that many, or more, Haitian immigrants here too. They have
no
> idea
> > how important it is to take care of this island that provides them
with
> work!
> > They just drop trash and pile up bags all over the area they live
in. We
> > survive on the North American tourists that visit our quaint island.
The
> sheer
> > number of tourists adds an unbelievable amount of garbage to our
small
> dump
> > that used to be burned once a week. It then became necessary to burn
2
> times
> > per week, then 3 and lately the fires never seemed to go out. As the
dump
> got
> > bigger - so did the fire.
> >
> > After Hurricane Floyd nearly destroyed our island in 1999, our dump
became
> the
> > drop spot for anything and everything - burnable or not! On one area
of
> the
> > island they bulldozed all the lumber from destroyed houses and a
young man
> who
> > was a marina owner took the responsibility to burn it to clear the
area.
> Soon
> > after, he became very ill and after 2 years in and out of hospitals,
he
> died
> > of arsenic poisoning due to inhaling smoke from burning the pressure
> treated,
> > chemical-soaked wood. Other people began to become more aware of the
high
> > incidence of respiratory problems on our island. It seemed the dump
never
> > stopped burning and we were all breathing toxic fumes. Foreign
ownership
> and
> > building on our island increased unbelievably after the hurricane
because
> our
> > Prime Minister dropped the import duty on building supplies for a
year, to
> > allow people to repair and build back. The foreigners took advantage
of a
> > situation that only a few Bahamians could! The garbage piled up even
> further -
> > often fires at the dump would jump into the bush and we began to
have
> terrible
> > bush fires. The brave men who had the contract to handle the dump,
wore
> full
> > hazard gear when they worked there to avoid the toxins. Our island
> paradise
> > was becoming a toxic wasteland!
> >
> > Nearly a year ago, our town began having meetings to persuade our
> government
> > to transport our garbage off our island to the larger island of
Abaco (5
> miles
> > across the water) where there is a large dump. We were told that the
> mainland
> > had filled their dump, too! We increased the pressure on the
government
> > leaders by having more meetings and having them up to see the dump
site -
> they
> > were horrified. Our teacher took us to all the meetings with
officials and
> we
> > were always recognized as we took notes on what was said. It may
have been
> the
> > pictures in the paper of our firemen, in full hazard gear, fighting
a dump
> > fire that got out of control that finally got the government's
attention.
> Or
> > it might have been the letters to the government from the people who
owned
> the
> > property the dump was on, saying that effective immediately, no more
> dumping
> > could take place on their land. Whatever it was, we are happy
because in
> the
> > next 3 months they had employed a company to come in to clear away
the
> garbage
> > and prepared a plan to barge a truck with 2 very large containers to
our
> > island 3 times a week. The truck drives off and delivers empty
containers
> and
> > picks up the full ones to transport the garbage off our island to
Abaco -
> > which will soon have a much bigger dump itself.
> >
> > Our story has a happy ending - as of 3 weeks ago there will never be
any
> more
> > burning of garbage on our island! Our beautiful serene island can
once
> again
> > have clean air surrounding it. We wish all of the islands who have
similar
> > problems the best of luck in getting your officials to accept other
> methods of
> > getting rid of your garbage other than stockpiling it on your
island, or
> > dumping it in the sea, or burning and spreading toxic fumes.
> >
> > Remember, we students can become involved - after all we will
inherit what
> is
> > left of these islands and personally, we want them to remain 'Clean,
green
> and
> > serene'.
> >
> > Moderator's note: If you know of any young people between the ages
of 13
> and
> > 23 who would like to make their voices heard on issues such as this,
then
> > suggest they contribute their views (in English, French or Spanish)
at
> > http://www.islandyouth.org/discuss/forumdisplay.html?forumid=1867
> >
> > The final word comes from Dulph Mitchell in San Andres (Caribbean)
who
> started
> > this discussion: Thank you for your interest in my query and the
many
> answers
> > received. I am now much more convinced that the people who live on
small
> > islands need to work together in order to aid one another in finding
a
> > solution to the very serious garbage problem that all of us are
facing.
> >
> > Title: Clean, green and serene - a message from island youth
> > Author: Hope Town students, D. Mitchell, J. Wachter
> > Date: Tuesday, 10 August 2004
> >
> >
>
************************************************************************
***
> >
> > Please send your comments to
<mailto:smallislandsvoice@...>
> >
> > To see all the messages in this global forum, visit
> > <http://www.sivglobal.org/>
> >
> > To find out more about Small Islands Voice, go to
> > <http://www.smallislandsvoice.org/>
> >
> > If you wish to be removed from the mailing list, please email to
> > <mailto:smallislandsvoice@...>
>
>
> C/o Kalpavriksh
> Apt. 5, Sri Dutta Krupa
> 908 Deccan Gymkhana,
> Pune 411004
> Tel: 020 - 25654239 / 25675450
> Fax: 25654239
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
> SMALL ISLANDS VOICE
>
> Do you live in a small island?
> Tell us what you think.
>
>
***************************************************************************
>
> The question: 'How is garbage managed in other islands?' asked by Dulph
> Mitchell from San Andres brought in a 'torrent' of replies, far more than
we
> can post on this forum. People have written in to tell us about waste
> management initiatives in islands around the world. We have put all these
> responses and the information about the different initiatives on our
website
> at http://www.unesco.org/csi/smis/siv/Forum/Comp9garbage.htm so you can
read
> them, at your own leisure.
>
> You can learn there about the waste management initiatives in the Pacific:
> American Samoa, Savaii, Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati and Palau; in
the
> Indian Ocean: Chumbe Island, Rodrigues and Mauritius; in the Caribbean:
The
> Bahamas, Cuba and St. Lucia; and in the Atlantic: Aran Islands and Irish
> Islands.
>
> In this final article on the topic of waste management, we hear about what
> some island youth are saying. Joseph Wachter, a secondary school student
from
> Rarotonga, Cook Islands writes: On the island of Rarotonga in the Cook
Islands
> (Pacific), garbage is fed to pigs or allowed to decompose, but trash in
the
> form of plastics, aluminum cans, tin cans, rubber tires, etc. has been a
big
> concern for over 25 years. Educating the children in schools about
recycling
> and proper disposal of waste has been a priority for environmentalists
here
> for over 20 years, with limited success and awareness of the problem.
Older
> people are much harder to reach. Media of all kinds has been employed. I
think
> it is a gradual process that will eventually be very successful; but will
> require years of awareness training. Start now and keep at it. Contact
local
> radio, TV, and press to enlist their help to reach the people. Make
> presentations at primary and secondary schools and be a good example in
your
> community. My secondary school has a wearable arts competition made of
> recycled materials every year.
>
> From Hope Town School, The Bahamas (Caribbean), Stephanie, Louison,
Bronson,
> Erin, Shannon, Nicole, Vaughn and Louivenson write: We here on this 5 mile
> long, 1 mile wide island of Hope Town share the same concerns as the
person
> from San Andres Island with the garbage problem.
>
> We have about 400 full time Bahamian residents on our island. There are
> probably that many, or more, Haitian immigrants here too. They have no
idea
> how important it is to take care of this island that provides them with
work!
> They just drop trash and pile up bags all over the area they live in. We
> survive on the North American tourists that visit our quaint island. The
sheer
> number of tourists adds an unbelievable amount of garbage to our small
dump
> that used to be burned once a week. It then became necessary to burn 2
times
> per week, then 3 and lately the fires never seemed to go out. As the dump
got
> bigger - so did the fire.
>
> After Hurricane Floyd nearly destroyed our island in 1999, our dump became
the
> drop spot for anything and everything - burnable or not! On one area of
the
> island they bulldozed all the lumber from destroyed houses and a young man
who
> was a marina owner took the responsibility to burn it to clear the area.
Soon
> after, he became very ill and after 2 years in and out of hospitals, he
died
> of arsenic poisoning due to inhaling smoke from burning the pressure
treated,
> chemical-soaked wood. Other people began to become more aware of the high
> incidence of respiratory problems on our island. It seemed the dump never
> stopped burning and we were all breathing toxic fumes. Foreign ownership
and
> building on our island increased unbelievably after the hurricane because
our
> Prime Minister dropped the import duty on building supplies for a year, to
> allow people to repair and build back. The foreigners took advantage of a
> situation that only a few Bahamians could! The garbage piled up even
further -
> often fires at the dump would jump into the bush and we began to have
terrible
> bush fires. The brave men who had the contract to handle the dump, wore
full
> hazard gear when they worked there to avoid the toxins. Our island
paradise
> was becoming a toxic wasteland!
>
> Nearly a year ago, our town began having meetings to persuade our
government
> to transport our garbage off our island to the larger island of Abaco (5
miles
> across the water) where there is a large dump. We were told that the
mainland
> had filled their dump, too! We increased the pressure on the government
> leaders by having more meetings and having them up to see the dump site -
they
> were horrified. Our teacher took us to all the meetings with officials and
we
> were always recognized as we took notes on what was said. It may have been
the
> pictures in the paper of our firemen, in full hazard gear, fighting a dump
> fire that got out of control that finally got the government's attention.
Or
> it might have been the letters to the government from the people who owned
the
> property the dump was on, saying that effective immediately, no more
dumping
> could take place on their land. Whatever it was, we are happy because in
the
> next 3 months they had employed a company to come in to clear away the
garbage
> and prepared a plan to barge a truck with 2 very large containers to our
> island 3 times a week. The truck drives off and delivers empty containers
and
> picks up the full ones to transport the garbage off our island to Abaco -
> which will soon have a much bigger dump itself.
>
> Our story has a happy ending - as of 3 weeks ago there will never be any
more
> burning of garbage on our island! Our beautiful serene island can once
again
> have clean air surrounding it. We wish all of the islands who have similar
> problems the best of luck in getting your officials to accept other
methods of
> getting rid of your garbage other than stockpiling it on your island, or
> dumping it in the sea, or burning and spreading toxic fumes.
>
> Remember, we students can become involved - after all we will inherit what
is
> left of these islands and personally, we want them to remain 'Clean, green
and
> serene'.
>
> Moderator's note: If you know of any young people between the ages of 13
and
> 23 who would like to make their voices heard on issues such as this, then
> suggest they contribute their views (in English, French or Spanish) at
> http://www.islandyouth.org/discuss/forumdisplay.html?forumid=1867
>
> The final word comes from Dulph Mitchell in San Andres (Caribbean) who
started
> this discussion: Thank you for your interest in my query and the many
answers
> received. I am now much more convinced that the people who live on small
> islands need to work together in order to aid one another in finding a
> solution to the very serious garbage problem that all of us are facing.
>
> Title: Clean, green and serene - a message from island youth
> Author: Hope Town students, D. Mitchell, J. Wachter
> Date: Tuesday, 10 August 2004
>
>
***************************************************************************
>
> Please send your comments to <mailto:smallislandsvoice@...>
>
> To see all the messages in this global forum, visit
> <http://www.sivglobal.org/>
>
> To find out more about Small Islands Voice, go to
> <http://www.smallislandsvoice.org/>
>
> If you wish to be removed from the mailing list, please email to
> <mailto:smallislandsvoice@...>
C/o Kalpavriksh
Apt. 5, Sri Dutta Krupa
908 Deccan Gymkhana,
Pune 411004
Tel: 020 - 25654239 / 25675450
Fax: 25654239
THE DAILY TELEGRAMS
10/08/04
Andaman Sea has great potential for oil exploration: Minister
Port Blair, Aug. 9.
Two blocks in the southern part of Andaman & Nicobar Islands may be
allowed for oil exploration under the New Exploration Licensing Programme,
NELP - V. This will, however, be subject to clearance by the Defence
Ministry, said the Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister, Shri Mani
Shankar Aiyar here today.
Briefing newspersons on the sidelines of the inauguration of Swatantrya
Jyot in the Cellular Jail complex, the Minister also informed that earlier,
two blocks in the northern part of the islands were awarded for oil
exploration under NELP - IV.
Shri Mani Shankar Aiyar said that the entire area of Bay of Bengal
including the Andaman Sea has great potential of oil & natural gas which is
unexplored till now. The Petroleum Ministry, while undertaking any
exploration activities in the area, will take into consideration every
security concerns.
Answering a question from mediaperson, the Minister said that Indian Oil
Corporation is the only public sector enterprise spread across the length
and breath of the country and has taken the issue of unemployment very
seriously. He said tourism, if developed in the right earnest, can reduce
unemployment to a great extent. Issues such as solving unemployment must be
discussed in the Island Development Authority meeting, he added.
C/o Kalpavriksh
Apt. 5, Sri Dutta Krupa
908 Deccan Gymkhana,
Pune 411004
Tel: 020 - 25654239 / 25675450
Fax: 25654239
aletha saw this story on BBC News Online and thought you
should see it.
** Message **
a thot for the future
** Tourist quota for French islands **
Two French islands in the Mediterranean are about to introduce tourist quotas in
a bid to reduce environmental damage.
< http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/1/hi/world/europe/3885467.stm >
** BBC Daily E-mail **
Choose the news and sport headlines you want - when you want them, all
in one daily e-mail
< http://www.bbc.co.uk/dailyemail/ >
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pankaj
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India
Tel: + 91 20 25654239 / 25675450
Fax: 25654239
Email: kvriksh@...
----- Original Message -----
From: Jessica Brown
To: PACIFIC@...
Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2004 4:08 AM
Subject: [PACIFIC] Marine Sciences and News from the Asia Pacific Region
Marine Sciences and News from the Asia Pacific Region
SeaWeb
July 26th, 2004
This e-newsletter is produced regularly and distributed free of charge by
SeaWeb to keep interested individuals informed of current news and other
information. To be added to the distribution list, please contact us a
jbrown@...
We apologize for any cross-postings
Please do not hesitate to contact us (jbrown@...) if you have any
questions or need assistance in following up with any of the items mentioned
below.
1. Fish survival linked to coral reef health
2. Economic value of Australia's marine resources (article from The
Advertiser)
3. Costs of a worldwide system of marine parks
4. Global trade rules for seahorses take effect
5. Japan changes track on fish subsidies (article from The Financial Times)
------------
1. FISH SURVIVAL LINKED TO CORAL REEF HEALTH
>From the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (Article #01277:
"Coral decline threatens fish biodiversity in marine reserves" by Geoffrey
P. Jones, Mark I. McCormick, Maya Srinivasan, and Janelle V. Eagle)
May 17, 2004
Depletion of coral reefs may endanger fish populations more than previously
anticipated, according to a new study. Coral cover has declined for decades
worldwide due to global warming, overfishing, and pollution. Reefs support
diverse fish species by providing shelter and food sources, but the degree
to which fish depend on coral for survival is unknown. To determine how
coral reef degradation affects fish populations, Geoffrey Jones and
colleagues surveyed coral reefs in Papua New Guinea both within marine
reserves and in areas open to fishing. Over an 8-year period, the scientists
observed overall coral cover decline more than 80%. Over 75% of fish species
numbers decreased in response to coral depletion. Fish biodiversity
decreased both in marine reserves and in areas open to fishing, suggesting
that environmental factors rather than harvesting are responsible for fish
loss. The authors warn that if coral degradation cannot be controlled by
management, coral-dependent fish species may be threatened with extinction.
-----------
2. Economic value of Australia's marine resources
"Liquid Assets"
The Advertiser
By Daniel Clarke
June 1, 2004
Rightly or wrongly, the ocean has become a major economic player and a
necessary commodity in our everyday lives. Education Editor DANIEL CLARKE
reports.
FROM the first humans who hunted fish in the sea with spears, our species
has relied heavily on the world's oceans as a source of food and energy. But
since those early days of hunting, use of the oceans has grown to gigantic
proportions.
Many people do not realise how important ocean industries are to the
economy - from the massive fish and shipping industries to oil and gas
extraction and wide-ranging research.
Tourism and recreational activity are also growing rapidly.
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
puts the value of industry in Australia's oceans at $50 billion. That's a
huge sum, considering humans never have been able to construct permanent
residences on the sea.
Three billion dollars of that total comes from Australia's huge fishing
industry, which employs 100,000 people directly and indirectly. Australian
Seafood Industry Council chief executive officer Russ Neal says fishing is
the fourth largest food industry in Australia.
"Since about 1990, this industry has averaged 10 per cent growth of the
value of its production every year," Mr Neal says. "Australia has obtained a
worldwide reputation for high-quality, clean green seafood and consumers in
Australia continue to enjoy excellent access to seafood at a very good
price." Mr Neal says a full range of species are taken from the ocean
including various types of fin fish, crustaceans (such as prawns and
lobster) and molluscs (oysters).
These sea creatures are caught by trawling, long-lines (extensive fishing
lines with multiple hooks), lobster pots and inshore farming (oysters).
Mr Neal says the fishing industry is expected to continue growing. "It will
increase its contribution to the Australian economy," he says. "The Federal
Government has pumped $3.5 million into aquaculture development to encourage
the further development of aquaculture production. Government authorities
are even urging consumers to have at least two to three meals of seafood a
week for health reasons."
Perhaps the most sought-after resources found in today's oceans are oil and
natural gas - the products used to fuel the world's cars and other major
industries. They are located offshore in many parts of the world and new
fields are being discovered all the time.
Oil-rich countries sell to oil-hungry countries and the trade in oil and gas
affects the economy of the world. While there are many places on Australia's
land where oil and gas are extracted, the majority is found offshore, in the
ocean. In fact, 98 per cent comes from below the sea floor.
Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association executive
director Barry Jones says the value of Australia's oil and gas industries is
about $17 billion a year.
"It's very important," Mr Jones says. "There are 6000 direct employees in
the offshore oil and gas industry, and there are some 900 companies and
17,000 employees indirectly supporting it."
But for Australia to move oil and fish around its coasts and a host of other
products around the world, transportation is a vital enterprise and large
ships are the preferred option. The ocean is a major international highway
and the number of ships on our seas is growing each day.
Australian Shipowners Association chief executive officer Lachlan Payne says
ships carry 98 per cent of Australia's imports and exports, and take an 8.5
per cent share of the world's seaborne trade. "Australia is said to be the
fifth largest shipping market in the world," he says.
Australia's ships carry anything from cars and manufactured goods to oil and
wheat. There are more than 22,000 visits to our ports each year and 40,000
people are employed in or in connection with the maritime industries.
"The sea is the most efficient means of moving stuff around over long
distances. It's generally cheaper by sea," Mr Payne says. "A ship carries
130,000 tonnes of cargo with each trip. A truck carries only 100 tonnes."
But with large usage of the sea comes the question of exploitation.
Environmentalists say overfishing, disruptive exploration for gas and oil,
and increased noise levels under the water from growing industries like
shipping are having adverse effects on ocean inhabitants.
Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) Australasian policy
co-ordinator Michelle Grady says some species are being fished at
"unsustainable levels".
"It's not just the species that these fishers are targeting that are a
problem," she says. "We're seeing a huge amount of bycatch, which is
incidental catch or capture of different species, like marine mammals,
particularly dolphins. "A conservative estimate is that there are something
like 300,000 dolphins taken every year globally because of bycatch. It's not
a nice death either. The circumstances are horrible including drowning,
being caught in winches and nets or being maimed before they die. It's not
that we want to restrict use everywhere in the oceans.
"We just have to guarantee it's sustainable."
But Mr Jones counters claims of environmental neglect, saying his industry
has "so many regulators breathing down our neck that we can't sneeze without
having to get environmental approval".
Mr Payne says the environment is a "huge sensitivity for the shipping
industry and one of the leading issues we're dealing with".
Mr Neal says it is "very unwise to make sweeping statements about an
industry that is increasingly seeking to get its act together".
Mr Neal says catch amounts are reduced if it is found certain species are
being overfished. "Our plea is for community understanding and goodwill
towards one of the most heavily managed and best environmentally performing
fisheries in the world."
-----------
3. COST OF A WORLDWIDE SYSTEM OF MARINE PARKS
(From University of York, Callum Roberts)
12 July 2004
A global network of marine parks would cost US$12 to 14 billion per year to
run says a study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,
co-authored by Professor Callum Roberts from the University of York's
Environment Department.
The global oceans today are in their worst state in the history of humanity.
Fisheries are in steep decline, rates of habitat loss now equal or exceed
that of the rainforests, and fish stocks have fallen to 10 per cent or less
of their numbers at the onset of commercial fishing. At the World Summit on
Sustainable Development in 2002, coastal nations pledged to turn the tide on
this decline by creating national networks of marine parks by 2012. But
until now, it has been unclear how much it will cost countries to deliver on
their promises.
To restore marine ecosystems and rebuild fish stocks, the World Parks
Congress in Durban in 2003 recommended that at least 20 to 30 per cent of
every marine habitat should be protected from all fishing. "Meeting this
commitment to marine protection will require international effort on an
unprecedented scale," said Andrew Balmford, lead author of the study, "Just
half a percent of the sea lies within marine parks today, compared to 12 per
cent of the land."
Balmford and colleagues surveyed the running costs of 83 well-managed marine
parks worldwide. Annual spending varied enormously, from a few 10s of US
dollars to US$28 million per square kilometre per year. "Costs were higher
for parks that were smaller, closer to coasts, and in high-cost, developed
countries," said Pippa Gravestock, co-author of the study. "However, parks
surveyed said their present income only accounted for half the amount needed
to achieve ideal management standards."
Taking into account the present income shortfall, the study estimated the
running costs of a global system of marine parks that would protect 20 to 30
per cent of the world's seas. Costs lay between US$5 billion and US$19
billion annually, depending on what assumptions were made. The most likely
range of figures was US$12.4 to 13.9 billion for 30 per cent coverage and
US$9.5 to 10.4 billion for 20 per cent coverage.
Can the world afford this ambitious marine park system? Estimated costs are
far in excess of current expenditure on marine parks, but such an investment
would help safeguard, and over time increase, a global fish catch worth
US$70 to 80 billion per year. It would ensure the sustained delivery of
marine ecosystem services probably worth US$7000 billion each year. Most
notably, such an ambitious marine park programme could be instituted for
less than the US$15 to $30 billion already spent each year on economically
and environmentally damaging subsidies to commercial fisheries.
Those subsidies support excess capacity in fisheries that might provide
short-term job security, but carry major longer-term costs and risks. By
contrast, "A marine park system covering 20 to 30 per cent of the globe
would create between 830,000 and 1.1 million fulltime jobs. Both these
figures likely far exceed the jobs supported by present fishery subsidies",
said Balmford.
The estimated cost of parks does not take any account of expected gains from
protected areas to fisheries. "Marine parks promote the recovery of fish
stocks within their borders and export fish and their offspring into fishing
grounds," said Professor Callum Roberts. "In places like the Philippines and
St. Lucia, well managed parks have doubled catches in surrounding
fisheries". Even a 20 per cent catch enhancement arising from the global
park system, a conservative estimate of benefits, would pay for management
costs.
Costs of protecting marine life and sustaining fisheries are modest compared
with what the world spends on luxuries. At present, people in the United
States spend an estimated $20 billion a year on ice cream, while Europeans
spend $11 billion. People spend around $18 billion worldwide on make-up, $15
billion on perfumes and $14 billion on ocean cruises (Source: State of the
World 2004).
-----------
4. Global trade rules for seahorses take effect, Minimum size limit
introduced
(From Project Seahorse, Press Release)
Starting May 15, new global trade rules took effect for all species of
seahorses. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of
Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) added seahorses to Appendix II of the treaty in
2002, but delayed implementing the listing until now.
The listing means any member country wishing to export seahorses will have
to demonstrate that no wild populations are harmed by the trade. For many
countries, the "Non-Detriment Finding" tool of choice will be a minimum size
limit, proposed by Project Seahorse and accepted by the CITES technical
committee on animals earlier this year.
The size limit -- a height of 10 centimetres (4 inches) -- falls between
size at maturity and maximum size for most species (see figure). This
reflects a trade-off between ensuring persistence of wild seahorse
populations and the need for continued trade. In fact, a minimum height of
10 cm offers protection to all but one species. It also allows continued
exports in all but one currently traded species.
As the first marine fishes of commercial significance to be listed by CITES,
seahorses are setting important precedents in the international effort to
ensure sustainable trade and protect ocean ecosystems.
To assist Customs agents with the new regulations, TRAFFIC and Project
Seahorse have produced a new identification guide to seahorses.
-----------
5. JAPAN CHANGES TRACK ON FISH SUBSIDIES
Financial Times (London, England)
By Frances Williams
June 9, 2004
Japan has dropped its opposition to curbs on fishing subsidies in the World
Trade Organisation, a shift that environmental groups say marks a
breakthrough in the current negotiations.
In a paper presented yesterday to the group negotiating possible changes in
WTO subsidy rules, Japan acknowledges that fishing subsidies can contribute
to the depletion of global fish stocks and sets out an approach for tackling
them.
This marks an about-turn from Japan's previous position that overfishing
should be tackled by fishery management policies.
According to United Nations estimates, 75 per cent of the world's major
fisheries are either depleted or fished to the brink. Subsidies to the
fishing industry total more than Dollars 15bn (Euros 12.2bn, Pounds 8.1bn) a
year worldwide - nearly 20 per cent of industry revenue.
WWF International, the Swiss-based conservation group, yesterday released
its own blueprint for eliminating the subsidies that drive overfishing.
David Schorr, WWF senior fellow, said the political dynamic of the talks had
shifted significantly since the start of the Doha round in 2001. Then, the
European Union and Japan, among the world's biggest subsidisers, were
opposed to tighter curbs on aid to fisheries.
The EU had recently become a strong advocate of new subsidy rules. Now Japan
had dropped its "just-say-no" approach and decided to engage in the talks,
Mr Schorr said. South Korea, Taiwan and China, which previously backed
Japan, expressed support for its new position yesterday.
The Japanese paper proposes a restricted list of prohibited subsidies that
contribute to overcapacity of shipping fleets, in contrast to the "blanket
ban" (with limited exceptions) on all subsidies proposed in April by New
Zealand, a member of the group known as "Friends of Fish" that includes the
US. www.panda.org/trade <http://www.panda.org/trade>
-----------
C/o Kalpavriksh
Apt. 5, Sri Dutta Krupa
908 Deccan Gymkhana,
Pune 411004
Tel: 020 - 25654239 / 25675450
Fax: 25654239
Andaman EXpress
July 30, 2004
Salman new In-charge of A&N Congress
New Delhi, July 27:
The Indian National Congress has allocated responsibilities to the newly
appointed secretaries of the All India Congress Committee, which comprises
party delegates from across the country.
According to the information received here, Salman Khurshid, will be in
charge of Chattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, West Bengal and the Andaman
and Nicobar Islands and will get a helping hand from BN Khuntia and KB
Krishnamurthy.
C/o Kalpavriksh
Apt. 5, Sri Dutta Krupa
908 Deccan Gymkhana,
Pune 411004
Tel: 020 - 25654239 / 25675450
Fax: 25654239
Dear Venkat,
I do support your views. Rather, I strongly feel that
we have lot of things to learn from these tribals -
specially how to co-exist with nature which they are
doing for such long period without doing any harm to
the ecology.
Regards
Gautam Choudhury
--- unnati <unnati@...> wrote:
---------------------------------
well said, sumant. i couldn't agree more.
let us leave the tribals alone and let them decide how
they want to live.
Before we feel we are in a superior position to bring
prosperity or a
'better' way of life for them, let us do something
about the mess we have
made for them and clean up the land and the seas of
our trash and leave
them the way we found them when we set foot there. and
let us not invade
them with our brute majority and its horrendous ways.
to take a sidetrack,
for it shows how pervasive is the power of the
aggressive majority, even
those communities in the mianland, that never took
dowry have fallen victim
to the practice and its tenacles, in a matter of a
decade. now, imagine a
jarawa man demanding a motorbike or a washing machine
of his in-laws, and
if his demands are not met, burning his wife to
death! or getting the
female foetus aborted for only sons are wanted. if we
mainlanders impose
outselves on them, i fear for that society becoming
like ours--
uncivilised, undignified and brutal.
i feel one important issue that needs to be resolved
is how does one
approach the knowledge wealth of tribals and other
communities, what should
our conduct be, and if we learn from them, what do we
give in return and
how do we share the knowledge wealth we have gathered
from them?
shree venkatram
.---------
> From: sumant_jo@...
> To: andamanicobar@...
> Subject: [andamanicobar] Re: Community Participation
in A & N
> Date: Friday, August 06, 2004 8:50 PM
>
> Dear Mr Raj,
>
> The point I want to make is that some people seem to
think tourism is
> the solution for such places as the andamans. People
come, see nature
> and go. simple isn't it? I mean, clean and eco
friendly and all that.
> But then you have to provide infrastructure. People
have to stay
> somewhere and well, defecate and throw beer bottles
around etc. etc.
> Then this pristine place which is not so pristine
anymore, gets
> garbage, plastic bottles (jarawas have started using
them too). As
> far as the Jarawas and "community tourism" are
concerned it boggles
> my mind to even think about it. Obviously we are not
considering the
> the Jarawas' frame of reference. I mean why should
the jarawa do it?
> Someone who has everything he needs right around
him. If he wants one
> fish he doesn't kill ten. I guess we have to educate
him about how to
> be greedy. And after all what is this tourism being
promoted for?
> Obviously some one wants to make money. Agreed, the
local economy
> needs money to run. If there are people who are
responsible and can
> ensure "safe tourism" (I don't know what that
means), maybe it can be
> done. But we are so notorious at breaking rules that
the whole thing
> seems dicidedly disastrous. In this regard, please
refer to article
> no 124. Someone wanted the jarawas to be part of
"pristine nature"
> etc etc. This is the kind of ignorant thinking which
has killed the
> aboriginals. For gods sake, these are people, not
monkeys and the
> Andamans are not a Zoo. The lesson we haven't learnt
is that these
> people are dying out due to dieases introduced by
us. At least let
> them make an informed choice. The sentinalese have
done so. They see
> airplanes and ships but have no intention of
"joining the
> mainstream". They probably consider their stream as
THE mainstream.
> Would you like to join? The inevitable integration
will follow, by
> which time hopefully, they have developed sufficient
resistance. You
> say "it takes generations to create a responsible
tourist" that is
> all the more reason to stay away. Please read
Madhusree Mukherjee's
> book on the subject. Please try to understand that
the Tribals of the
> Andamans are not your tribals on main land. No doubt
the tribals on
> main land are facing the same problems viz. loss of
identity, culture
> etc etc. No doubt NGOs here are doing excellent
work. But why has it
> become necessary for the NGOs to help them in the
first place, it is
> because the "dominant cultures" have stolen their
land and means of
> livelyhood. Spare the Jarawas that. They are not
malnourished, in
> fact lots of outsiders look malnourished in
comparison. The Ongies
> are well on their way to extinction, so now one more
island will be
> open for exploitaion and destruction. It is just a
matter of time.
>
> Look at the American Indians and see what "community
tourism" has
> done to them.
>
> So what we should do is shut down the ATR, fence off
the Jarawa
> areas. Stop all contacts unless they want it. Keep
"doing" tourism in
> other selected Islands. But LEAVE THE TRIBALS ALONE.
The Jarawa does
> not need any NGO to come and help. If they want it
let them ask. In
> the meanwhile we should ask them for some help, in
understanding
> nature, medicines, birth control and some lessons on
civilisation
> would do us good for a start.
>
> I think all this talk of "community tourism" is
nothing but a way of
> making money. Imagine a Jarawa guide. What would he
show you? His
> hut? woman, child? Then what happens? You pay him,
with what? Money?
> To him a 500 rupee note is as good as kitchen midden
trash.
>
> Please do not promote "community tourism" in any
way.
>
> What more can I say
>
>
> Regards,
>
> Sumant
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
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well said, sumant. i couldn't agree more.
let us leave the tribals alone and let them decide how they want to live.
Before we feel we are in a superior position to bring prosperity or a
'better' way of life for them, let us do something about the mess we have
made for them and clean up the land and the seas of our trash and leave
them the way we found them when we set foot there. and let us not invade
them with our brute majority and its horrendous ways. to take a sidetrack,
for it shows how pervasive is the power of the aggressive majority, even
those communities in the mianland, that never took dowry have fallen victim
to the practice and its tenacles, in a matter of a decade. now, imagine a
jarawa man demanding a motorbike or a washing machine of his in-laws, and
if his demands are not met, burning his wife to death! or getting the
female foetus aborted for only sons are wanted. if we mainlanders impose
outselves on them, i fear for that society becoming like ours--
uncivilised, undignified and brutal.
i feel one important issue that needs to be resolved is how does one
approach the knowledge wealth of tribals and other communities, what should
our conduct be, and if we learn from them, what do we give in return and
how do we share the knowledge wealth we have gathered from them?
shree venkatram
.---------
> From: sumant_jo@...
> To: andamanicobar@...
> Subject: [andamanicobar] Re: Community Participation in A & N
> Date: Friday, August 06, 2004 8:50 PM
>
> Dear Mr Raj,
>
> The point I want to make is that some people seem to think tourism is
> the solution for such places as the andamans. People come, see nature
> and go. simple isn't it? I mean, clean and eco friendly and all that.
> But then you have to provide infrastructure. People have to stay
> somewhere and well, defecate and throw beer bottles around etc. etc.
> Then this pristine place which is not so pristine anymore, gets
> garbage, plastic bottles (jarawas have started using them too). As
> far as the Jarawas and "community tourism" are concerned it boggles
> my mind to even think about it. Obviously we are not considering the
> the Jarawas' frame of reference. I mean why should the jarawa do it?
> Someone who has everything he needs right around him. If he wants one
> fish he doesn't kill ten. I guess we have to educate him about how to
> be greedy. And after all what is this tourism being promoted for?
> Obviously some one wants to make money. Agreed, the local economy
> needs money to run. If there are people who are responsible and can
> ensure "safe tourism" (I don't know what that means), maybe it can be
> done. But we are so notorious at breaking rules that the whole thing
> seems dicidedly disastrous. In this regard, please refer to article
> no 124. Someone wanted the jarawas to be part of "pristine nature"
> etc etc. This is the kind of ignorant thinking which has killed the
> aboriginals. For gods sake, these are people, not monkeys and the
> Andamans are not a Zoo. The lesson we haven't learnt is that these
> people are dying out due to dieases introduced by us. At least let
> them make an informed choice. The sentinalese have done so. They see
> airplanes and ships but have no intention of "joining the
> mainstream". They probably consider their stream as THE mainstream.
> Would you like to join? The inevitable integration will follow, by
> which time hopefully, they have developed sufficient resistance. You
> say "it takes generations to create a responsible tourist" that is
> all the more reason to stay away. Please read Madhusree Mukherjee's
> book on the subject. Please try to understand that the Tribals of the
> Andamans are not your tribals on main land. No doubt the tribals on
> main land are facing the same problems viz. loss of identity, culture
> etc etc. No doubt NGOs here are doing excellent work. But why has it
> become necessary for the NGOs to help them in the first place, it is
> because the "dominant cultures" have stolen their land and means of
> livelyhood. Spare the Jarawas that. They are not malnourished, in
> fact lots of outsiders look malnourished in comparison. The Ongies
> are well on their way to extinction, so now one more island will be
> open for exploitaion and destruction. It is just a matter of time.
>
> Look at the American Indians and see what "community tourism" has
> done to them.
>
> So what we should do is shut down the ATR, fence off the Jarawa
> areas. Stop all contacts unless they want it. Keep "doing" tourism in
> other selected Islands. But LEAVE THE TRIBALS ALONE. The Jarawa does
> not need any NGO to come and help. If they want it let them ask. In
> the meanwhile we should ask them for some help, in understanding
> nature, medicines, birth control and some lessons on civilisation
> would do us good for a start.
>
> I think all this talk of "community tourism" is nothing but a way of
> making money. Imagine a Jarawa guide. What would he show you? His
> hut? woman, child? Then what happens? You pay him, with what? Money?
> To him a 500 rupee note is as good as kitchen midden trash.
>
> Please do not promote "community tourism" in any way.
>
> What more can I say
>
>
> Regards,
>
> Sumant
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
I agree it is scary. Can you tell us more about the Taj MOU mentioned?
As soon as the dollars start shining, it is often forgotten that in the
PAs, tourism is supposed to take second seat to wildlife. National
Wildlife Action Plan clearly states "in case of any conflict between
tourism and conservation interests of a PA, the paradigm for decision
must be that tourism exists for the park and not parks for tourism and
that tourism demands must be subservient to and in consonance with the
conservation interests of PA and all wildlife." It also states that
"...maximisation of income must never become the main goal of tourism,
which should remain essentially to impart education and respect for
nature." But this is rarely remembered.
The clearing of trees for better viewing mentioned by Anant was a
pivotal issue in the case on Panna National Park (M.P.) taken (by WPSI)
to the Central Empowered Committee of the Supreme Court recently.
Kilometres of roadside trees had been cut in tourist areas in this dry
deciduous area (1500 cuts trees were counted in only a one kilometre
stretch!). Decades old trees growing out from cliffs had been cut at
tourist view points - some "education and respect for nature" those
stumps give visitors!
The CEC visited Panna and were shocked at the Management's activities. A
stiff report was sent to the State Government on the matter.
Subsequently in early July a circular/letter was sent to all Chief
Secretaries, PCCFs and CWWs regarding 'strict compliance' of the Supreme
Court order dated 14.2.2000 in IA No. 548 in Civil Writ Petition No
202/95. I think it may be worth publicising this here.
The letter reminds them that by the 14th February 2000 order the Supreme
Court "has prohibited removal of dead, dying, diseased trees etc from
any National Park and Sanctuary (protected areas). Even the removal of
grass etc from NPs and Sanc.s has been prohibited. In view of the above
order, any non-forestry activity, felling of trees/bamboo, removal of
biomass, miscellaneous construction activities etc in the protected area
are not permissible without prior permission of the Hon'ble Supreme
Court."
The letter notes that a number of instances have come to their notice
"where tree/bamboo felling, digging of canals, mining, underground
mining, collection of sand/boulders, laying of transmission
lines/optical fibre cable/pipelines, cutting of grass, collection of
minor forest produce, grazing, construction / widening of roads etc have
been allowed to be undertaken in the protected areas without obtaining
permission from the Hon'ble Supreme Court on the pleas that these
activities are part of the management plans."
The letter goes on to request "strict compliance" ... "so that none of
the above prohibited activities are allowed tobe taken in the protected
areas."
It is up to all of us to ensure forest / tourism departments etc comply.
Violations can be brought to the CEC.
Sorry, this is a slight tangent to the Andamanicobar debates but perhaps
of some relevance...
Joanna
----- Original Message -----
From: <ganant@...>
To: <andamanicobar@...>
Sent: Thursday, August 05, 2004 6:15 PM
Subject: Re: [andamanicobar] a&n for film shoots
>
>
> It is really scary the way policymakers are targeting nature in the
country to further the interests of the entertainment and hospitality
industry.
>
> After enduring the distortions of an era when forests were treated as
economic resources to be "exploited" for monetised development, the
sanctuaries and national parks must now ward off threats from hotel
chains and film lobbies.
>
> Only this morning, the newspapers carry reports of an MoU between the
Taj group and a South African promoter, to take "sustainable" tourism
into the sanctuaries and forests. The plan includes construction of new
dwellings and possibly clearing of paths so that the "top end" visitors
get a better view of the "game" in the monsoon tropics, savannah style
(that is without trees 'obstructing' the view).
>
> Everyone talks of the untapped potential of the forests, in promoting
tourism. If the result of such policies is loss of biodiversity and
habitat, in turn affecting climate and resulting in landslides, drought,
floods and dwindling species survival rates, that's too bad.
>
> It is clear as daylight that the lobbies are able to have their way
with the Environment Ministry, when genuine researchers are not able to
get permissions to conduct austere field studies that do not involve any
construction, destruction, sewage outfalls, pollution and other forms of
degradation.
>
> The Tamil Nadu Government has already laid waste most of Kodaikanal
and adjoining Berijam forest due to filming activity and forced part of
the Anamamalais to endure the same fate. Ooty is today a
conservationists nightmare. The Mahabaleshwar tract is also a classic
case of tourists overrunning forests and degrading them. Now the heat is
turning on for the Andamans.
>
> Someone says the current head of the Environment and Forests Ministry,
the Secretary, is an economist, who is always trying to fix economic
"tags" to the forest wealth, as if they are part of a shopping mall. All
conservation arguments appear to the Ministry as "extremist" and
"absolutist."
>
> We need a bureaucracy that is managed by scientists and not by those
who feel it their duty to farm out the forests to commerce.
>
> Anant
>
>
>
> G.Ananthakrishnan,Editor-Internet Edn
> The Hindu, 859, Anna Salai, Chennai 600002 INDIA
> www.hinduonnet.com
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Hi Friends!
I have been fllowing the groups discussion. May i ask
you a question as to how many of you belong to the
Islands? I am asking this question because I feel that
no concrete results can be achieved with out
involving the local population. To say one can keep
discussing like any other issue ie of concern .-
CHERRY
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