Archive · 3 Dec 2025
Indigenous Resistance Against Nicobar Development Project
The Nicobarese people are fighting to protect their forests and islands from a big development project.
They believe the forests, seas, and even stones are alive with spirits and must be respected.
Their way of life depends on these beliefs, and they have many stories and rules to show how important it is to take care of nature.
The project threatens to cut down millions of trees and harm the animals and plants that live there.
The Nicobarese say that hurting nature will bring bad things, like storms and sickness.
They want people to learn from their wisdom and not destroy the last special places like Great Nicobar.
Indigenous communities, like the Nicobarese, view forests as sacred and essential to their identity and survival.
The Great Nicobar megaproject threatens to destroy ancient tropical forests and biodiversity hotspots.
Indigenous resistance to development is rooted in spiritual beliefs and sustainable practices.
The Nicobarese have cultural taboos and stories that teach respect for nature and the consequences of disrespect.
The project could lead to ecological disasters, including climate change, species extinction, and loss of carbon sinks.
- Who
- Indigenous communities of the Nicobar Islands, particularly the Nicobarese
- What
- Resistance against the Great Nicobar megaproject and development that threatens their forests and way of life
- When
- Ongoing, with historical context of resistance against colonization and post-independence development
- Where
- Great Nicobar Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
- Why
- To protect their ancestral lands, forests, and cultural heritage from destruction and to uphold their spiritual beliefs and sustainable practices
- Indigenous Population
- 6% of global population, 476 million people
- Territories
- 22% of planet's land surface
- Biodiversity
- 80% sustained by indigenous territories
- Great Nicobar Megaproject
- Threatens biodiversity hotspot and indigenous communities
- Sacred Sites
- Menchal and Meroë Islands (Pingaeyak and Piruii)
- Spiritual Beliefs
- Nature as sentient, interconnected being
- Ecological Impact
- Felling 10 million trees in ancient tropical forest