Hoolock Gibbon Relocation Sparks Outcry in Northeast India
In a recent development that has raised concerns among local communities and conservationists, the Idu Mishmi Cultural and Literary Society (IMCLS) has objected to the unauthorized relocation of a Schedule-I hoolock gibbon family from private Idu Mishmi tribal land in Lower Dibang Valley district.
Indigenous Conservation Systems Undermined
The IMCLS has criticized the portrayal of the relocation as a rescue, arguing that the gibbons were neither stranded nor endangered. The society contends that such narratives undermine indigenous conservation systems that have ensured the coexistence and protection of wildlife, including the gibbon family, for generations.
Lack of Consent and Statutory Clearance
The relocation was reportedly carried out without obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent of the landowners, villagers, or customary institutions, as required by law. The absence of consent, statutory clearance, baseline ecological assessment, and post-relocation monitoring has raised concerns over the safety of the gibbon family.
Breach of Multiple Statutory Safeguards
The IMCLS claims that the relocation violates multiple statutory safeguards applicable to tribal land, community forest governance, and wildlife protection. These include the Forest Rights Act 2006, the Biological Diversity Act 2002, and the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.
Implications for Northeast India and Beyond
The disregard for community consent in Dibang Valley and Lower Dibang Valley districts, as shown in this incident, has broader implications for the Northeast region and India as a whole. It raises questions about the respect for indigenous rights and the need for meaningful dialogue with local communities before undertaking conservation initiatives.
A Call for Accountability and Respect for Community Protocols
The IMCLS has demanded an immediate halt to further wildlife relocations from Idu Mishmi villages and community lands, meaningful dialogue with the IMCLS-Research Ethics Review Board and villagers, recognition of community-based conservation, and mandatory adherence to Idu Mishmi ethical and consent protocols.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting indigenous rights and conservation systems in the Northeast region and beyond. As we strive for sustainable conservation efforts, it is crucial to engage with local communities and respect their customs and traditions.