The survival of the Jarawa tribe, on the Andaman Islands in India, is threatened by the construction of a luxury resort by Barefoot India, a so-called ‘environmentally friendly’ tourism company.
The Jarawa tribe has only had outside contact since 1998, and the 320 members are being affected by poaching on their land, pressure from settlers and loggers, and exposure to diseases, alcohol, and possible sexual exploitation.
“One has to wonder why Barefoot is building a hotel so close to the Jarawa, if it is not to allow tourists the opportunity to intrude into their lives. It will also bring an influx of workers and settlers to the area, increasing the considerable pressure on the Jarawa and their land. And it will risk exposing them to diseases to which they have no immunity, and to alcohol, which has ravaged other tribes on the Andamans and elsewhere.” – Sophie Grig, Survival International
The new resort, an offshoot of an existing Barefoot resort, is being built only 500 meters from the reserve set aside by the Indian government for the Jarawa. Local government officials are appealing a court ruling from Calcutta which gave the go-ahead on the project.
“The resort is next to a path the Jarawa use regularly as they hunt and gather in the forest. There is no way Barefoot could avoid putting at serious risk the lives of these extremely vulnerable people, whose existence is already threatened by poachers invading their land and by the road that cuts through their forest.” – Grig
Survival has been working to protect the tribe’s land and hold the Indian government to its policy of minimum outside intervention, and was instrumental in keeping the nomadic tribe from being forcibly settled. To donate to the campaign or send a letter to the Indian government, see Survival’s Jarawa page.
For more information on the effects of contact on isolated tribes, read the group’s report Progress Can Kill.
Image: Venkatesh K at Flickr under Creative Commons License
About Derek Markham
I have stayed at the resort in question, and can say with conviction that the article is based on some obious falsehoods. The resort is more than 3 kilometers away from the tribal reserve and there is no interaction at all between resort guests and the jarawa, and in fact the resort stresses repeatedly that any guest who attempts to contact the Jarawa will be evicted and reported to the police.
The location is stunningly beautiful, with an amazing beach and gorgeous sunsets across the water, with good snorkeling opportunities
There is no question of any Jarawa hunting path in the vicinity.
I have brought this article to the notice of Barefoot who have advised that they shall be posting a response to this article (to Survival Internation) on their website as well
I have stayed at the resort in question, and can say with conviction that the article is based on some obious falsehoods. The resort is more than 3 kilometers away from the tribal reserve and there is no interaction at all between resort guests and the jarawa, and in fact the resort stresses repeatedly that any guest who attempts to contact the Jarawa will be evicted and reported to the police.
The location is stunningly beautiful, with an amazing beach and gorgeous sunsets across the water, with good snorkeling opportunities
There is no question of any Jarawa hunting path in the vicinity.
I have brought this article to the notice of Barefoot who have advised that they shall be posting a response to this article (to Survival Internation) on their website as well
Additional action which may be helpful is for as many people as possible (by networking with their personal and business contacts) to find the web site or address of the Barefoot India organization. Compose an individual or group letter to voice concern for the invasion and exploitation of these people and record a decided reluctance to visit such a site precisely because of its negative impacts on the lives of these people. There are, of course, many resorts which can offer a very pleasant experience without risk of such negative consequences. The bottom line is generally a strong motivator. Such correspondence can be shared with Survival International to bolster their current relationship with the regulating bodies there. There may be other NGO’s involved in this area as well. Check with the groups you regularly donate to and see if they are involved and if so, how closely and to what effect before sending a check. Similar, respectful correspondence to the Indian Consulate on behalf of these peoples would also not go amiss.
This is, of course, just another in the long line of groups of peoples whose lives are forever changed by the incursion of another tribe or tribes into their historical territory. The negative impacts are invariably tragic in some ways. Would that all people be able to respect and cause no harm, but such is rarely the case, even when harm is unintentional. The Indian Government is apparently doing its best to forestall what may be inevitable. It usually takes an educated member of a tribe to learn how to protect his or her people from the worst elements of the “new” world’s effects (disease, alcohol dangers to its women and corruption of social values). Proponents from outside the group are generally more effective when they are members of the nearest surrounding communities. Regulations have to be backed up by supervision (both by and with local law enforcement and regulatory forces). It is a difficult task, but not impossible. Assimilation of these peoples into a more modern society may be unavoidable at some point, but care can and should be taken to preserve their integrity.
We also know from experiences around the globe that the knowledge these people will have about the environment they have thrived in and cared for over the centuries is incredibly valuable to all of us.
Paul, Thank you for your on-site report of this location. I think I will still visit the sites mentioned above out of curiosity to see what their perspective is and I do wonder about the source for the above article. There is a great deal of information available on the internet, some more and some less than accurate. I am glad to hear that your experience indicates that there is, indeed, a great deal of local care being taken to safeguard this group. Thank you for posting your experience here.
The Article on Survival International with regard to the resort in question makes note of a June 19, 2009 meeting in Calcutta. The resort which was the subject of this meeting had not been completed. There is another resort owned by Barefoot located on a different location in the Andamans. Perhaps this is the one visited by Mr. Markham.
In the video footage on Survival Int’l's site, I did note the western clothing worn by the young tribe members, along with their obvious delight at the attention and filming. Their spokesperson voiced complaints of turtles being taken by Burmese people, indicating competition between the two groups for a favorite food (and probably income) resource. No mention was made of concerns about a resort in that video. These folks appear already to have had considerable contact with the “outside” world and are aware of the efforts on their behalf. It would appear that the Indian government, thru efforts on behalf of the tribe has decided to take a more considerate approach to allowing the tribe to decide on its own lifestyle. In the meantime, one of the concerns that arises for me is the danger of contracting measles and other communicable diseases. Surely vaccinatons could be offered to avoid the perils of common diseases which certainly can pose a serious threat to the continued existence of the Jarawa. Next on my list is to contact Survival International to investigate whether efforts are being made to address this issue and investigate other health organizations who may be able to provide this service.
California Reader:
I visited the resort in question (at Collinpur Village). Whereas I can say for sure that this is much more than 500m away from Jarawa land, I cannot guarantee the 3km number but this is what i was told by Barefoot staff at the time i stayed. However, with regard to the distance, I do say this for sure: 3km is far closer to the truth than 500m.
The other Barefoot resort you mention is their resort at Havelock (where I have also stayed). This is perhaps 75kms away from Collinpur Village and on a completely different island from where the Reserves are, so no, I haven’t gotten it mixed up.
My point is that the article above reads completely false to anyone who is in the know. I was there, the location is stunning, there were no Jarawa and I was warned by the staff to stay away from contact. I was in fact pretty much interviewed by the management at Havelock – one of the local directors of Barefoot, but I can’t remember his name – before being informed about their secret hideaway near Port Blair and was offered a chance to stay there at the end of my holiday in December 2008. I was warned not to attempt to go to the Jarawa Reserve and told that I should shun all contact with them even if perchance I saw them at the Collinpur Village
Barefoot struck me as being very earthy and very in tune with their surroundings. They lacked a lot in finer touches as far as resorts go but make up for it big time in character
I called Barefoot reservations after reading this article online. Not to question – I have been there and know the score – but to tell them that you had this article up and that they must respond. I wish them well.
You are right about the fact that the Jarawa are not the “Isolated Tribe” that the article claims – I actually took a bus through their Reserve on my way from Rangat to Colinpur. The Jarawa interact freely with local Indians at the checkposts and on the ferry crossing points and they seem to speak the local language as they could converse at length with the Indians there. And yes, most of them wore clothes – one even stole my cap and my girlfriends bar of diary milk chocolate.
However, I notice with concern your first reaction to this article, which was to assume the worst about Barefoot and go for the kill.
I fear for them: no matter what the truth actuially is, no one will believe them. Such is the power of media and of the printed word.
Anyway, I’m glad I enjoyed Barefoot when I did. I hope they survive this undeserved negative publicity. And I will go back to show my support
Never been to these resorts but I have stayed in Port Blair and visited Jolly Bouy & Red Skin years back. Some of the most fantastic snorkeling to be found.
We were diving which was a little hazardous 15 years back due to the poor condition of equipment available on the island – oil & sea water in the cylinders etc – we spent the first day repairing the available equipment but the diving was great.
Funny thing was that those snorkeling only saw as much as we did diving – many reefs were very shallow and spectacular.
Even if the Barefoot resort were more than 3km from the reserve (which we don’t accept), it changes nothing. The Andamans administration believes that a 5km buffer zone around the Jarawa reserve is necessary to prevent disease.
We reject Barefoot’s claims that Survival’s press release was inaccurate. Any development so close to the Jarawa’s reserve will pose a grave danger to such an isolated people. The fact that Barefoot’s guests are largely an international clientele who will have stepped off airliners only a few hours previously, and will therefore be carriers of a variety of infectious diseases from all corners of the globe, hugely increases the risk.
Survival will continue to vigorously oppose Barefoot’s resort. To Samit of Barefoot, we say: your clients should quite simply not be there and your resort should be closed.
Toby
–
Survival International
Hi Toby, I would love to return to the Andaman & Nicobar islands and am not whatsoever interested in your babble.
Best Regards,
Russ
california reader, It will also interest you to know that the Jarawa in the video speak Hindi NOT any Jarawa language for the first part of the video. Mid-way through the video, they are prompted by a voice (off-screen) to speak in their own language. The Jarawa interviewed are by no stretch of imagination “isolated”.
It is also relevant to note that Survival International has used the services of Thierry Falise. (See Photo Credits on Survival web site.)
http://www.survival.es/files/pressroom/37_89_364_BAU%20jarawa%20jul%2005.pdf
Thierry Falise, is a Bangkok based Journalist, who undoubtedly was INSIDE the Jarawa reserve while taking photos.
http://www.thierryfalise.com/www/Jarawas_page.html
Is it Survival International’s tenuous position that the Barefoot resort over 3km OUTSIDE the several hundred square km Jarawa reserve is somehow of greater danger than Thierry Felise INSIDE the reserve?
Toby, Would you care to respond?
In regards to the video, some time ago a Survival fieldworker was travelling with some government officials and others when the group was approached by a few Jarawa, outside the Reserve. The Jarawa wanted to complain about poacher encroachment and our fieldworker was asked to videotape the incident, specifically to draw attention to this serious problem. She was not the only one present who photographed the event. What is important about this recording is that it allows the Jarawa their own voice on an international stage for the first time.
The photographs Survival uses of Jarawa were donated to us; we have not paid for them, nor did we commission them. No Survival staff member has entered the Jarawa reserve illegally.
The real issue here is that tourists, having stepped off airliners shortly before their arrival at the resort, will be particularly likely to be carrying pathogens potentially fatal to peoples with low immunity. The swine flu pandemic can only increase the danger that they pose to the Jarawa.
Have been trying to post some comments here, but seems it is not possible… is this a systematic commenting system only allowed to some people, or is the public allowed to respond?
Raj
I was stunned by going through the supporting documents in there response. one of the justification was DEW DALE RESORT BARATANG – STARTED IN 2007 AFTER THE ADMINISTRATION SERVED NOTICE TO BAREFOOT AND PROJECT CLEARED BY DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM – THIS IS LOCATED APPROX 2.7 KM FROM THE JARAWA TRIBAL RESERVE.
But I would like to clarify to Barefoot that I have stayed in Dew Dale in Baratang Island in Jan 2008. It the first resort in Baratang and a well made effort. And Baratang Island is entirely a different Island and in no way it can be justified that Dew Dale is nearer to Jarawa reserve than their Collinpur Resort which appears to be just 3 Kms. Moreover Dew Dale Resorts in Baratang is located at 6 Kms from the Jetty of Nilambur in Baratang Island. I would like to suggest Barefoot that they should not justify their location in Collinpur by simply pointing at others like Dew Dale Resorts who have really put in a sincere effort for tourism development in Baratang Island. I am giving herewith the link of this simple but well made property so that it will be easy for all of us to decide.
http://www.dewdaleresorts.com
Dear Maxel
I contacted Barefoot for clarification on Dew Dale Resort(info@barefootindia.com).
Their response was as follows: “In the same manner that you say that Dew Dale is ’6 km from Nilambur jetty’, Barefoot’s Colinpur property is perhaps 10km from Jarawa reserve i.e. these distances refer to the distance by sealed road in both cases (winding road).”
On another note, I too have seen although not stayed at Dew Dale Resort – it is visible along the ATR.
The distance of 3 km and 2.7 km variously mentioned in regard to both resorts is apparently the aerial distance.
Barefoot management can speak for themselves, but I don’t believe they presented the evidence as an act against Dew Dale resort; just as inconsistency of approach of the government and of Survival International.
I am sure Dew Dale is as wonderful a resort as you describe.
Have you been to Colinpur, Maxel? I would say that Barefoot have put in sincere effort for tourism development in various geographic locations across the Andaman Islands. Based on what I have experienced first hand and their eco credentials presented online as part of this spat, I hav eno hesitation in endorsing them.
I don’t think this should be viewed as a Barefoot vs Dew Dale debate – that does not seem tobe anyone’s intention. And it seems to me that that is only a very small part of the overall argument Barefoot has made.
I perceive that, like me, you have had a fantastic experience in Andaman, down in no small part to the management of your resort. So we have that in common for sure. Wonderful place, and I am now motivated to go back at the earliest
While I may not be as knowledgable as some of you for I am still in school, I am going to have to agree with Toby on this matter. I do not beleive that we have any right to be so near the Jarawa tribes reserve. While some argue that you travelled through their reserve and it was fine, in my studies I found that the road was supposed to be closed according to the indian government and that it continued to stay open due to lack of enforcement. I dont think that a resort should be taking advantage of this road to transport tourists who could be carrying diseas through their reserve.
After careful examination of the whole episode one can only think that the red-tapism in Andaman Islands is at its heights. They are behind the private investors to get some ransom who have really put in sincere efforts in promoting tourism and economic & social upliftment of some rural areas. Even in Schools as student mentioned they are being taught that when one travels in a car/ bus on ATR/ collinpur through the Jarawa reserve the Jarawas get infected with Certain diseases. Is it correct? Which disease is having such spreading power without any close contact? The Scools are misguiding you my dear student. You may not be aware the same administration under the nose of Secretary, Tribal welfare is conducting trips to Jarawa area. Daily, illegally, more than 500 tourists are going inside the Jarawa reserve and returning back. After the Supreme court’s decision to restrict the traffic iside the Jarawa Reserve, there is a standing order of Administration that the road is closed for traffic returning on the same day. But more than 500 people are returning on the same day in collusion with the Secretary(Tribal Welfare) and the local Police. They may be making lot of money by closing their eyes in this. Closing the ATR which is the LIFELINE for people of North & Middle Andaman is not at all a justified and right decision but of course the illegal movement of 500 and odd tourists with the involvement of Corrupt Secretaries, should’nt it be stopped?
The whole issue with Barefoot is only the personal vengeance of one lady IAS officer. She issued some notification of Buffer Zone after they set up a resort in Collinpur. Since no law can take a retrospective effect Barefoot Challenged the notification. The High Court passed an order in favour of Barefoot. To satisfy her ego SURVIVAL INTERNATIONAL was brought into the whole episode. The administration under the leadership of this same lady officer went for an appeal against the High court order.
Now I would like to ask “Survival” are you really working for the benefit of primitive tribes or to satify the ego of these corrupt IAS officials of Andaman Islands. More than 20-30 Govt. vehicles are going to this place only to see the Jarawa people daily. Are they having any official duty there? Is this really a part of their official duty? Tourism department is operating bus services to Jarawa reserve daily in contrary to their own orders.
Moreover these Buses dont even have tourist permiit and dont even obtain a permit to cross the Jarawa check post so how are they taking tourists every day?
LOOK SURVIVAL, IF YOU REALLY WANT TO WORK FOR THE BENEFIT OF THIS JARAWA TRIBE WHY ARE YOU KEEPING MUM ON THIS ILLEGAL MOVEMENT OF MORE THAN 500 PEOPLE EVERYDAY TO THIS JARAWA RESERVE.THIS MASS TOURISM IS CERTAINLY GOING TO HAVE A BAD IMPACT ON THIS JARAWA TRIBE. DON’T SIMPLY WRITE A COMMENT IN SUCH A BLOG UNECESSARILY. JUST LEAVE BAREFOOT ALONE AND IF YOU REALLY HAVE GUTS, STOP THIS REGULAR ILLEGAL ACTIVITY WITHIN JARAWA RESERVE OTHERWISE DON’T GET INVOLVED IN SUCH CHEAP PUBILICITY STUNTS JUST TO SUPPORT SOME CORRUPT IAS OFFICERS.