NEW DELHI - Representatives of the Indian indigenous communities of the Jenu Kuruba, known worldwide as the "honey pickers" of Karnataka, have sent the US authorities the request to withdraw support for a project that would involve their eviction from the forests where they live for centuries.
The Jenu Kuruba, who live with the tigers in the Nagarhole Reserve, are worried about the financing, announced by the US agency Fish and Wildlife Service, in collaboration with the Indian section of the WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) of an Indian government project for "facilitate the voluntary transfer of indigenous families".
Survival International India writes, in a statement, that in recent years numerous family groups have been forced to move out of the area because they are left without alternatives: the association defines transfers as "forced evictions, illegal both under Indian law and according to that international". Stephen Corry, general manager of Survival International said today that "for a long time indigenous peoples have been considered" disposable "by large environmental conservation NGOs. But times are changing: NGOs must learn to treat people with respect".
In India 'honey pickers' at risk, appeal to the USA
2020-01-21T13:49:01.248Z
Representatives of the Indian indigenous communities of the Jenu Kuruba, known worldwide as the "honey pickers" of Karnataka, have addressed to the US authorities the request to withdraw support for a project that would involve their eviction from the forests where they have lived for centuries. (HANDLE)
