Jenu Kurubas from Karnataka take conservation fight to global forum in Kenya
Indigenous representatives from Karnataka's Jenu Kuruba community joined a global forum in Kenya to protest against conservation practices that displace tribal populations. They argue that corporate-led conservation and carbon credit schemes often lead to land grabbing and the violation of indigenous rights.
Why it matters
This highlights the growing global conflict between environmental conservation efforts and the land rights of indigenous communities.
“In the name of conservation, the Adivasi community is being subjected to violence and false cases, and our homes are being destroyed. Big NGOs and companies, in the name of carbon credits and conservation, want to occupy our land and promote tourism and other commercial activities. This is the story of many communities like ours across the world,” said Shivu J.A.
Mr. Shivu, 31, from the Jenu Kuruba community in the Nagarahole forest between Kodagu and Mysuru districts in Karnataka, was among the indigenous representatives from 16 countries across Africa, Asia and the Americas who participated in “Our Land, Our Nature” in Nairobi, Kenya.
The representatives included members of the Qom and Mbya Guarani communities from Argentina, Uchupiamona from Bolivia, Kua from Botswana, Bunong from Cambodia, Baka from Cameroon, Pasto from Colombia, Kichwa from Ecuador, Maasai from Tanzania, and Diné and Dakota from the United States.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in