The Moken are a traditionally sea-oriented indigenous community living around parts of the Andaman Sea, particularly in areas around Myanmar and Thailand.

They have traditionally depended heavily on marine resources and possess extensive knowledge of the marine environment.

Key Pointers

  • Category: Anthropology / Environment
  • Also known as sea nomads in popular descriptions.
  • Associated with the Andaman Sea.
  • Traditional livelihood closely connected with:
    • Fishing
    • Diving
    • Marine resources
  • Traditionally semi-nomadic/seafaring.
  • Their traditional ecological knowledge is significant.
  • Climate change, coastal development and restrictions on traditional mobility can affect their livelihood.

Prelims Focus: Moken → Andaman Sea → sea-oriented indigenous community.