Vezo people

The Vezo is the term the semi-nomadic coastal people of southern Madagascar use to refer to people that have become accustomed to live from sea fishing. The Vezo speak a dialect of the Malagasy language, which is a branch of the Malayo-Polynesian language group derived from the Barito languages, spoken in southern Borneo. They currently populate most of the littoral zone along Madagascar’s west coast between Toliara and Mahajanga.

"Vezo" literally means the people who fish, but also has been known to mean 'to struggle with the sea'.

Ethnic identity

Vezo do not identify with a particular Malagasy ethnic group but instead with their way of life. They currently populate most of the littoral zone along Madagascar’s west coast between Toliara and Mahajanga. Like most other Madagascan ethnic groups, their origins can directly be traced to Asia. They have been known to state emphatically that they need have no common origin or shared essence with one another. Their identity is contextual and achieved by doing, embodied in learned skills such as fishing or swimming and the callouses they produce, rather than in blood, genes, or skin color. Because of their semi-nomadic marine migrations, their population is difficult to determine and has been estimated by counting the dugout canoes called pirogues (lakanas in Malagasy language) around Madagascar.

Zero Airport

Zero Airport or Ziro Airport (IATA: ZER, ICAO: VEZO) is located at Ziro in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, India. In the past, Vayudoot and Air India used to operate daily flights to the airport. Jet Airways showed interest in flying into the airport from Delhi, but did not commence operations.

A Pre-feasibility study was conducted by the Ministry of Civil Aviation for improving the airport to enable ATR-42 class aircraft in 2008. The study found it unfeasible to extend the 1220 metre runway to accommodate a 50-seater aircraft, due to unauthorized constructions along the boundary wall. It was proposed that a new runway measuring 2010 metres be built on land adjacent to the current runway and all airport structures like ATC tower, fire station and terminal building be relocated.

Airlines and destinations

No scheduled commercial air service at this time.

References