Extreme natural disasters, particularly those induced by hydro-meteorological factors are not only
becoming more frequent, but their destructive potential is also increasing. Population explosion and
global warming are enhancing their adverse effect and hence, strengthening the coping capacity to
natural disasters is of particular concern to coastal communities. The Andaman and Nicobar archipelago
is of particular interest in view of its rich and unique diversity of fauna, flora, ethnic tribes and
their strategic location from the point of national security. In this article, it is emphasized that the
past (pre-tsunami) unsustainable development activities should be stopped, and a new ‘bioisland
paradigm’ of sustainable development should be ushered in. The vast marine resource base has a high
potential for sustainable livelihood and economic prosperity. In the past, forestry and agriculture
have been overexploited with detrimental consequences to ecology and sustainable livelihood. Disaster
preparedness, mitigation and management strategies need to be integrated with sustainable
development of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in order to enhance the natural-disaster coping
capacity and resilience of local communities.