This early opportunity is strengthening Indigenous identity and protecting ancestral lands
By engaging with community members, the project aims to deeply understand how climate change and loss of land affects the traditional way of life in the area. The result was to design tools and strengthen governance structures that empower the communities to protect their land and natural resources from growing threats of deforestation.
through traditional, sustainable community growing plots, fish ponds and chicken programmes
in resource management, land-use and technical training
by promoting income generating activities, such as artisan projects for Yurutí women
income opportunities
and values through the recovery of traditional spaces and practices
on average annually
increasing biodiversity and preventing deforestation of ancestral territory
and governance structures
The project is protecting part of the Amazon rainforest, specifically the Great Vaupés reservation in southeastern Colombia by avoiding unplanned deforestation. This is achieved firstly by strengthening local governance structures according to the customs of the communities. Secondly, degraded areas of forest are restored with timber and fruit trees and endemic palms, this is reconnecting habitat for wildlife and facilitating the exchange of traditional knowledge linked to planting of species with cultural value. Thirdly, the project builds on traditional practices to create new sustainable income streams so indigenous communities can secure income without cutting down more forests; and sustainable, secure food systems to increase welfare.
With the Amazon increasingly under threat, empowering Indigenous communities, who have looked after their forests for millennia is the cornerstone to long-term conservation. Through the various project activities, the project is not only protecting the forest and wildlife of the Great Vaupés reservation, but also the rich, unique cultural heritage and knowledge of the region. The project helps the recovery of ancestral traditions and practices that strengthen indigenous identity and values by developing initiatives specifically for youth, women, the elderly.
