The Amazon Conservation Team (ACT) welcomes the Constitutional Court’s decision last week to uphold Decree 1275 of 2024, a national framework that strengthens and legitimizes the role of Indigenous authorities in leading environmental management across their territories.
For nearly 30 years, ACT has worked alongside Indigenous peoples to protect the Amazon through community-led, culturally grounded conservation. The Court’s decision validates the work already underway and provides clearer pathways and coordination mechanisms that will make this work even more effective.
“For us, this is a historic milestone in Colombia and a collective victory that opens the door for us to support the implementation of the decree with even greater strength next year,” said Juana Hofman, ACT’s Technical Director, who led the legal strategy supporting Decree 1275.
Why the Decision Matters
The ruling confirms the authority of Indigenous communities to oversee environmental protection in their territories and strengthens coordination with government environmental agencies. It also ensures transparency and safeguards for non-Indigenous people—clarifications that help the decree function smoothly and support ongoing conservation efforts.
What This Means for Indigenous Communities and ACT
With Decree 1275 upheld, Indigenous authorities now have stronger, clearer powers to protect their territories—formal recognition of a role they have always held as guardians of the environment, including vital protected areas and sacred sites. These strengthened authorities will improve oversight and safeguard key ecosystems. ACT will continue to support these efforts at the request of Indigenous partners.
Fore more information
Contact: Communications@amazonteam.org
