Posts by Antonio Peluso
Meet the Amazon Tapir: The Rainforest’s Gentle Giant
Every April 27, we celebrate World Tapir Day—a chance to shine a spotlight on one of the Amazon’s most unique and underappreciated animals: the tapir. Often described as a cross between a pig and an anteater, the Amazon tapir (also known as the South American tapir or lowland tapir) is neither. In fact, its closest…
Read MoreThe Jaguar: Guardian of the Amazon
In the heart of the Amazon rainforest, one elusive and powerful creature reigns supreme—the jaguar. Known as el tigre in much of South America, the jaguar is more than just an apex predator. Jaguar conservation in the Amazon is essential for the health and resilience of Amazonian ecosystems. The jaguar is also a sacred being…
Read MoreColombia Makes History: Legal Protection for Indigenous Peoples in Isolation
Colombia Makes History: Legal Protection for Isolated Indigenous peoples in Colombia In a groundbreaking move, the Colombian government has taken an unprecedented step to protect Indigenous Peoples Living in Isolation by defining their territory—with Indigenous allies, the Amazon Conservation Team (ACT), and a coalition of partner organizations playing central roles in fostering this historic resolution. Indigenous…
Read MoreThe Unresolved Fight For Indigenous Land Rights In Suriname: UPDATE
UPDATE: A Critical Moment With just over a month left in the current government’s term, recent legislative changes in Suriname threaten to halt enormous momentum toward finally codifying fundamental rights for the country’s Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in national law. These changes undermine international human rights commitments, including the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed…
Read MoreWhy Indigenous Land Rights Matter: A Powerful Message from the Amazon
An Indigenous Voice at a Global Event Imagine standing in front of some of the world’s most powerful business leaders and telling them they need to do better. That’s exactly what Telma Taurepang, an Indigenous leader from the Amazon and an Amazon Conservation Team – Brasil assembly member, did in London at the Terra Carta…
Read MoreThe Amazon Rainforest: Fascinating Facts About Its Importance and Biodiversity
The Amazon Rainforest represents one of the most vital ecosystems on Earth, home to an incredible variety of plants, animals, and indigenous tribes. As the world’s largest tropical rainforest, the Amazon is crucial not only for its biodiversity but also for its role in regulating the global climate and supporting human life. As a result,…
Read MoreStingless Beekeeping: A Sweet Solution for Culture and Community
Sustainable Stingless Beekeeping for Conservation In the heart of Suriname, Colombia and Brazil, sustainable stingless beekeeping for conservation is doing more than just producing honey—it’s sustaining livelihoods, preserving cultural traditions, and protecting vital ecosystems. Through our stingless beekeeping (meliponiculture) initiatives, ACT is working hand-in-hand with partner communities to harness the benefits of native bees for…
Read MoreNew Indigenous Cultural Center in the Brazilian Amazon
Indigenous Health Sovereignty in the Amazon In a world increasingly defined by political turmoil, conflict, and environmental crises, stories of resilience and hope shine even brighter. One such beacon of hope emerges from the heart of the Brazilian Amazon: the newly inaugurated Kapai and Aretina Guardians of Knowledge Center. This community-driven initiative aims to preserve…
Read MoreBeyond Borders: Uniting for Indigenous-Led Conservation in the Amazon
Amazon Conservation Team Collaboration in Colombia Earlier this month, ACT’s international staff gathered in Bogotá, Colombia, to reinforce our commitment to working across boundaries and cultures. Team members from the U.S., Brazil, Costa Rica, and the Guianas convened to advance our shared mission: partnering with indigenous and local communities to protect tropical forests and strengthen…
Read MoreAluakumá, the Big Bat: Oral Histories in a Waurá Community
Oral Histories in a Waurá Community: In the village of Ulupuene, which partners with ACT, two elders and community leaders passed away: the regional “keeper of songs and dances,” Yakuana, who took with him a vast wealth of knowledge about Waurá cultural practices; and most recently, Aluakumá (“Big Bat”), a village elder, shaman, and healer. Both men were revered, and their kin expressed that they had lost more than just a loved one—they had lost an unrecoverable repository of cultural knowledge.
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