The Unresolved Fight For Indigenous Land Rights In Suriname

Wuta, Trio man from the indigenous village of Kwamalasamutu in southern Suriname.

In recent years, indigenous communities across the Americas have fought hard to protect their land. From Standing Rock in the U.S. to protests in Brazil, indigenous peoples have demanded recognition of their rights. But in Suriname, a small country on South America’s northeast coast, indigenous land rights are still not legally guaranteed.  Suriname is the…

Read More

New Indigenous Cultural Center in the Brazilian Amazon

Indigenous healers gathered in the forest. Photo by Amanda Lelis.

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 More

Amazon Conservation Team Guianas at the World Environment Day Expo

Wuta, Trio man from the indigenous village of Kwamalasamutu in southern Suriname.

A field-based conservation organization that partners with indigenous and other local communities to protect tropical forests and strengthen traditional culture. Visit our booth at the at the World Environment Day Expo, to learn about our unique model of Amazon rainforest management in Suriname. For over 25 years, ACT has co-created new methods of conservation with our…

Read More

Approaching Land Rights for Maroon Peoples of Suriname

Recent momentum toward collective land tenure for Suriname’s afro-descendant groups In the country of Suriname, legislation that has been drafted to finally establish land rights for the nation’s indigenous and Maroon peoples is scheduled to be brought before parliament for a vote soon. In the Americas, the public is familiar with lands rights for indigenous…

Read More

The Road to Indigenous Land Rights in Suriname

Wuta, Trio man from the indigenous village of Kwamalasamutu in southern Suriname.

The last country in tropical South America yet to guarantee collective land tenure for its indigenous peoples Recent years have brought a global explosion of interest in and consciousness of indigenous rights, primarily centered on protecting indigenous land tenure. Across the Americas, the public has witnessed historic indigenous mobilizations to uphold land rights in the…

Read More

AMAZON CONSERVATION TEAM GUIANAS

PROTECTING THE FOREST, PROTECTING THE FUTURE The Amazon is a pivotal, life-sustaining force for people and the planet. It shelters critical biodiversity, absorbs massive amounts of carbon, cools the air, and regulates water cycles worldwide. Beyond its indispensable ecological benefits, the Amazon is home to indigenous and local communities whose physical, material, and spiritual well-being…

Read More

The Amazon Conservation Team at the Floriade 2022

Wuta, Trio man from the indigenous village of Kwamalasamutu in southern Suriname.

A Field-based conservation organization that partners with indigenous and other local communities to protect tropical forests and strengthen traditional culture. Visit our booth at the 2022 Floriade, to learn about our unique model of Amazon rainforest management in Suriname. For over 25 years, ACT has co-created new methods of conservation with our partners that honor…

Read More

The Shamans and Apprentices Program: A Promise to Kwamalasamutu

The success of the Shamans and Apprentices program was just the beginning of the pioneering biocultural conservation work that ACT has gone on to do. In the spirit of supporting communities in their own efforts — as opposed to implementing foreign, top-down initiatives — ACT sought to secure culturally appropriate means for human and environmental wellbeing, and increase recognition of indigenous culture and self-determination. In this way, we were able to merge the strengths and tools of the Western world in a way that complements but doesn’t dominate the ideals and goals of the local community.

Read More