New 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…
Beyond 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…
ACT Inaugurates New Indigenous Cultural Center in the Brazilian Amazon
We live in an age of unprecedented global chaos—political turmoil, a seemingly endless cycle of conflict in the Middle East, and wildfires ravaging the Amazon, which continue to rage despite efforts to curb them after the 2019 crisis. Amid this global uncertainty, good news is rare, yet desperately needed. Fortunately, there is a beacon of…
The Amazon is ablaze again. What it means for us (commentary) – Mongabay.com
The following article by ACT President Mark Plotkin, responding to the renewed and alarming intensity of forest fires in the Amazon, was originally published on MongaBay.com. In 2019, the world watched in horror as images of the Amazon rainforest ablaze flooded the news. Over 70,000 wildfires raged uncontrollably, killing wildlife, filling hospitals with patients struggling…
Rights in the Territory: The Raizal Community
The Rights in the Territory initiative — “Derechos en el Territorio” in Spanish — has as its objective the effective dialogue of Colombia’s Constitutional court with ethnic communities in the country. The initiative is aimed at the promotion, dissemination and cultural and linguistic adaptation of the most significant decisions of the court benefiting these communities.
Young indigenous voices lead the future: ACT-Colombia’s Youth Advisory Board
A youth advisory board sponsored by ACT-Colombia works towards the inclusion of younger voices within our partner communities. It convenes nine members of 10 to 16 years of age from across six geographic regions of Colombia where our programs are present.
Conservation victory in Colombia’s deforestation hotspot
On the shores of the Caquetá River, among tall Amazonian palms and fast flowing waters brown with silt, are three indigenous reserves– Huitorá, Coropoyá and Jericó Consaya. These reserves are home to 138 families of the Murui Muina and Korebajʉ people, who have long assumed responsibility for caring for the life within their biodiverse territory.
Richard Kahn: Sparking the Amazon Conservation Team
Richard Kahn was one of those quiet visionaries—a brilliant lawyer and activist with a profound sense of social and environmental justice and a believer in the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics in healing. Truly, a man ahead of his time. At the end of 1995, Richard, who at the time was a trustee of a family foundation, called to…
How the heart of the Amazon was protected
Five years ago, two indigenous territories in Colombia were expanded, establishing a protected area mosaic the size of Virginia.
Reclaiming the Sacred Sibundoy Valley: A Ten Generation Story
Real, enduring change requires a long-term commitment. The Inga and kamëntsá have resisted and persisted for more than 500 years to protect their culture and reclaim their forests and their most sacred place of origin. ACT will continue to stand alongside them.